The sharp end of the cost of living crisis - an opportunity for parents and carers to contribute to important research

 The  University of York have been undertaking the Covid Realities research programme, which sets out the everyday realities of life on a low income during the pandemic. 

 Our work is continuing, and we're looking to work with more families to document what the cost of living crisis means for people across the UK. 

 We're looking to work with parents and carers who have children under the age of 19. People can get involved by logging onto our project website, where they can leave a diary entry, audio or video message about how they’re managing, and share their ideas for change with one another and with us. 

Every week we share a new 'big question of the week', which people can respond to in their own time. Participants can do as little or as much as they like, as often as they'd like. We've recently begun our first rounds of 'big ideas groups' where some of the participants meet up online to develop policy recommendations together.

Importantly, we provide participants with gift vouchers to thank them for their involvement, and also take time to make sure participants feel properly involved and included in all aspects of the project. Feedback from parents has been very positive; with parents speaking of valuing the opportunity to try and make their voices heard, and to be part of discussions about what needs to change and why.

It would be just fantastic if you could pass on the covid realities website address (www.covidrealities.org) to any families who might be interested in taking part. 

If you have any questions at all, do just get in touch with us, best email is: jim.kaufman@york.ac.uk