Winter, spring, summer or fall, All you have to do is call...

I participated in this week's National Third Sector Interfaces (TSIs) conference in Edinburgh alongside associates from Engage Renfrewshire and colleagues from a wide range of TSIs from across Scotland. The agenda covered pivotal topics such as Community Wealth Building, the economic influence of the third sector, and human rights.

On the second day of the conference, I had the privilege of joining a panel discussion addressing the urgency of tackling poverty and inspiring collective action for change. Led by Chris Birt from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, our dialogue delved into the evidence surrounding poverty in Scotland and its implications for community and voluntary organisations nationwide.

The escalating rates of child poverty in Scotland have been a cause for profound concern in recent years, prompting widespread attention and compelling reports highlighting its persistent, troubling rise. These trends have led to calls for more collaborative efforts from policymakers, advocacy groups, and communities at large to confront the underlying causes and alleviate the hardships faced by children and families.

Despite the acknowledgment of the limited resources, there was a shared belief in the opportunity to address this agenda and advocate for change by showcasing the invaluable contributions of the Third Sector in supporting families during times of crisis. In the Third Sector, the Essential Sector, we are often challenged by managing within significant budget constraints and therefore recognise very well that collaboration, resource-sharing, and innovation extends our ability to reach and assist as many families as possible.

While our conversation acknowledged the potential deepening of inequality, there was a prevailing sense of agreement within the room regarding the remarkable work being undertaken across Scotland by a diverse array of community and voluntary organisations. We collectively agreed I think the need to confront these challenges with optimism and enthusiasm, championing effective practices that can make a tangible impact.

So, I would always suggest that we keep our optimism in the excellent delivery we see around us to the fore - alongside the potential of collaborative efforts, optimism can be a core resource for us all.

All the best

Alan