Challenge Poverty Week open days coming to a venue near you
A series of open days will be held across East Ayrshire from 4-8 October in support of Challenge Poverty Week, a campaign that’s run every year by the Poverty Alliance.
The aim of the week is to raise awareness of poverty and the effects it can have on individual lives, as well as highlighting what support is available and what we can all do to tackle poverty.
Organised by East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s Financial Inclusion Team and a variety of partner organisations from the third sector as well as statutory bodies, the open days will provide an opportunity for people to come along and find about benefits they may not realise they’re entitled to, or just to find out more about the effects of poverty.
There will also be the chance to speak to a variety of organisations including the Financial Inclusion Team, Citrus Energy, Home Energy Scotland, Citizens Advice Bureau, Children 1st, NHS - East Ayrshire Early Years, Children & Families Service, Vibrant Communities, The Zone, Universal Credit Team, Shire Housing, East Ayrshire Council Housing, Cunninghame Housing, Scottish Fire and Rescue and many more.
Councillor Jacqui Todd, Cabinet Spokesperson for Housing, Welfare and Poverty, said: “Poverty can affect people in many ways. It’s not just about the lack of money; it can be poor housing, difficulty in paying fuel bills or the daily effects that poverty can have on children and the longer term effects on their education and future employment prospects.
“Poverty affects those in work as well as those on benefits, with official figures showing that almost 70% of children living in poverty today have at least one member of their household in employment.
“Whether you’re looking for support or want to add your voice to the campaign to end poverty, please come along to an event near you.”
The full list of open days can be found at: www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/challengepoverty
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