“Giving something to those who have nothing.”
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.
Another local group with a strong team of volunteers is the Rainbow Muslim Women’s Group (SCIO), who aim to provide social and educational opportunities for vulnerable people. They work closely with other third sector groups to provide opportunities to the people they support, including different classes, healthy food and how to cook it, and different activities.
Over their 20 year history, their work has expanded to include promoting multiculturalism and reducing racism. Throughout the pandemic lockdowns, their volunteers supplied essential food packages and prescription pick-ups for the local community, including refugees, senior citizens, low-income families, and others in need. They often did this 7 days a week.
The group has produced a graphic for Challenge Poverty Week, outlining how they challenge poverty through their activities and support – the graphic is available to view or download as a pdf and a png (both linked for your convenience), with a text transcription included below.
“We Challenge poverty by bringing communities together to improve mental health and wellbeing.
We Challenge poverty by improving access to healthy and nutritious food.
We Challenge poverty by providing certified training opportunities to improve employability.
We Challenge poverty by being the frontline workers during global pandemic.
We Challenge poverty by giving something to those who have nothing…”
For further information on the Rainbow Muslim Women’s Group and the activities they provide, please visit their Facebook page, or contact them by email: rainbowgroup@hotmail.co.uk
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