Did you know that around half the young people living in inner city London live below the poverty line? I had no idea – but that's the stats being provided by new Channel 4 series 'How The Other Half Live'.

What exactly defines the 'underprivileged' is a grey matter; in my opinion it can be anyone from those living by the pay cheque, on the dole, or on the streets - and everything in-between. But what this project sets out to do, is bridge the gap between the hustlers and the flossers. This is not so much Wife Swap becomes Class Swap as each episode a wealthy family actively tries to help and inspire another fam struggling to pay the bills. The whole process outlines how we do, how we can, and how we should respond to the poverty on our doorsteps.

Self-made multi-millionaire Peter Bull knows both sides of the park, having grown up on a London council estate, before years of "bloody hard work" made him one the UK's richest caravan park owners. Last week, we saw him and his family assist father Jimmy, mother Toni, and their three children – a family battling debt and facing eviction from their gardenless council flat in north London. With his humble beginnings, Peter is proud his own two daughters, aged eight and 11, can now live in the luxury of a 25-room Kent mansion with 16 acres to run around on:

"When I was young, none of us had any money. I remember the bailiffs knocking on the door and me hiding behind the couch – so to look back, I am proud of what I've achieved. But when I see these families facing the same problems I had, it makes me want to get involved, and give something back."

Jimmy now works on one of Peter's caravan parks, and that  - put together with money donated by the money-maker - has put the working-class family back on track. Yet Peter shies away from the phrase 'hand-out':

"Everybody needs a helping hand, life is like a big wheel; push someone else's wheel and they'll push yours, take a chance on them and they'll take a chance on you."

I raised the issue of supposable class barriers that deter particularly some young adults from asking for help but Peter shut down the 'issue' claiming people form their own barriers, and said killing that reluctance, fear, or shame to seek a leg-up, is the first and most important step to getting anywhere in life:

"Don't ever be frightened to ask for help, I wouldn't have even passed my driving test if I didn't get a helping hand. That is why there are so many people living in poverty in London – yes there's recession, but you've got to get out there, take what comes, take a risk. I, like the rest, had to start on minimal wage, but work hard, know you're capabilities, use your skills and you'll find that 'millionaire' level is not impossible."

It's easier said then done for sure, as you read this you might think "whatever". But I guess that things aren't going to change for the four million children living below the poverty line in the UK without a little bit of optimism... and some bloody hard work.

Did you know:
The effects of growing up in poverty can last a lifetime: average life expectancy in the UK is 79; for someone growing up in poverty it is 10 years less.

Also:
Peter Bull is now the proud owner of The Hop Farm – which is delighted to announce a successful re-brand, establishing itself as Kent's most popular family attraction. The Hop Farm has gone from strength to strength since being taken over by Peter, transforming into the ultimate 'staycation' destination. The recent re-brand sees the launch of a full calendar of fantastic events, all alongside a new-look park; packed full of new attractions and exhibitions designed to entertain visitors of all ages. For more information on The Hop Farm visit www.thehopfarm.co.uk

You can catch highlights of the past episodes of 'How The Other Half Live' at www.channel4.com/programmes/how-the-other-half-live