Broke: Fixing Britain's poverty crisis

In the decade leading up to the pandemic, the number of rough sleepers and recorded malnutrition in hospital patients doubled, and food bank usage skyrocketed. Broke, a book by Tom Clark, features contributions from social reportage masters that delve into the communities often ignored by politicians, showcasing the experiences of those at the hardest end of the poverty crisis. The book combines powerful human stories with analysis of the policies that have led us to this point and the reforms urgently needed. All royalties will be donated to Leeds Asylum Seekers Support Network.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 28 March 2023
Publisher: Biteback Publishing

A dozen years of austerity have brought forth a concerning trend, with statistical warning lights indicating a potential resurgence of deprivation that we had once believed to be a thing of the past. During the decade leading up to the pandemic, the official count of rough sleepers and recorded cases of malnutrition in hospital patients doubled, while the usage of food banks surged by a factor of ten. Despite these alarming statistics, it has been the individual human stories, ranging from fictionalized accounts in literature to accurate reporting by authors like Dickens, Orwell, and Priestley, that have truly etched the reality of hard times into the public consciousness.

In his book "Broke," Tom Clark brings together a collection of today's foremost social reportage experts, delving into communities often overlooked by politicians. Through their contributions, readers are introduced to those who are grappling with the most severe consequences of the poverty crisis. Jem Bartholomew, Cal Flyn, Dani Garavelli, Frances Ryan, Samira Shackle, Daniel Trilling, and Jennifer Williams offer firsthand accounts of the experiences of cold, hunger, homelessness, disease, debt, disability, punishing work, and an immigration system that actively perpetuates destitution.

Joel Goodman's photography vividly brings the characters to life, while some of the writers themselves have firsthand knowledge of the issues raised. "Broke" seamlessly blends powerful human stories with insightful analysis of the policies that have brought us to this juncture and the urgent reforms that are desperately needed. All royalties from the book will be donated to the Leeds Asylum Seekers Support Network, a grassroots organization dedicated to providing assistance and support to asylum seekers and refugees in the region.

This powerful and thought-provoking work serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of austerity and the urgent need for systemic change. It underscores the importance of empathy, compassion, and solidarity in addressing the challenges faced by those who are marginalized and oppressed. By supporting "Broke" and contributing to the Leeds Asylum Seekers Support Network, we can work towards a more just and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and live with dignity.

ISBN-13: 9781785907944