The Covid Realities research programme, which began in the early days of the pandemic, sought to document and share everyday experiences of life on a low-income. Rooted in participatory methods, the research developed an online platform through which parents and carers could complete diaries and respond to video elicited questions. This was accompanied by what became known as ‘big ideas groups’ – online discussion groups that provided a space for peer support, but also to collectively co-produce recommendations for change. Between 2020 and 2022, over 100 parents and carers from across the UK took part, with additional activities encompassing media interviews, zine making, sound pieces and speaking at events in parliament (albeit remotely). This talk will reflect on the possibilities (but also the challenges) of the methodological approach taken, exploring tensions that underpin this work and stubborn imbalances of power. There will also be a discussion of the rich evidence based generated, which will highlight the pertinence of the agenda for change developed, given the current cost of living crisis in the UK.