30 September 2020

Working together to challenge poverty

Aberdeenshire Council is spearheading an online awareness-raising event to coincide with Challenge Poverty Week 2020.

Topics such as employment, fuel, food, financial support, health and wellbeing will be discussed during the Aberdeenshire Challenge Poverty Week from Monday, October 5 to Sunday, October 11.

The partners involved from the third and public sectors, as well as individuals who have lived in poverty, will be seeking to understand, challenge and work together to change attitudes and policies to be more understanding of the issues concerning poverty.

Cllr Jim Gifford, Leader of Aberdeenshire Council and Chair of the Community Planning Partnership Board, said: “Recently the council reshaped its priorities as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic so that we can respond to the most pressing needs faced by communities and businesses in Aberdeenshire.

“This innovative virtual programme brings together partners from a range of perspectives which will hopefully add further ideas and suggestions on how we collectively work on tackling hugely difficult but vital issues, creating a society that not only copes during the Covid-19 pandemic but in its aftermath too.”

Aberdeenshire Council’s Communities Committee Chair Cllr Anne Stirling said: “Poverty, and helping to reduce its impact on families, continues to be a hugely important issue for everyone in Aberdeenshire. It’s crucial we listen to those who have experienced the consequences of poverty first-hand and use the information gathered to shape the response of partner organisations ensuring the most appropriate support is available.”        

Annette Johnston, Aberdeenshire Council’s Tackling Poverty Coordinator, added: “Challenge Poverty Week gives us the opportunity to change the conversation around the issues that are affecting people living or at risk of poverty and ensure people can access the relevant support at the right time. The programme reflects the dedication and commitment of the partners working across Aberdeenshire and how together we can make that change.”

The sessions are free to join, everybody is welcome and can be booked in advance online.

For more information about Aberdeenshire Challenge Poverty Week 2020 please visit the website: https://www.ouraberdeenshire.org.uk/our-priorities/tackling-poverty-inequalities/aberdeenshire-challenging-poverty-week-2020/

The following partners are involved in Aberdeenshire Challenge Poverty Week 2020:

NHS Grampian, Home Energy Scotland, Scarf, Barnardos, Aberdeen Foyer, Department of Work and Pensions, Skills Development Scotland, Social Security Scotland, Aberdeenshire North Foodbank, Kincardine and Mearns Citizens’ Advice Bureau and Progress in Dialogue.

There will be also examples from those who have experienced poverty for themselves to give ‘lived-experience.’