As part of its Voices of Swansea - Challenging Poverty Stigma Together project, WCPP commissioned a series of photographs of people and places around Swansea that demonstrate inclusive and supportive practice in line with the core principles of the research. The series was co-designed with the team of community researchers who co-produced the research and the images were made by Sukhy Hullait who creates empowering photography that is rooted in the experiences and reality of communities and has led other stigma-free photo projects including for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
Amanda Hill-Dixon added, “Our shared aim was to capture spaces in Swansea that are important to people and communities, and to ensure that this is done in a way that is informed by lived experience and community expertise. We hope that these images play a part in helping to change the narrative around poverty.”
The photo series features Townhill’s Phoenix Centre, Y Storfa, Swansea Council’s multi-use, city centre hub, Crisis Skylight homelessness charity, Cwtch Mawr, Wales’ first multi-bank and Your Voice Advocacy Group, based at the Dylan Thomas Centre.
Leanne Dower, Phoenix Centre CEO said, “We see ourselves as an integral part of a very proud and positive community. Our success is down to the people of Townhill and our strength comes from listening to our residents and adapting constantly to their needs. For example, the decision to run a community shop rather than a food bank came from feedback from our community and aims to remove the stigma that is linked to food banks.”
Community researcher Michelle Hopkins added, “The most important thing is that people know what frontline services are available and how to access them. When places are welcoming and there is a ‘no wrong door’ policy, it makes such a difference to people’s mental health when they are already in crisis. The people and places photographed in this series are great examples of that.”
Images © Sukhy Hullait, commissioned by Wales Centre for Public Policy.
