2008 Whose Economy?

This project set out to document the experience of parent researchers as the credit crunch unfolded. We interviewed parents in Plymouth, Gateshead, York and Bristol all of whom had been or still were active participants in Big Wide Talk. Many of them had worked with us in Asset Clubs in York and Bristol and all had taken part in Theatres of Learning, expeditions, conferences and seminars. Their words speak for themselves but we were dismayed by the immediate impacts on these families. Very few of the women had any kind of pension and one family of four thought they were fortunate to receive the Christmas hamper they had paid for early, as they waited (down to their last loaf of bread) for a first installment of Job Seekers Allowance after nine weeks of unemployment. We are adding film of these interviews as we go from place to place.