CHASM at The Exchange: Connecting Communities with our research
CHASM has been delighted to be part of the community engagement programme at The Exchange this year.
The University of Birmingham’s Exchange is a place for communities to shape ideas and solutions together, to make our cities and regions better places to live, work and learn, based in the historic old municipal bank located in Centenary Square in Birmingham City Centre.
Professor Adele Atkinson spoke at the Philosophers Yard event, ‘What's your view on capitalism?’ in February which discussed capitalism, financial well-being, and the pursuit of prosperity. Adele discussed policymaking around financial wellbeing and financial inclusion, alongside Dr Kristian Niemietz Editorial Director and Head of Political Economy at the free market think tank, the Institute of Economic Affairs.
Professor Martin Coppack contributed to the Exchange’s Unlocking the Vaults series in April, with a public engagement talk on the Poverty Premium, exploring the root causes and the urgent need for change. The event hosted an engaged audience who brought challenge and curiosity to the discussion. Martin was joined by Tom Levitt, former Labour MP, and a member of the CHASM Advisory Board who spoke about how those who are unable to afford to pay up-front for home necessities are often trapped in a cycle of high interest loans and repayments.
Dr Özlem Ögtem-Young’s research into the cost-of-living crisis in Castle Vale is being featured at the Exchange, in a collective thread installation highlighting ‘Our City’ and the communities within it. Özlem’s research explores how financial hardship, household debt, and fuel and food poverty have placed immense pressure on low-income households.