Natasha Borton’s Powerful Poetry Brings the Human Story of Poverty to Life

Sometimes, a poem can say more in a few minutes than a report can in dozens of pages.

One of the most memorable moments from the Wrexham Poverty Action Collaboration (WPAC) Tackling Poverty Assembly came when award-winning Wrexham poet, musician and theatre-maker Natasha Borton took to the stage to perform her powerful poem Cost of Living.

Originally commissioned by Together Creating Communities (TCC) in 2022 during the height of the cost-of-living crisis, Natasha’s poem explores the realities behind financial hardship through spoken word, music and storytelling.

Before performing, Natasha described the Assembly as “an inspiring morning”. At the same time, she reflected on the sadness that the issues explored in a poem written several years ago remain just as relevant today.

That observation resonated deeply with those gathered for the Assembly. Throughout the day, people with lived experience, community organisations and decision-makers shared evidence of the continuing challenges facing many individuals and families across Wrexham.

Natasha’s performance reminded everyone that lived experience is not only captured through surveys, reports and discussion groups. It is also expressed through creativity, art and culture—powerful ways of helping people understand not only the facts of poverty but also its emotional and human impact.

An award-winning poet and founder of Voicebox Spoken Word, Natasha has performed across the UK and internationally, using poetry to explore identity, belonging and social justice. Her work continues to demonstrate how creative expression can amplify voices that are too often overlooked.

We are incredibly grateful to Natasha for sharing her work once again and for helping to ensure that the lived experience of people affected by poverty remains at the heart of the conversation.

🎥 Watch Natasha Borton’s performance here:

As our Voices from the Tackling Poverty Assembly series continues, we will keep sharing the people, stories and ideas that are helping shape community-led action to tackle poverty across North East Wales.