In 2022/23, 6 million people in the UK were living in very deep poverty, with incomes far below the standard poverty line (Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 2025). That number is staggering. But behind every statistic is a person — a parent skipping meals, a child wearing shoes two sizes too small, a young person giving up on dreams because they don’t see a way forward.
At Front Lounge, we believe poverty is a profound injustice. It strips individuals of their potential and their power. Our stance is rooted in empathy, compassion, and a relentless drive to create meaningful change.
Poverty shows up in many ways: empty cupboards, cold homes, missed school days, and lost confidence. It’s a cycle that traps families across generations. Research shows that if a child’s parent grew up in a poverty-stricken neighbourhood, that child’s outcomes are significantly less favourable (Manley et al., 2020). That’s not just unfair, it’s unacceptable and we’re committed to breaking that cycle.
Our approach is holistic. We offer hot food during our sessions, informal and alternative education, and a safe space for anyone who needs it. But we don’t stop at survival—we build pathways to growth. Through after school clubs, volunteer training, and SQA-accredited courses, we equip people with the skills and confidence they need to thrive.
Education is at the heart of everything we do. We believe knowledge is power—and not just academic knowledge, but life skills, creativity, and self-expression. Whether it’s sewing a garment, telling a story, or leading a workshop, our learners are reclaiming their futures one step at a time.
We also know that real change requires more than grassroots action. We advocate for cultural and governmental reform, because systemic barriers like poverty, inequality, and underfunded services won’t disappear on their own.
“I’ve spent over three years working with Front Lounge, a social empowerment organisation that’s now evolving into a learning centre. As a Community Education student, I’ve come to understand poverty not just as a lack of money, but as a lack of opportunity, dignity, and hope. It’s not inevitable, it’s the result of unequal distribution of resources and it’s something we can change.”
Amy Deans, Front Lounge Development Worker
Our work is deeply personal too. We listen to the stories of those we serve. We hear their fears, their frustrations, and their dreams. Their voices guide our actions and fuels our commitment. We believe every person has the right to live with dignity and hope—and we’re dedicated to making that a reality.
We’re calling on everyone, educators, policymakers, neighbours, and friends, to stand with us. To challenge the systems that keeps people down. To believe in the power of community-led change. To help build a world where poverty is no longer a barrier to a fulfilling life.
Front Lounge’s stance on poverty is a testament to our belief in justice, compassion, and possibility. We’ll keep working, keep listening, and keep pushing, because every person deserves a chance to thrive. Let’s make a difference. One change at a time.
References:
Manley, D., van Ham, M. and Hedman, L. (2020) ‘Inherited and spatial disadvantages: A longitudinal study of early adult neighbourhood careers of siblings’, Annals of the American Association of Geographers, 110(6), pp. 1670–1689.
UK poverty 2025 (no date) Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Available at: https://www.jrf.org.uk/uk-poverty-2025-the-essential-guide-to-understanding-poverty-in-the-uk (Accessed: April 25, 2025).