Provost heads along for Challenge Poverty Week
Provost Lorraine Cameron has rolled her sleeves up to support volunteers at Renfrewshire Foodbank.
The team got a helping hand when Provost Cameron visited during Challenge Poverty Week.
She helped bag up food parcels alongside the regular helpers at the Paisley distribution centre in the Central Baptist Church, in Lady Lane.
Volunteers also joined Provost Cameron by taking a pledge to challenge poverty with one of three Poverty Alliance anti-stigma pledges.
These are — attitudes matter, actions change attitudes, and poverty is not inevitable.
The Paisley-based foodbank is one of four in Renfrewshire that has been set up in partnership with the Trussell Trust and local churches.
Provost Cameron said: “Tackling inequality and the root causes of poverty is a key priority for Renfrewshire Council.
“Poverty can affect anyone — bereavement, redundancy, a benefit delay or even an unexpected bill can mean people going hungry.
“Challenge Poverty Week is all about talking about poverty and challenging its place in our society.
“There is plenty of advice out there to help people break down the barriers they may face.
“I would encourage people to visit Advice Renfrewshire at advicerenfrewshire.org
“Renfrewshire Foodbank is not just a place to get food parcels. Staff are trained to provide support and advice so that people can get access to the right support.”
Renfrewshire Foodbank manager Elizabeth Alexander said it was great having the Provost along for a visit.
Elizabeth said: “No-one should have to face going hungry because of their circumstances.
“That’s why we provide three days’ nutritionally-balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis.
“Renfrewshire Foodbank is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by the Trussell Trust, which are working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.”
To find out more about Renfrewshire Foodbank, visit www. renfrewshire.foodbank.org.uk
Challenge Poverty Week saw Renfrewshire organisations holding a number of events to challenge poverty and inequality.
Staff at Renfrewshire Council, the area’s Health and Social Care Partnership and other partners took part in a social media campaign to challenge poverty by posting their photos with their pledge of choice on Facebook and Twitter using #CPW17
Depute provost Cathy McEwan visited the Ferguslie cooking class at the Tannahill Centre to make smoothies and took the pledge to challenge poverty.
Advice Renfrewshire held an advice event at Johnstone Town Hall yesterday for members of the public to drop in and get advice.
Kids at Families First October clubs also got involved in the week and were treated to a special Glasgow Science Centre show at St Benedict’s High School, Linwood.