AS part of Challenge Poverty Week (October 4-10) Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has launched its Anti-Poverty Strategy and action plan to help those in need.

The strategy sets out how the council and its partners will work to tackle poverty in the Borders and will focus on economic poverty and income, fuel poverty, housing poverty, food poverty, impact on family and community health and wellbeing and digital poverty.

The plans within the strategy build on those already in place but also identifies other areas where support may be needed, particularly following the coronavirus pandemic.

Councillor Robin Tatler, executive member for community development and localities, said: “The development of this Strategy is an extremely timely and significant step in the Council’s commitment to supporting those who are experiencing poverty and improving their lives."

The strategy and action plan were approved at a full council meeting last month (September 23).

Mr Tatler added: "We have worked hard to try and understand more fully the causes and impacts of poverty on our region and made sure that listening to residents, community planning partners and the third sector formed a critical part of the process. Their combined knowledge, expertise and experiences have been vital to the development of the Strategy itself and in setting out some specific initial targets we want to achieve through the Action Plan.

“We also want to be clear that this is the beginning of the conversation as we fully recognise that a culture shift is required to reduce poverty and the stigma of poverty. We are fully committed to playing our part to make that happen and will be making sure that the Strategy and Action Plan are reviewed on a regular basis so that they remain up to date and aligned with current priorities.

"I would urge anyone experiencing financial hardship to have a look at what is available and make sure they get in touch to see how we and our many partner organisations may be able to help. The ones we are highlighting are just some of the key services available – there are many more and people shouldn’t hesitate to reach out.”

Anyone experiencing any type of poverty can find help and support from a range of organisations in the Borders:

  • The SBC website can offer guidance for those looking for help with their benefits or additional support – www.scotborders.gov.uk/benefits or call Customer Advice and Support Services on 0300 100 1800
  • NHS Borders Money Worries app highlights help available locally and nationally for anyone concerned about their financial health (available from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store)
  • Home Energy Scotland offers free, impartial advice to anyone struggling with their energy bills – www.homeenergyscotland.org or by phoning 0808 808 2282
  • The Citizens Advice Bureau can help with a range of issues including bills, benefits and Universal Credit – www.cas.org.uk
  • FareShare redistributes food to school breakfast clubs, lunch clubs for older people and homeless shelters – fareshare.org.uk
  • HomeBasics (with bases in Walkerburn and Hawick) can help furnish your home if you are struggling – www.homebasics.org.uk

The council's Anti-Poverty Strategy and action plan can be found on the SBC website.