Come on now people, let's get on the ball…

Come on now people, let's get on the ball…

#ChallengePoverty Week 2022 takes place 3^rd to 9^th October  – it’s a week which aims to focus on how we can act to #TurnTheTide on poverty in Scotland. For all the information you’ll need about how to get involved you can click here:

Challenge Poverty Week Website

At a recent event I attended, involving Scottish Government officials, it was noted that the #CostOfLivingCrisis has resulted in a broader spectrum of people seeking support and in fact in-work poverty was becoming more of a problem than unemployment. This echoes one of the key messages of #ChallengePoverty Week 2022 which is that ‘stormy weather’ affects us all and that challenges around poverty are becoming more widespread.

It’s important that we aim to understand that poverty is more than the shortage of money – poverty affects us socially, can deprive us culturally and can limit us regards our ambitions. Poverty can socially exclude and stigmatise us. Those dealing with the barriers of disadvantage may feel disrespected by being labelled as excluded. I’m sure you would agree that labels can sometimes reinforce prejudices – a deprived area, a vulnerable group etc – and we need to guard against language which may stigmatise those who are seeking support.

I do believe that key to changing how we tackle poverty includes an ongoing commitment to community empowerment which can create a greater sense of influence, contribute to equality, and reduce the sense of powerlessness which I would argue we all feel from time to time.  A great way to gain a sense of control is by working together on local solutions. For example, co-operatives established with the social purpose of serving communities - credit unions for instance – are often sustainable and effective because they are reflective of a real need. Cooperative, partnership working can help us make the most of local resources, help us achieve important social economic impact and play a vital role in supportive community development.

In Renfrewshire we have some amazing organisations who are on the front foot regards the #ChallengePoverty agenda. Check our ‘RenSen’ Network, the approach of RACA, and those services noted on our ‘Renfrewshire Food, Fuel & Finance Resources’ page:

RenSen Directory

Renfrewshire Affordable Credit Alliance (RACA)

Renfrewshire Food, Fuel & Finance Resources’ 

Speak soon – take care

Alan