Oxfam's work on changing attitudes in the UK

Oxfam believes in a society in which people living in poverty are treated with dignity and respect. The media, public and politicians recognise that poverty is not the fault of the individual but a result of significant and complex barriers that people face. And because of this, government implements policies that ensure no one in the UK lives in poverty.

UK Poverty resources

What we're doing

The media often dismisses people living in poverty as scroungers and freeloaders – in fact, people on low incomes make a huge positive contribution through activities such as unpaid caring work, volunteering, or support for local communities. We are researching the contribution that people on low incomes make to society.

We work with the media, ensuring that journalists can get hold of factual information about the reality of poverty in the UK, and we respond to negative and inaccurate reporting.

We are members of the Get Fair coalition, a national campaign calling for an end to poverty in the UK.

And we support community-led initiatives, like Sunny Govan radio station, which is changing attitudes across Glasgow.

Throughout our work, we act to empower people experiencing poverty to speak out on the issues that matter to them. Issues such as:

• local regeneration planning
• influencing policy
• influencing media and public opinions
• using peer research to find out about the reality of poverty.

What we're calling for

Everyone – you, me, our friends and neighbours, the media, local and national government, and people who run and staff public services – should challenge our own and other people’s attitudes to people living in poverty. Only when we all understand the reality of poverty in the UK can we really aim to abolish it for good.