Helen Rowe is an author, speaker, researcher and trainer. 

Podcasts and Online Events

It is always inspiring to see how many people are focused on dealing with poverty around the UK. Taking part in so many great events alongside them has been fantastic and also an education. For a full list of events, training sessions and to find out what's been going on around the UK, see our Media and Events page.

October 2026

Bridgecast - Podcast 14

It was a real privilege to be interviewed by Jess Page, Strategy Director at Bridge Housing Solutions and have an in depth discussion into poverty, the housing sector and the biology of poverty.

"What I really liked about the book is that it's not just about 'give everyone some money', it's not just about Universal Basic Income or anything like that. It's saying we have to think holistically about what it is to be a human being."

Jess Page

For the full interview, see https://www.bridgehousingsolutions.co.uk/bridgecast/

 

March 2026

Anthropy Conference on Climate Change

The Eden Project, Cornwall

It was such a pleasure to be invited to speak about the links between poverty and climate change at this amazing event, and to hear the incredible work going on around the country to deal with climate change.

Many thanks Jessica Taplin at Charis Grants and Professor Hugh Montgomery at RealZero for inviting me. 

November 2025

Child Poverty: The State We're In

The Royal Geographical Society, London

It was an absolute pleasure to be back at the RGS, this time with the brilliant and compassionate panellists: Professor Danny Dorling of Oxford University, Alison Garnham, CEO of the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) and Martine Croxall, BBC News Presenter and RGS Fellow.

We had a wide ranging discussion on child poverty in Britain, including population statistics, projections, and the latest scientific and social research on how poverty affects children's bodies and lives. There is so much the government could do to help, as we await the forthcoming Child Poverty Strategy which is due out later this year.

For the full session, head to: 

https://www.rgs.org/events/talks-on-demand/child-poverty-uk

or you can find more shorts on Youtube channel: @HelenRoweUK

September 2025

Beatwise Podcast with Dr Sarah Birkhoelzer, NHS Cardiologist

Episode #38: How Poverty Drives Cardiovascular Disease and What We Can Do About it?

A fascinating conversation covering a wide range of topics. It is sobering to hear how much the NHS helps people living in poverty and the deep impact it has on their health.

"I found your book a revelation. It is eye-opening and fascinating. I can recommend it to anybody, whether you're a healthcare professional, policy maker, a patient or you just want to have an interesting read." Dr Birkhoelzer

For the full episode: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beatwise-The-Podcast/dp/B0DDTW9VT7

 

Book Reviews 

BBC News Presenter Martine Croxall

"A really fascinating book... it's brilliantly written."

 

"If you've ever wondered, like I have, how the government of a wealthy country such as ours, has so badly served its population in terms of mental health provision and the growing index of social ills, from poverty to care of the elderly, Helen Rowe provides a wealth of new ideas to begin to mend us" 

Jo Brand, British Comedian and TV presenter

"Imaginative, Unconventional, Illuminating and Innovative."  Professor Danny Dorling, Oxford University

"A vital and comprehensive study of class inequality that commands your attention from start to finish" Darren McGarvey, Author of Poverty Safari & winner of The Orwell Prize (2018)

"Thought-provoking and always engaging"  Daniel Smith, Author - 'Scandal in Dolphin Square'

 

About the book

Eliminating Poverty in Britain is a deep-dive into the effects of poverty on British society, families and individuals, and offers a detailed and realistic plan on how to end it in five years, without raising taxes.

The book draws on scientific analysis and the latest social research from around the world to detail how poverty affects the economy, the green agenda, communities, relationships and a person's mental and physical health - down to their very DNA.

It also considers the expected and unexpected consequences of success, both at home and around the world, and questions what Britons are missing out on while inequality remains.

After the pandemic, Brexit, war, austerity and the global financial crash, the public wants a more positive future. 

The question is: How do we create it?

Awards

Winner: The Page Turner Awards Mentorship Prize (2021) with Book Mentor Karen Williams, Librotas. I would highly recommend having a book mentor if you are a debut author. Karen was brilliant and I remain very grateful for her support and awarding me the prize.

Finalist: The Page Turner Awards Non-Fiction Book of the Year (2024)