“Something for everyone and nobody left out.”
This Challenge Poverty Week (CPW), our team at CVS Falkirk is highlighting the efforts of our local third sector and communities in tackling poverty across the Falkirk District.
Challenge Poverty Week was launched by the Poverty Alliance in 2013, as a way to draw attention to the injustice of poverty in Scotland, and show that collective action, based on justice and compassion, can create solutions. For the campaign’s 10th year, the Poverty Alliance has announced different themes for each day of the campaign week, which we believe offer the perfect opportunity to spotlight the efforts of the third sector:
- Monday 2nd October: Communities & Volunteers
- Tuesday 3rd October: Housing
- Wednesday 4th October: Adequate Incomes
- Thursday 5th October: Transport
- Friday 6th October: Food
- Saturday 7th October and Sunday 8th October: Reflection
Monday 2nd October: Communities & Volunteers
Today’s theme focuses on Communities & Volunteers, who have done incredible things over the last number of years to support each other and those who need some extra help, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis.
One of those community groups, run entirely by volunteers, is the Avonbridge Community Association (ACA).
Avonbridge is a small rural village with a close-knit community, located in the Braes area. The ACA runs a number of activities for people of all ages in the village, from quiz nights, bus trips and days out, Christmas events and parades, kids’ discos, and fun days. They also host the Braes Wee Choir, and run a community café, which offers a range of affordable food and drink options, as well as an opportunity for people to socialise in a warm, welcoming space. In addition, they manage the community hall, which supports not only Avonbridge, but the communities of Standburn, Candie, and other surrounding areas.
About their efforts, the ACA committee said:
“We recognise that poverty can manifest at every level of a rural community like ours, and that applying the standard “categories of need” can often serve to divide a small community rather than unite it – so we make sure our activities are open to everyone. That way, there is something for everyone, and no one is left out.”
Their impact on the community of Avonbridge can be clearly seen in the comments submitted by people who take part in their activities:
“The volunteers work hard to provide activities.”
“My nana goes to the café at the hall every Wednesday and absolutely loves it, it helps her to get out of the house and socialise a bit more … The community there is amazing, everyone is so kind to each other and it is a great thing to attend.”
“Fantastic community events. Plenty for kids and the older community members.”
“Everything the hall does brings the community together.”
“If we inform what we would like then the effort is made to accommodate it. Ie quiz night etc Very enjoyable and well organised.”
“I love going with pals and it’s great fun.”
“Amazing for the kids and great for the community.”
“Very well organised.”
“The café food is great, good company and chance to get out and about. Kids’ meals are great. Bookbugs is a good chance to socialise with other families with children on a similar age to mine, also handy that kids meals are on at same time as Bookbugs so we can have lunch after wards.”
“[They’re] fab at running the cafe, we love coming. Great when it also ties in with bookbug as the kids love this wee session.”
“Great for the kids and families. Excellent for the community and stops people being lonely.”
“Brings the community together, great publicity and wonderful events planned in a central location for everyone in the village.”
“Always friendly and well organised.”
“Great value for money at café.”
“Our village is the best wee community ever, events that they hold for all ages is outstanding. The community hall is the heart of the village. When the nursing home went on fire, the community came together to cater and have a safe place for these vulnerable people to go to, this is just one of many examples. As a rural village it is hard to attend activities and events outside the village due to transportation, finance, struggling families, etc, however the hall ensures that they provide high quality activities and events for all.”
For further information on the Avonbridge Community Association and the activities they provide, please visit their Facebook page, or contact them by email: bookings@avonbridgehall.org.uk
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