Changing Realities announced as a Big Issue Changemaker
Published: 16 February 2026
Changing Realities has been named as a Big Issue Changemaker for 2026, under the Politics and Activism category.
Changing Realities, a child poverty action group led by the University of Glasgow, has been named as a Big Issue Changemaker for 2026, under the Politics and Activism category.
Changing Realities is a collaboration of over 200 parents and carers in poverty working in collaboration with researchers at the University of Glasgow and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to push for change.
Researchers, parents and carers from Changing Realities have been meeting with senior politicians to share their experiences, including UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer and First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney.
The group played a significant part in shaping the UK’s Child Poverty Strategy, which was launched by the Government in December 2025. Around 550,000 children will be lifted out of poverty by 2030 - the biggest reduction in a single parliament since records began.
In a letter to Changing Realities, Sir Keir thanked the group for contributing to the development of the strategy, saying: "Your voices and ideas have helped us design policies that are practical, effective, and compassionate. You have made a real difference, and your commitment to finding solutions is something we deeply appreciate."
Each year, the Big Issue highlights 100 individuals and organisations making a meaningful difference across the UK as Change Makers. Winners were selected for work that stood out for its "impact, integrity and importance at a time when positive change truly matters".
Professor Ruth Patrick leads Changing Realities at the University of Glasgow. She said: "Being named one of 2025’s Changemakers by the Big Issue is a huge honour for Changing Realities, and its testament to the over 200 parents and carers on a low-income who are at the heart of this unique collaboration.
"Together, we have been working incredibly hard to push for a better future for the 4.5 million children living in poverty and calling for politicians to open up what are too often closed discussions about what needs to change and why. On both of these, we really do need to make change happen, and we will continue to work tirelessly to try and secure just that."
Samantha Richards is a parent involved with Changing Realities. She commented: "Changing Realities certainly lives up to its name, the organisation’s compassionate emphasis on participants' lived experiences has culminated in real change to people’s lives. Changing Realities gives participants a voice that is heard in the highest-ranking places of governmental power. Prior to joining Changing Realities I used to feel 'less than' as a single parent on a low income, Changing Realities has shown me I am valuable and my voice can drive change."
Changing Realities is an online participatory project that works to ensure the real, everyday impact of poverty and the cost of living crisis is heard in the media, in communities, and by government. From zines to podcasts to parliamentary lobby days, they aim to amplify the voices of those living on low incomes in as many ways as possible.
First published: 16 February 2026