Media & Events
Public events are great for discussing new ideas and the latest research.
Please contact me if you are interested in a talk on Eliminating Poverty in Britain
or to discuss training or talks on The Biology of Poverty or The Biology of Child Poverty.
November 2025
Child Poverty: The state we're in
Royal Geographical Society, London
It was an absolute pleasure to be back at the RGS with the brilliant panellists: Martine Croxall, BBC News Presenter & RGS Fellow, Alison Garnham, CEO of the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) and Professor Danny Dorling of Oxford University (Left - Right)
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. There is so much the government could do to help as we await the forthcoming Child Poverty Strategy due out later this year.
For the full session, head to:https://www.rgs.org/events/talks-on-demand/child-poverty-uk
October 2025
It was a real pleasure to speak to the students at George Green's School in East London about poverty in Britain.
"Helen delivered an incredibly insightful lecture on eliminating poverty and its connections to stress, adult life, and well-being. Her talk was both thought-provoking and critically sound, leaving our two Year 12 Geography and Sociology classes with a wealth of new knowledge and genuine food for thought. It was an engaging and valuable session that we would highly recommend to others."
Saheba Begum, Year 12 Teacher
12 September 2025
Beatwise The Podcast with NHS Cardiologist Dr Sarah Birkhoelzer
What if one of the biggest drivers of cardiovascular disease isn't diet, exercise or genetics...but poverty?
In Episode #38 of Beatwise the Podcast, Dr Sarah Birkhoelzer and I explored how economic inequality fuels hypertension, diabetes, obesity and chronic stress and why tackling poverty is essential if we want to prevent cardiovascular disease. The conversation goes beyond medicine and dives into policy, systemic change, and what it really takes to create a healthier future.
"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 Sarah Birkhoelzer, NHS Cardiologist
To listen now, search 'Beatwise The Podcast' wherever you listen to your podcasts. For Audible, use the link below:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beatwise-The-Podcast/dp/B0DDTW9VT7
June 2025
"Leading on the Edge: The bold art of being more irrational and less mediocre" by Zana Goic Petricevic
It was such a pleasure to be interviewed by Zana for her new book. The idea of ending poverty in Britain is too easily left in the 'too difficult to deal with' category by politicians. I dispute this. Zana understands the need to challenge the status quo. She writes that, "Bold people are not about being irrational; they're about refusing to settle for mediocrity."
I think Britain deserves more than simply trying to reduce poverty. This assumes that some people will still simply have to cope with deprivation, without acknowledging that everyone else in our society is affected by it. Poverty will be difficult to deal with, no doubt, but that does not mean it's impossible, and now that we are in the twenty-first century, it is time for us to try. Our society is crying out for it and the rise of the far right and blame culture is a direct consequence of long-lasting inaction on poverty.
"Leading on the Edge challenges us to confront the uncomfortable realities of our time, showing that growth, resilience and effective leadership arise at the peripheries of safety" - Mel Young, President and Co-Founder, Homeless World Cup Foundation
April 2025
Women's Evolution 2025: Her Voice, Her Story, Our Evolution
It was a pleasure to be on a panel with exceptional women at the Poplar Union in East London, to share and learn from other women's stories.
I discussed living with PTSD after childbirth and how you can recover from it using EMDR therapy. It is a topic that is too rarely discussed. Further details are in the chapter on Poverty and Mental Health in my book.
February 2025
It was a pleasure to team up with Seed Talks to speak on
How Poverty Affects The Body in this online session.
We covered a wide range of topics, from neuroscience to DNA, addiction to diabetes and more.
These talks are suitable for everyone. A background in science is not needed.
February 2025
"How Poverty Affects The Body" published by Resolve Poverty - Manchester-based charity
"Science is amazing. It’s particularly amazing when we can combine it with social policies, which go on to transform the lives of the people that the researchers are seeking to help. Two fields of research have transformed the scientific landscape since I was studying my biology degree in the early noughties: the neuroscience of poverty (how deprivation affects the brain) and epigenetics (how our environment affects our DNA). Back then, university lecturers confidently taught that evolution was caused by random changes in our body’s code: our DNA....."
Read the rest of the article here: https://www.resolvepoverty.org/how-poverty-affects-the-body/
December 2024
A big highlight of the year was to be invited to train the Cabinet Office's Child Poverty Unit on "The Biology of Child Poverty", as they write the government's new Child Poverty Strategy.
It was a new perspective for them and a real privilege for me to be involved. Members from the DWP, Child Poverty Action Group and Trade Unions were also there.
"Thank you so much, a very insightful presentation - and readily understandable for a non-scientist" - Sophie
"Very interesting and engaging. Thank you so much, Helen" - Kate
December 2024
"Supporting Tenants affected by Fuel Poverty"
Inside Housing Article - With thanks to Claire Read for her interview. We discussed looking at poverty in a more holistic way and including the shame as well as the logistics. It is a highly emotional and traumatic state which goes on for too long for far too many people. Check out the link for the full article:
November 2024
It was wonderful to be part of The Page Turner Awards 2024. "Eliminating Poverty in Britain" was shortlisted for the Non-Fiction Book Award 2024 and won the Book Cover Award. - I have to thank the designers at Flint Books for that one!
It is a great competition for new writers and I would advise anyone who wants help getting their book in front of agents or publishers, to take a look and consider entering.
November 2024
It was great to support the staff at The Aldgate School and train them on "The Biology of Child Poverty". The school is in The City of London, but abuts a much poorer area nearby.
"Helen's session gave us lots to think about and really helped us to understand how the way we're living our lives impacts our biological development and day to day behaviour, as well as our physical development. It gave us food for thought about our own lifestyles as well as reminding us how important it is to always consider the whole child and not just their behaviours."
Alexandra Allan, Headteacher, The Aldgate School and CoL Children's Centre. EC3
October 2024
The most beautiful trip yet has to be to Lee Abbey in Lynton, Devon to give talks on Eliminating Poverty in Britain and The Biology of Poverty. It was an amazing setting and a joy to speak to members of Holy Trinity Combe Down Church, Bath, who were so engaged with the topic. Thanks to Jon Williams (pictured) for organising it all.
"I want to say how much I appreciate your book "Eliminating Poverty in Britain". So much of it makes plain good sense and should be a wake up call to many, especially those in government who can change policies for the good of all. " Dr Mark B.
September 2024
KPMG
It was a pleasure to speak to KPMG's Social Mobility Network and discover how much enthusiasm and desire there is to support people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Huge thanks to Sheniz Mushtaq and Michael Edison-Odiase (pictured) for leading the session.
September 2024
Crown Prosecution Service
It was great to be invited to speak to the Crown Prosecution Service's Social Mobility Network to discuss how poverty affects both offenders and victims. As there is such a strong link between poverty and crime, especially serious youth violence, it was good to discuss it with people working on the front line trying to make our society safer. With thanks to Tom Moser and Ann-Marie Morgan for leading the way on this.
July 2024
St Luke's Primary School, East London.
It was great to give my training course on The Biology of Child Poverty to the staff at this incredible school. The Deputy Head, Cristina King said:
"I could not recommend Helen's training session on The Biology of Child Poverty enough. The course content was entirely relevant to our school setting, and the community in which we are based, providing new, and much needed, perspectives on the impact of poverty on children and their families, and how this can present itself. Alongside this, Helen provided practical and realistic suggestions for supporting children, with a focus on making these manageable for schools and their staff. Teachers and support staff alike were engaged throughout the training, and fed back overwhelmingly positively. Thank you! "
May 2024
It was a privilege to be asked to write a guest blog for
The Equality Trust. It is an organisation which has been working incredibly hard for a brighter future. You can read my full text here:
https://equalitytrust.org.uk/blog/guest-blog-eliminating-poverty-britain
May 2024
Amazon's algorithm states that "Eliminating Poverty in Britain" is being bought regularly alongside Rory Stewart's "Politics on the Edge". Given he won the Book of The Year award (non-fiction narrative) yesterday, it's nice to be in such good company!
Thanks to everyone for your support and for buying a copy.
March 2024 - Manchester
After meeting Andy Burnham, The Mayor of Greater Manchester at The Labour Party's Pathway to Power event last year, I was delighted to be invited to Manchester to train the strategy departments at The Greater Manchester Combined Authority on The Biology of Poverty.
Image: Andy Burnham with news journalist Andrew Marr ©HRowe
March 2024 - London
The Bank of England's Social Mobility Network invited me to speak to them about my book.
We discussed ways that The Bank can support the most vulnerable in our society and the barriers to social mobility.
Feedback: "I have been at the Bank for two years and that is the best talk I have heard".
February 2024
Sacred Money - BBC Sounds Podcast
Taqwa Sadiq interviewing & Emily Dicks producing. It was a real pleasure to be involved! On Demand: Episodes 1 & 5
In this five-part series, Taqwa Sadiq explores whether Zakat, an Islamic tradition, can help solve the UK cost-of-living crisis.
Her quest for answers takes us all over the globe and even back in time. From hallowed libraries in Cambridge and a mysterious stone in Turkey, to a flooded farm in Pakistan and modern activism in Chicago. Along the way, Taqwa meets young Muslims, doctors and influencers, aunties and uncles, a religious scholar, an ex-government official, and more. Their stories open up questions around identity and belonging, and explore what happens when ancient traditions are transported to new places and times.
February 2024
All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Poverty
An online event discussing new ideas on how to end poverty in Britain and Q&A afterwards from MPs and members of the public.
It was a real honour to be involved.
February 2024
The Royal Geographical Society: Poverty in Britain
On Demand: https://www.rgs.org/events/talks-on-demand/poverty-in-britain
Join us for an insightful panel discussion at the Society where leading experts will be demystifying the state of poverty in Britain using their research, advocacy and policy experience. The discussion will be followed by a Q&A.
Meet Our Speakers
Helen Rowe is an award-winning social researcher, a writer and campaigner. Her expertise in the social housing sector includes leading campaigns on literacy and digital inclusion and as the co-founder of the Connected Housing Initiative, which worked to improve internet access for low-income residents.
Dr Kitty Stewart is Associate Professor of Social Policy and Associate Director of the Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion (CASE) at the London School of Economics. Kitty’s recent research focuses primarily on the causes and consequences of child poverty.
Professor Vandana Desai is Professor in Human Geography at Royal Holloway. Vandana is a development geographer primarily interested in India & the poor, with specialisms in access to housing, challenging gender politics, inequality and social justice.
Chaired by Martine Croxall, a presenter with BBC News Channel and a Fellow of the Society.
Martine in full flow - "It is incredibly readable".
Left to Right
Dr Kitty Stewart, Professor Vananda Desai, Martine Croxall, Helen Rowe
February 2024
OFCOM - Social Mobility Network
The media has such an immense influence over our society that it was great to speak at OFCOM and discuss the narrative of the 'undeserving poor' in our country. Compassion is a far better and more productive alternative. Lots of engagement in the room and remotely.
October/November 2023
Local Community Groups
I have been out talking to local groups discussing poverty in Tower Hamlets. Currently, we have 70 food banks and some are on school premises. The need is immense, so engaging the local community is really important.
October 2023
The Financial Conduct Authority - Social Mobility Network
An incredibly well attended talk. The participants were really engaged and used their knowledge and expertise to create an in-depth discussion, particularly pertinent during this cost-of-living crisis.
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