We're supporting this year’s Challenge Poverty Week (4-10 October) by launching the Anti-Poverty Strategy and associated Action Plan which were formally approved at Council on 23 September
The Strategy was developed by a joint elected member and officer working group and follows a six month period of public consultation.
It sets out a clear vision for the way we and our partners will aim to work together to help reduce poverty across the region under the key themes of:
- economic poverty and income
- fuel poverty
- housing poverty
- food poverty
- impact on family and community and health and wellbeing
- digital poverty
It builds on initiatives and programmes that currently exist as well as looking to identify new areas where support is needed and will be of the most benefit, particularly in light of the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Members reference group to support action plan
Implementation of the action plan will be supported by a members reference group who will not only provide guidance to officers but will also work to ensure that input is received from partner organisations and individuals, including those with lived experience of poverty, to help identify any gaps or areas for further focus.
Councillor Robin Tatler, Executive Member for Community Development and Localities
“The development of this Strategy is an extremely timely and significant step in the Council’s commitment to supporting those who are experiencing poverty and improving their lives.
“We have worked hard to try and understand more fully the causes and impacts of poverty on our region and made sure that listening to residents, community planning partners and the third sector formed a critical part of the process. Their combined knowledge, expertise and experiences have been vital to the development of the Strategy itself and in setting out some specific initial targets we want to achieve through the Action Plan.
“We also want to be clear that this is the beginning of the conversation as we fully recognise that a culture shift is required to reduce poverty and the stigma of poverty. We are fully committed to playing our part to make that happen and will be making sure that the Strategy and Action Plan are reviewed on a regular basis so that they remain up to date and aligned with current priorities.
I would urge anyone experiencing financial hardship to have a look at what is available and make sure they get in touch to see how we and our many partner organisations may be able to help. The ones we are highlighting are just some of the key services available – there are many more and people shouldn’t hesitate to reach out.”
Challenge Poverty Week
Challenge Poverty Week is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the support that is already available both locally and nationally. Some examples of these include:
- the benefits section of our website provides detailed information about what grants, benefits and support you may be entitled to, you can also phone Customer Advice and Support Services on 0300 100 1800
- the NHS Borders Money Worries app provides a wide range of information about support services available nationally and locally in the Scottish Borders, including how people can improve their financial health. It can be downloaded from either the Apple App store or Google Playstore
- Home Energy Scotland provide free and impartial advice for anyone who is worried about their energy bills or is struggling to stay warm at home, you can also phone them on 0808 808 2282 to find out more
- the Citizens Advice Bureau can help with income maximisation and advice on bills, as well as a range of other issues
- FareShare is the UK's national network of charitable redistributors, the food they redistribute goes to help school breakfast clubs, older people's lunch clubs, homeless shelters, community cafes and many more
- Home Basics is a furniture household reuse organisation which aims to prevent waste and offer quality items for sale, they also support those in need of furnishing a comfortable home
More information
- the Anti-Poverty Strategy and Action Plan are available to download from our website. An easy read version is also available
- images of the launch of the Strategy are available on our Flickr page
- the Strategy and Action Plan were approved at the Council meeting held on 23 September