PRAN NEWSLETTER ISSUE 25: March 2026
Dear PRAN MEMBERS
As spring brings a sense of renewal, the Poverty Research and Advocacy Network (PRAN) highlights fresh ideas and new conversations. In a recent blog, Kate Pickett argues that poverty is rooted in deep economic inequality and calls for bold approaches to build a fairer future. This spirit of new thinking and conversations continues through April’s events, including an Early Career online forum and two Liverpool-based discussions on food insecurity and public engagement, featuring Ian Byrne MP and contributors from The Trussell Trust and Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
Blog
Read PRAN’s latest blog written by Prof Kate Pickett. In this piece, Kate argues that poverty is not an isolated misfortune but the predictable outcome of deep economic inequality, which erodes trust, health, and opportunity across society. Drawing on decades of research, she contends that by confronting inequality through bold measures such as Universal Basic Income and wealth taxes, we can move beyond managing deprivation and begin building a fairer, more resilient world. Kate Pickett’s latest book, The Good Society: And How We Make It, should be on everyone’s reading list this year!
Events
April will be a busy month with several important events. This includes our Early Career online forum, as well as two Liverpool-based events - one focusing on food insecurity and another exploring creative methods for effectively communicating and engaging the public on issues of poverty and inequality. These events will feature an excellent line up of people and organisations, including Ian Byrne MP (West Derby MP), Rory Palmer (The Trussell Trust), Prof Sarah Marie Hall (The University of Manchester), Debbie Nolan (Citizens Advice Liverpool), Martyn Hall (Joseph Rowntree Foundation) and many others. If you haven’t already registered, we encourage you to do so, and to share this information with others who may be interested.
Join our next Early Career Forum meeting
When: Monday 13th April, 12:30- 13:30 (GMT)
Where: Online
Join us for our monthly Early Career Forum, a supportive online space bridging together people from research, practice, the third sector and activism who are committed to tackling poverty and advancing social justice. This is a relaxed, participant-led hour to connect with peers, share challenges and insights, exchange ideas and opportunities, and support one another through early career life.
Bring a cuppa and join a supportive community that shapes each session around shared interests and needs. All early career colleagues are welcome. For more information, please click here.
Food & Faith Forum
When: Monday 20th of April
Where: Liverpool, Hope University Hope Park, Liverpool L16 9JD
Liverpool Hope University, in partnership with Liverpool’s faith communities, including Liverpool Cathedral and Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, invites you to join the Food & Faith Forum. The forum provides an inclusive space to learn, raise awareness, and foster collaboration in addressing food poverty.
The event will feature keynote addresses, a workshop, and a panel discussion, alongside dedicated space for discussion and networking. Speakers and facilitators include Dr Natalija Atas and Professor Bryce Evans (Liverpool Hope University), Rory Palmer (The Trussell Trust), Ian Byrne, Catherine Kearney, (Micah Liverpool), Samir Karnik Hinks (Feeding Liverpool), Patrick O'Dowd (Caritas Diocese of Salford), Sam Alsewi (Al-Ghazali Multicultural Centre), Resolve Poverty, Tom Lambeth, (Food For Thought Merseyside), Cannon Nick Basson (Liverpool Cathedral) and others.
Open to all, the event welcomes anyone interested in addressing food insecurity and supporting positive change in our local communities. You can view the agenda and book your place here.
Picture This: A Visual Perspective on Poverty and Inequality in the UK
When: Wednesday 22nd of April
Where: Liverpool, Shaw St, Liverpool L6 1HP
Join our Picture This exhibition launch that will feature an incredible panel of people, including Prof Sarah Marie Hall (The University of Manchester), Debbie Nolan (Citizens Advice Liverpool) and Martyn Hall (Joseph Rowntree Foundation). Join us in person for an eye-opening event that dives deep into the realities of poverty and inequality across the UK. Through powerful visuals and engaging stories, we'll explore the challenges many face and spark meaningful conversations. To register for the event, please click here.
Our network thrives on collaboration and shared ideas, so if you have news to share or would like to get involved, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Please reach out and join the conversation: info@pran.org.uk
In solidarity
PRAN Team
