Tackling poverty together – have your say
A SERIES of events are scheduled to take place to examine ways to help tackle poverty and deprivation in communities across Inverclyde.
The council is inviting people to get involved in the discussion about how the area can unite to improve the lives of those experiencing the greatest challenges locally.
A survey has been launched to seek initial feedback ahead of a number of listening events which are set to take place over the coming weeks and months to get the views of individuals, groups, businesses, agencies and any other stakeholders across Inverclyde’s six defined localities: East/Central; South/South West; Greenock West/Gourock; Port Glasgow; Wemyss Bay; and Kilmacolm/Quarrier’s Village.
These will build on previous engagements and discussions on the changes people want to see in their communities but will also focus specifically on how to address poverty and deprivation.
Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council and chair of the Inverclyde Alliance, said: “We’re committed to doing all we can as a council alongside our partners to tackle poverty and inequality and we will continue to make the case for greater support to do that.
“Last year we launched a £1m anti-poverty fund before we experienced the global pandemic.
“Since then, we have supported our communities with services such as extended free school meals for our young people, setting up a community food pantry to help residents access quality food at affordable prices, and helping older people with their heating bills this winter.
“But poverty can mean different things to different people and indeed different communities.
“That’s why we’re keen to engage with as many residents and stakeholders as we can to ensure we target the issues and areas which are most affected and provide services to people who need them most.”
The survey will run until 26 February when all feedback will be considered alongside the anti-poverty community listening events, which are designed to engage people to participate in being involved in bringing change to their area.
The listening events will take place for invited stakeholders representing their community on:
17 February – East/Central
22 February – South/South West
24 February – Port Glasgow
3 March – Wemyss Bay/Inverkip
4 March – Greenock West Gourock
8 March – Kilmacolm/Quarrier Villiage
At locality listening events held prior to the start of the coronavirus pandemic, people highlighted providing jobs and employment, support for mental health and isolation, and changing the lives of people who have challenges because of drugs and alcohol as some of the key issues which are important to them and their communities.
The latest survey is available now at: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/C2LQXV8.