Project Twist-It

The Shame Game draws in part on Project Twist-It – and the contributions of artists, writers and those living in poverty in the UK and US. The book chronicles some of the lessons we learned by reaching to people with a commitment to changing the way we talk about poverty.

Project Twist-It is a multi-platform storytelling initiative founded by Mary O’Hara with the aim of reflecting the real, lived experience of people in poverty. We think that people with lived experience should do the talking, rather than being talked about.

With the help of artists and writers inspired by the issue, the project became a hub for telling stories that haven't been told and hearing voices not usually heard. We wanted to change our collective understanding of what it means to experience poverty.

The project included contributions from writers, artists, academics, campaigners, people in poverty, young people, comics and actors. A highlight was a live event – PTI Live! – organised by youth & technology organisation Think Nation, featuring live performances from young people responding to key questions about poverty.

Project Twist-It was supported by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation until June 2019 and is now maintained by a small volunteer team.