Tackling poverty event is a success

More than 100 delegates attended the West Lothian Tackling Poverty Conference to mark the start of West Lothian Money Week.

The event, attended by community planning partners, council officers and members of the public, aimed to help everyone gain a better understanding of the scale of poverty across the county, its causes and consequences.

Along with sharing information about poverty and what works to reduce it, there was a call for attendees, local people and groups to give their views on poverty issues over the coming months.

Delegates had an opportunity to hear from four guest speakers who are acknowledged experts in their fields; and who have undertaken extensive research about the causes and impacts of poverty.

Jim McCormick from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, talked about tackling and reducing poverty.

Naomi Eisenstadt, independent advisor on Poverty and Inequality to the Scottish Government, spoke about the latest report to the First Minister, ‘ Life Chances of Young People in Scotland’.

Douglas White, from Carnegie UK Trust, highlighted the barriers to digital participation in Scotland.

And John McKendrick, co-director of the Scottish Poverty and Inequality Research Unit, discussed local opportunities for Anti-Poverty action.

Executive councillor for social policy, Angela Doran commented: “The conference was very successful and on behalf of the organisers I would like to thank the four distinguished speakers for their insight into poverty, its causes and the action needed to eradicate it.

“As the West Lothian Community Planning Partnership’s five- year, Better Off: ‘Anti- Poverty Strategy’, reaches the end of its five-year period the conference was a good opportunity to reflect on the many positive outcomes achieved during the programme of activity to address poverty locally.

“However, the work of Community Planning Par tners to tackle inequality and poverty will continue. During the next few months, workshops, focus groups and awareness sessions will take place to listen to people about what matters to them when it comes to addressing poverty. We would encourage local people and groups to get involved going forward.”

If you or your organisation would like to be involved at looking at poverty issues in West Lothian then please get in touch with West Lothian Council’s Advice Shop on 01506 283000 or e-mail Advice.Shop@ westlothian.gov.uk.