East Ayrshire Council has hosted a special partnership event as part of this year’s Challenge Poverty Week, aiming to build awareness of the lived experience of poverty and encourage conversations to end the stigma associated with low income. The national event, coordinated by The Poverty Alliance, highlights the injustice of poverty and promotes collective action for positive solutions.
Participants from the Ayrshire360 Encore Writing and Performing class opened the event with thought-provoking performances by Lewis, Lillie, Callum, and Hannah, which stimulated discussion among guests. Attendees were invited to contribute to a ‘wall of kindness’ by writing on postcard ‘bricks’ about how they would tackle inequality and end poverty. Contributions came from various services, including East Ayrshire Young Carers, the Welfare Rights Service, and Education and Resettlement Housing Support.
Councillor Neal Ingram, Cabinet Member for Human Resources, Equalities and Inclusion, attended alongside Councillors Caroline Barton, Graham Barton, Iain Linton, John McGhee, and William Lennox, as well as Linda McAulay-Griffiths, Director of Education and Skills. Councillor Ingram noted the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's research emphasising local government's role in poverty reduction.
He stated, “This is a key focus of our work in East Ayrshire Council. In 2024, we launched the innovative Early Intervention and Prevention Fund – a £40 million ten-year fund to tackle inequality, child poverty, and increase fairness. Funds are available for meaningful projects, from ensuring free school meals and affordable meal deals for secondary pupils, to providing clothing grants for young children, and investing in jobs, training, and supporting local organisations like CentreStage, The Zone, and Yipworld through the Fairer Futures Partnership.”
Councillor Ingram added, “This is a challenging time for the public sector, but we are committed to delivering the best possible services in partnership with the third sector and community organisations. Through our work on reducing temporary accommodation and tackling homelessness, we aim to improve the lives of our most vulnerable residents. Funding has also supported local groups via the Whole Family Wellbeing Fund, benefiting early intervention activities such as Dad’s Rock. While much positive work is underway, more is needed to ensure no one faces the difficult choice between heating their home and eating.”
Councillor Elaine Cowan, Spokesperson for Education, and Children and Young People, commented, “In my role, I visit schools, Early Childhood Centres, and community groups working tirelessly to support the most vulnerable. I see the daily work in our schools, through PEF funding and Cost of the School Day initiatives, which help remove stigma and ensure children have a level playing field.”
She continued, “I recently visited Dunlop Primary for their 150th anniversary and was pleased to hear that, as part of Challenge Poverty Week, the children had written to the First Minister outlining their plans to eradicate child poverty.”
