Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway – in conjunction with the region-wide Dumfries and Galloway Poverty and Inequalities Partnership – is once again supporting Challenge Poverty Week 2022, the annual Scotland-wide awareness-raising week led by Poverty Alliance Scotland.
Challenge Poverty Week began on Monday and concludes this Sunday October 9.
The aims of the week this year are:
- To raise a unified voice against poverty and show that we all want to live in a more just and equal Scotland.
- To build awareness of and support for solutions to poverty.
- To change the conversation around poverty and help end the stigma of living on a low income.
Together with the Poverty Alliance, partners in the Dumfries and Galloway Poverty and Inequalities Partnership have come together to produce a week-long programme of videos, downloadable information and events around seven key themes. These are:
- Monday 3 October – Cost of Living.
- Tuesday 4 October – Work and the Economy.
- Wednesday 5 October – Social Security Scotland.
- Thursday 6 October – Energy and the Environment.
- Friday 7 October – Communities.
- Saturday 8 October – Health and Care.
- Sunday 9 October – Housing and Public Services.
To access all of the Dumfries and Galloway-focussed support and information available during Challenge Poverty Week, please visit https://www.dumgal.gov.uk/CPW2022. New information will appear every day.
Dumfries and Galloway Council Co-Leader Stephen Thompson said: “Our Council continues to reinforce our commitment to tackling all forms of poverty and inequalities throughout our region by once again delivering a range of online support mechanisms to support Challenge Poverty Week 2022.
“Each day during Challenge Poverty Week will have a particular focus and we will offer dedicated help and advice that be accessed by everyone throughout our Region. We also have translation services available so that essential information can be provided in the right language. We encourage everyone to visit our new Challenge Poverty Week webpages and receive the assistance to help make all of our lives easier in these challenging times.”
Dumfries and Galloway Council Co-Leader Linda Dorward said: “Videos, podcasts and downloadable factsheets will be launched every day on each theme, and we will be sending the links out each day through our social media channels and local networks. All of the solutions offered are designed to help people to increase their incomes and reduce their costs, which we know is the quickest way to escape from poverty.
“With winter fast approaching and energy prices at an all-time high, we know many people will be struggling and worried about how they will cover the costs of heating their homes this winter. On Thursday of Challenge Poverty Week 2022 we will focus on Energy and share a range of discounts and grants that are available and where you can go to get further advice on your energy costs.”
Norma Austin Hart, Chief Executive Officer for Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway, said: “The role of charities, community groups, and voluntary organisations will be critical, as we face this difficult autumn and winter. We are working with these groups to make sure their services are known far and wide. Anyone looking for help from third sector organisations can download our free mobile app DGLocator or contact us on 0300 303 8558.”
Valerie White, Director of Public Health, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, said: “Sadly, we are seeing the negative impacts of the significant increases in the cost of living on health and wellbeing. This autumn and winter will see individuals and families having to make really difficult everyday living choices. It can be difficult to ask for help but there is lots of help and support available. Connecting with friends, family and your wider community is important and there are services available to support you. I would encourage anyone who has concerns about the increases in the cost of living to seek help and advice.’’
For more information on tackling all forms of poverty and inequalities in Dumfries and Galloway, please contact – challenge.poverty@dumgal.gov.uk
If you want to find out what support is available through our Council to help with the cost-of-living increases, there is a dedicated webpage here: https://dumgal.gov.uk/cost-living-support