What does Poverty mean to you?

A diet of rice, beans and "plastic" cheese

This is the question that Oxfam have been asking everyone in the North of England over the last week. From 1st-7th November they set a Poverty Challenge to raise awareness about poverty issues and put pressure on MPs. 

Over 100 people took part in the challenge, including Kathryn Ellis and Pete Davis from Crookes. They spent a week without heating, without driving to work and were only allowed one hour of electricity each day. They were also on a low food budget, largely consisting of rice and beans and "plastic" cheese...

Children from Dore Primary School where Kathryn works as a teacher also took part by sleeping on the floor, and cutting out treats such as sweets and playing computer games.

Hear about the changes they made to their lifestyles and the challenges they faced here. 

Kathryn and Pete also wrote blogs throughout the week which can be viewed here.