01 October 2021
Aberdeenshire organisations join to help break the grip of poverty on people's lives
Aberdeenshire businesses and organisations are joining forces for Challenge Poverty Week to offer advice and support to those affected by poverty.
Challenge Poverty Week, running from Oct 4 – Oct 10, aims to highlight the reality of poverty and challenge stereotypes, as well as showcasing solutions and increasing public support for action to solve poverty.
Throughout the week, Aberdeenshire Council and its partners will be sharing information on what is being done across the area to tackle poverty and to showcase the partnership approach being taken to make a difference.
Among the key events is a recruitment and training fair taking place at Fraserburgh Leisure Centre from 10am-3pm on Thu, Oct 7, organised by Aberdeenshire Council in partnership with Moray East Windfarms.
A wide range of local organisations will be represented at the fair, highlighting job vacancies and covering themes such as employment support, business support, CV development, money advice and welfare rights.
Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their CVs as full time and part time positions will be available on the day.
Workshops will also be held on CV building and interview skills, money advice and budgeting support, and support and advice for those who have or are experiencing redundancy.
Those wishing to attend are asked to register in advance via www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/recruitment-training-fair-tickets-181007888467
There will also be free online events that are open to all throughout the week. Those interested are asked to register in advance.
The sessions will run as follows:
• Tue, Oct 5: Poverty-related stigma: what can we do? www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/180826526007
• Tue, Oct 5: Launch of ‘Worrying about money’ leaflet www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/174072715177
• Wed, Oct 6: Empowering Communities to Tackle Inequalities www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/172745505457
Cllr Anne Stirling, chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Communities Committee, is encouraging anybody affected by or at risk of poverty to get involved.
She said: “The jobs fair is an ideal occasion for job seekers to find out more about the options available to them, and what the businesses are looking for from applicants, giving them a stronger chance of securing a job.
“This represents a great opportunity not only for businesses to recruit staff, but also for job hunters to get a foot in the door. There will be facilities to complete application forms on the day, and support will be available to those who want it.
“Partnership working is absolutely key in the fight against poverty, and I am pleased to see so many businesses and organisations coming together to support activities throughout Challenge Poverty Week.”
Aberdeenshire Council’s Tackling Poverty and Inequalities Co-ordinator Annette Johnston added: “We know that times are financially difficult for a number of our family members, friends and neighbours across the whole of Aberdeenshire at the moment.
“This means on a day-to-day basis people are struggling to put food on the table, heat their homes, afford transport costs to get to work and are having to make really difficult decisions about what to spend their money on.
“As well as the events and online sessions, we will be sharing prerecorded videos from partners responding to questions about why working in partnership to tackle poverty is important and what they are going to do to challenge poverty and reduce stigma.”
The week has been shaped by those who have experience of living in poverty. The expert panel represents families from across Aberdeenshire and is working to challenge and inform policy and services, and use their voice to make a difference.
Information will be shared online throughout the week on Twitter at @TPIashire and on Facebook at @AberdeenshireTP
Businesses and organisations seeking more information about the recruitment fair or to book a free stand can contact connor.murray@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or call 01467 537890.