Training Course: How Poverty Affects The Body and Behaviour

 

This training course is a deep-dive into the effects of poverty on the human body using the latest scientific and social research. It is tailored to a general level of understanding and there is no need for a background in science to participate.

The course typically lasts two and a half hours. It includes time for questions and discussion into current work streams.

Topics include:

  • The Neuroscience of poverty - How poverty affects the brain
  • Epigenetics - How poverty affects our DNA
  • Why poverty becomes inter-generational and the impact
  • Shame and social attitudes to poverty
  • The impact of stress and inflammation on the human body
  • Neurodiversity and poverty

  • Traumatic brain injuries and child abuse

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and treatments

  • Addiction 

  • Obesity and Ultra Processed Foods  

  • Touch Hunger and social isolation  

  • The cycle of poverty, criminal behaviour and drug use

  • How poverty affects rates of heart disease, miscarriage & Alzheimer's disease

  • Sleep deprivation and shift work

  • The impact of poverty on education and learning

  • Caring work, poverty and isolation

Breakout groups then discuss their current or future areas of work, and consider the following:

  • How can the training be applied to your work?
  • How does the learning make you think differently or more holistically?
  • What are the quick wins and longer-term ideas? 
  • We feedback to the wider group and have a broader discussion.
  • Conclude with a list of the next steps that the team can take forward.

Testimonials

"Helen delivered a highly insightful and thought-provoking session to our regional health and well-being team. While we are accustomed to recognising the association of deprivation as a determinant of poor outcomes, it was new and refreshing to consider the specific role Poverty plays on factors affecting health outcomes for our Midlands population. That insight will now shape a shared team narrative on mitigating poverty-related need in our Government public health policy delivery role in the Midlands. Highly recommended."

Paul Sanderson - Health & Wellbeing Programme Lead, Office for Health Improvement & Disparities (Midlands), Department of Health and Social Care.

"Helen clearly presented the science of poverty, its biological impact on the body and its influence on people's behaviour. She balanced these scientific ideas with stories of the real human impact which demonstrate the reality for many people in Britain today. Attendees at our event said Helen challenged their preconceived views on people living in poverty and provided scientific context that will influence how they work with people experiencing financial hardship in the future. Her presentation built on the ideas presented in Eliminating Poverty in Britain, and she highlighted the points most relevant to our audience. "

Katie Chiverton - Healthwatch Dudley

"Helen delivered an insightful, thought provoking and engaging workshop for WMCA colleagues, helping us unpick the impact that living in and growing-up in poverty has on our residents. Considering the health and biological impact deprivation has on individuals, as well as its inter-generational legacy, enabled colleagues to consider the challenge from a different perspective and review how we might best support and deliver for our residents in the region."

Nancy Towers - Senior Policy Officer, Health Communities and Mental Wellbeing, West Midlands Combined Authority

"Mind is working to tackle the two-way link between mental health and poverty. To do this, it's essential that we hear different ideas and perspectives - Helen Rowe provided an engaging and informative talk for all staff on her book 'Eliminating Poverty in Britain' and a deep dive training on the effects of poverty on the human body. Helen presented an abundance of fascinating insights, ideas and inspiration for our work around Poverty - it's been a pleasure to collaborate with her." 

Errin Norton-Brown - Strategic Change Lead for Poverty and Social Exclusion, Mind.

 

Bespoke packages are available.

Price is £45 per person (no VAT added). For larger groups and charities, discounts are available.