Welcome to our podcast 'Hope in the Deep End', brought to you by the Shared Health Foundation.

In this podcast series we are exploring all the different complexities of working in areas of deprivation, poverty and entrenched health inequalities. From clinicians to youth workers, we want to inspire, challenge and give inspiration to all those that work in the deep end.

This episode was recorded as part of our Politics Series, where we speak to colleagues from all sides of the House, campaigners and activists about what keeps them hopeful in their work.

Alison McGovern is the Labour Member of Parliament for Birkenhead and currently serves as Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness. She has represented her hometown in Parliament since 2010, first for Wirral South and then for Birkenhead following boundary changes in 2024.

Alison has long been committed to improving temporary accommodation for families and children. In this episode, she reflects on her political beginnings, her upbringing in a family of advocates, and the progress she’s made—alongside her vision for a more secure and compassionate future.

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