Former prime minister to address growing poverty in Kirkcaldy

Kirkcaldy residents have been urged to help the growing number of families facing hardship.

With half of all children in the east of the town expected to be living in poverty within two years, businesses, churches, charities and individuals are being encouraged to come together to ensure all young people have food and shelter.

Former prime minister Gordon Brown will address an anti-poverty summit at the Adam Smith Theatre at 6pm tomorrow, when the effects of low income, stagnating child benefits and universal credit will be laid bare.

The event has been organised by the Cottage Family Centre, Kirkcaldy Foodbank and other agencies after figures showed Kirkcaldy East is the worst area in Scotland for poverty outwith Glasgow.

Mr Brown, honorary patron of the Cottage, said: “Families struggling to cope need our help now. I do not know a parent who, having heard of the plight of some of these children, would not want to help.

“Kirkcaldy has always worked best when it works together and we all need now to come together to help those in greatest need.”

Support organisations in Kirkcaldy are facing unprecedented demand for services. The foodbank has revealed it needs £15,000 just to survive beyond December after applications doubled in a year.

It is used by more than 800 people a month and chairwoman Joyce Leggate warned of devastating consequences if it folds.

Fife Council’s Kirkcaldy area convener, Neil Crooks, said the increasing pressures on the authority and other organisations were overwhelming resources.

“Goodwill, charity, neighbourliness, caring and volunteering are all present but the numbers disadvantaged by a crazy benefits system and low pay are real people with real children on our doorsteps, many suffering in silence”.

To attend the event, contact Kelly Rodgers on 01592 269489 or email kelly.rodgers@ thecottagefamilycentre.org.uk