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The Poverty Alliance

@povertyalliance.org
2.6K followers 391 following 708 posts

Scotland’s anti-poverty network. With justice and compassion we can build a future free from poverty.

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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 05/10/2026
When we strengthen social security, we strengthen the foundation that people have to build a better life for themselves and their households. And that means a better country for all of us. It's a vital tool that we can use to #ChallengePoverty. www.povertyalliance.org/cpw/
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 01/10/2026
The #MinimumIncomeGuarantee has to be part of the agenda if we are serious about building a just and compassionate Scotland where everyone has a secure foundation to build a better future. Here's our Chloe Campbell giving evidence at the Scottish Parliament today. www.povertyalliance.org/mig/
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 29/09/2026
Do we need to review the way we measure #child #poverty in Scotland? Today around 40 people representing Poverty Alliance members came to a special seminar. Many said now is the time for the Scottish Gov to double down on effective action to meet its poverty pledges to Scotland's children.
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 25/09/2026
Our Taking Action on #Rural #Poverty project is coming to an end - so we commissioned an external evaluation. We were delighted about people's views on what was achieved. #TARP www.povertyalliance.org/blog-what-pe...
"...it is so valuable to hear what people say about you when you are not there... it was wonderful to see our hopes for the impact the project has had confirmed..." Text is on a stock image of a harvested field, with the sun rising on the horizon. Poverty Alliance logo.
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 24/09/2026
In a just Scotland, no-one would lose their life to drug addiction. People living in the most deprived communities in Scotland are around 15 times more likely to experience problem drug use, compared to people in the least deprived communities. Reducing drug deaths means reducing poverty.
1,133 people suffered drug-related deaths in Scotland in 2025.
That’s simply wrong - and it’s closely connected to the injustice of poverty.
povertyalliance.org
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 22/09/2026
#Fair #work is the focus of our members' meeting at 12 noon this Thursday 24 September, with colleagues from our #Living #Wage #Scotland team. 👇 Sign up here! us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 20/09/2026
📖 Weekend reading! Why are so many people going hungry? We told the #RightToFood UK Commission that it's because households are without enough money to afford the #food they need to live healthy, dignified lives. Our solution? The #MinimumIncomeGuarantee. www.povertyalliance.org/wp-content/u...
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 19/09/2026
📖 Weekend reading! Our #TARP project in #Aberdeenshire and #Argyll and #Bute has been doing great work to challenge the rural poverty premium. We want to share what we've learnt with you! www.povertyalliance.org/wp-content/u...
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 18/09/2026
Asad Rehman has decades of experience in campaigning for environmental, social, and racial justice - and a deep understanding of how all these struggles are linked. Reserve your free place to hear him speak in Glasgow. It will be a highlight of #ChallengePoverty Week. #CPW26 www.tfaforms.com/5231335
A picture of Asad Rehman, Chief Executive of Friends of the Earth England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Text says The Annual Challenge Poverty Week Lecture Thursday 8th October 2026, 6pm, The Social Hub 15 Candleriggs, Glasgow G1 1TQ
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 16/09/2026
This year, our #RightsInAction project is looking closely at how the climate crisis and climate action impact on communities experiencing poverty. Reserve your place on our online workshop to find out more! us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 15/09/2026
🐦🐦🐦Book your place before 18 September to receive an Early Bird rate! 🐦🐦🐦 Scotland's political landscape is changing fast. The question for everyone working to end poverty is what we do about it. www.povertyalliance.org/delivering-c...
A stock image of ‎the Scottish Parliament. Text says "‎ Delivering Change? Poverty and Scotland's new political landscape The Poverty Alliance National Conference 2026 Wednesday 18 November, Hampden Park, Glasgow povertyalliance.org/conference2026
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 09/09/2026
Our Chloe Campbell took the #ChallengePoverty Week message to The Scottish Parliament. MSPs are getting ready to take part - you can too! www.povertyalliance.org/cpw/
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 21/08/2026
Our Taking Action on #Rural #Poverty Photostories were on show in #Aberdeen this week. Here are some of the reactions from people who recognised the power of personal story. You can see the Photostories for yourself here: www.povertyalliance.org/taking-actio...
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 19/08/2026
#Rural #Scotland is energy-rich, and hosts much of the UK's energy infrastructure, so it's wrong that one in four rural households lives in extreme #fuel #poverty. Our test of change project with ALIenergy shows how tailored advice can help change that. www.povertyalliance.org/report-suppo...
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 16/08/2026
We helped seven community activists explore how to use human rights as a tool for action to address poverty. It went well. Find out more here! www.povertyalliance.org/report-learn...
An image of Glasgow Green taken from high up, and looking west over the city. The sky is blue, with light clouds on the horizon. It's the front cover of a Poverty Alliance research report. It's called Rights in Action. Action Learning with Community Activists - April 2026
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 15/08/2026
📣 Reserve your place! Join members of the Poverty Alliance to explore how we respond to the changing political environment, strengthen our collective voice, and build momentum for policies that reduce poverty and inequality. www.povertyalliance.org/delivering-c...
A stock image of the MSP offices at the Scottish Parliament with the Poverty Alliance logo against the blue sky. Text says povertyalliance.org/conference2026
Wednesday 18 November, 
Hampden Park, Glasgow
Delivering Change?
Poverty and Scotland’s new political landscape
The Poverty Alliance National Conference 2026
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 14/08/2026
This online session will dive into the latest insights on what #messaging works to increase support for the solutions we need for a #social #security system that upholds #dignity and reduces #poverty. Email isla.mcintosh@povertyalliance.org to reserve your place!
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 12/08/2026
Too-often our unjust #economy doesn't provide what people need for a decent life - even for people in working households. But together, we can #UnrigTheSystem and fix #work and #wages Join us. www.povertyalliance.org/get-involved...
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 11/08/2026
😃 We're very excited! Over the past few months, citizens’ panel members from the Taking Action on #Rural #Poverty project have been working on a Photostories project, and And it's being launched today! #TARP www.povertyalliance.org/blog-powerfu...
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 10/08/2026
The current scale of hunger in Scotland is being driven by incomes that don’t meet people’s needs. In her new blog, our Chloe Campbell sets out how we can build a just Scotland where no-one goes hungry. www.povertyalliance.org/blog-we-can-...
"Hunger isn’t inevitable. It’s created by systems that fail to guarantee people adequate incomes, secure work, decent services and access to nutritious 
food at a price 
they can afford.¨ 

A picture of Chloe Campbell, Policy and Parliamentary Officer at The Poverty Alliance.
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 09/08/2026
📖 Weekend reading! Our research team has great experience in working alongside community researchers - people with lived experience who get help and support to study the issues that matter most to them. Find out what we've learned along the way! www.povertyalliance.org/wp-content/u...
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 08/08/2026
📖 Weekend reading! Our members speak out for the #MinimumIncome #Guarantee in the Scottish Anti #Poverty Review! @weallscotland.bsky.social @gdaonline.bsky.social @swbg.bsky.social, ACVO, @energy-action-scot.bsky.social and @livingwagescotland.bsky.social povertyalliance.org/SAPR44/SAPR4...
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 07/08/2026
❓ With a new Scottish Parliament and a new UK Prime Minister, what does political change mean for efforts to tackle poverty and build a just society? Our members can join our 2026 National Conference to have their say. 👇 Reserve your place now! www.povertyalliance.org/delivering-c...
Poverty Alliance logo. Stock image of MSP offices at the Scottish Parliament, with a blue sky. Text says Delivering Change? Poverty and Scotland' s new political landscape. The Poverty Alliance National Conference 2026. WEdnesday 18 November, Hampden Park, Glasgow, povertyalliance.org/conference2026
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 04/08/2026
Here's a link to the full report. www.povertyalliance.org/research-exp...
Read the full report and watch the accompanying video on our website.   For support with Universal Credit claims, contact @citizensadvicescot   For tailored care-experience support, contact @whocaresscotland
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 04/08/2026
“I had to spend my ten-minute appointment, because it’s only ten minutes you get with them, to explain what care-experienced was and why I needed help.” Some young people told us that Jobcentre support didn’t always recognise their needs as care-experienced.  Some felt there was an expectation to already know the system and their entitlements.  Others described too much appointment time being taken up by outlining their experiences again and again, leaving little time to get practical support.  Some staff were described as dismissive of their background.“They literally said they couldn’t hire me because I lived in homeless accommodation. But then I got sanctioned by the Jobcentre for not getting a job…There’s a lot of traps that catch care-experienced people out.” Care-experienced young people can face additional barriers to meeting work-search requirements, particularly when dealing with housing insecurity or other challenges.  Some young people described situations where circumstances beyond their control blocked their ability to find or maintain work.Under 25s are sanctioned at higher rates than older age groups.  Sanctions lead to a reduction or temporary stop to  Universal Credit payments.  For care-experienced young people, sanctions can have a particularly severe impact, as they may have fewer support networks to help absorb sudden financial shocks.   
Nobody should struggle navigating a system that is supposed to  support you!  Our research highlights the need for a social security system that recognises and responds to the realities of care-experienced young people.
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 04/08/2026
We all need support as we move into young adulthood - and our social security system should be there for all of us. But - as this infographic from our research intern Rachel Sowerby shows - too many young people with care experience are being let down. www.povertyalliance.org/research-exp...
Social Security should be there for all of us when we need it But care-experienced young people face significant barriers to accessing and maintaining Universal Credit claims.  Our research team investigates...“It took me about seven to eight weeks just to be able to be put on Universal Credit, then I had to wait the additional five. For that amount of time, I had no money, no support.” Applying for Universal Credit can be really hard for young people who have experienced care, homelessness or moved around a lot.  They told us that providing the information required during the application process could be complicated, leading to delays before support is received.  Add on the standard five-week wait for the first payment, this leaves young people living on very low or no income at all for long periods of time.  “I had to rely on my college lunch as my one meal of the day at that point.” Some young people had to make significant sacrifices to get by while waiting for support.  They told us about walking everywhere to avoid transport costs, relying on food banks, or going without essentials such as winter clothing.  This has unjust, bad effects on the health and wellbeing of these young people.Under 25s are penalised with a lower standard rate of Universal Credit  This is justified by the assumption that young people can rely on family members for support  But many young people don’t have this support system, and are left struggling with this lower rate to manage household bills, budget and live independently for the first time
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 02/08/2026
Weekend reading 📚 This Romano Lav and Poverty Alliance report is a clear reminder that adequate housing is a human right — and that change must be shaped by lived experience. povertyalliance.org/research-rights-to-housing-and-the-environment-experiences-of-the-roma-community-in-govanhill/
A stock image of the old Govanhill Picture House. It's an art deco building with green and white tiles.
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 30/07/2026
"More and more... climate campaigners are getting involved in debates about economics and fiscal policy... they understand that environmental objectives cannot be achieved without changes in how our economy works." A great new blog from @foescot.bsky.social taxjustice.scot/blog/why-env...
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 28/07/2026
We're looking for a dynamic, passionate individual with a clear commitment to social justice. You'll help employers learn how to take action that will support workers and reduce in-work poverty in social care. Please like and share to increase visibility! www.povertyalliance.org/about-us/rec...
We’re recruiting!
Engagement and Learning Officer
Pathways to Progress project
experience of managing stakeholder relationships
confident communicator
strong facilitation skills
understanding of social care sector in Scotland
povertyalliance.org/recruitment
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 26/07/2026
We worked with the Mental Health Foundation to create Listen & Support - a new resource to help anti-poverty organisations when they meet people with mental health problems. www.povertyalliance.org/listen-and-s...
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 24/07/2026
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 23/07/2026
Child maintenance should help children get what they need to grow, learn and feel secure. But too many families face delays, setbacks and a system that feels like snakes and broken ladders. Read our guest blog from Philippa Kemp at @opfs.org.uk: www.povertyalliance.org/guest-blog-n...
‘TCM partnership group photo’ photo credit: Emma Boyd Photography.
From left to right: Neil Park (single dad and member of the Single Parent Expert group, Ruben (one of the children who came with us and his mum to London), Laura Millar (CEO Fife Gingerbread), Kerry Jones (Child Maintenance Project Coordinator Fife Gingerbread), Dave Hawkey (Senior Research Fellow, IPPR Scotland), Satwat Rehman (OPFS Chief Executive), Casey Smith (Researcher, IPPR Scotland), Katarzyna Stasina (single mum and member of the Single Parent Expert Group), Charis Chittick (OPFS Head of Policy, Strategy and Communications), Alexandra (one of the children who came with us to London), Philippa Kemp (Communications and Participation Manager).
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 21/07/2026
What works to prevent and tackle poverty stigma? The Wales Centre for Public Policy commissioned us to carry out a rapid review of the evidence. And then they helped Swansea Council put the learning into practice. Find out more in this great new guest blog. www.povertyalliance.org/guest-blog-w...
A stock image of the Senedd building in Cardiff. Text says 8 ideas to tackle the unjust stigma placed on people in poverty... Logo of the Wales Centre for Public Policy
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 17/07/2026
We welcome the appointment of Andy Burnham MP as PM in waiting - but he must act quickly to lift people out of poverty and reduce the growing chasm of wealth inequality and restore the belief that real change can be delivered. www.povertyalliance.org/news-number-...
A stock image of number 10 downing street. Text says The Number 10 merry-go-round can stop when politics starts working for people. Poverty Alliance logo
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 13/07/2026
Could you help us tackle in-work poverty in social care? Come and join us! = We're looking for a new team member. The Pathways to Progress project is focused on improving jobs in Scotland's Social Care sector. www.povertyalliance.org/about-us/rec...
We’re recruiting!   Engagement and Learning Officer Pathways to Progress project 
povertyalliance.org/recruitment. Logos of Living Wage Scotland and the Poverty Alliance.
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 12/07/2026
Do you work in social care? Know someone who does? We need to hear your voices, as we look at how to build fair work in the sector. forms.office.com/pages/respon...
Pathways to progress logo
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 08/07/2026
@opfs.org.uk, @fifegingerbread.bsky.social and @ipprscotland.bsky.social - have joined together to create a new website that will help families understand and be able to navigate the child maintenance system better. Please share! www.childmaintenanceexplained.org.uk
A stock image of three girls, aged about nine or ten, facing up to the camera with thumbs up. Text says All the information you need to get what your family needs from the child maintenance system. childmaintenanceexplained.org.uk
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 07/07/2026
Imagine you were rough sleeping and tried to buy something from a shop, only to see a sign by the till saying CARD ONLY. Kirsty Roebuck of @bethanychristiantrust.com explores the issue in her new guest blog. www.povertyalliance.org/guest-blog-c...
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 06/07/2026
Last week, our Ralph Hartley was in Westminster to show our support for Fuel Poverty Action’s Make Green Fair campaign. His new blog shows how the UK and Scottish governments can ensure everyone has access to cheap, clean energy from the wind and sun. www.povertyalliance.org/blog-make-gr...
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 03/07/2026
"Glaswegians, new and old, shared heartwarming stories of their experiences of the many acts of kindness they received from both friends and complete strangers, at difficult... moments in their lives." A heartwarming guest blog from Migrant Voice. www.povertyalliance.org/guest-blog-s...
Two young women laughing together in a garden. There's a graphic showing bunting with smiling faces on it, and the logo of the A Million Acts of Hope campaign.
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 02/07/2026
📆 Tue 18 Aug - 12-1pm - FREE! Join us as we deep dive into our policy asks for Challenge Poverty Week 2026. Learn why they matter, and find out how you can get involved in using them to advocate for change. Email alyson.laird@povertyalliance.org to reserve your place.
Focus on Policy, Tuesday 18th August, 12pm-1pm Email alyson.laird@povertyalliance.org to reserve your place
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 01/07/2026
Seven categories - seven chances to showcase the employers that are blazing a path towards a fair work Scotland. It's time to enter the #LivingWage #Scotland Awards 2026! scottishlivingwage.org/lws-awards/
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 30/06/2026
How are older people coping in Scotland today? Our new guest blog from Independent Age sets out the findings of their new Older People’s Economic Wellbeing Index. www.povertyalliance.org/guest-blog-h...
I’ve always got by,
but now I’m really
struggling. I’m by
myself and having
to pay for everything.
So, there are things that
I can’t get anymore.”
A graphic showing a bank card breaking in half.
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 29/06/2026
New estimates suggest that around 100,000 more households will be pulled into #fuel #poverty over the coming months. People in rural Scotland are more at risk. Our Taking Action on Rural Poverty #TARP project heard from some of those affected. www.povertyalliance.org/news-campaig...
The first picture is the home heating oil tank measuring device.  The red light is flashing, one bar left, and my oil is done.​
I need fuel ….. I need oil for my heating …… Where do I start?  It’s going to cost me a fortune?  I empty my pockets, I empty my bank – I feel that I’m spiralling.  All I have is coppers.  This is not going to get me heating oil.  Where do I go from here?  I look for help and all I’m faced with is barriers.  A world conflict has put me into a situation of being cold, hungry and with no light at the end. This rural area has a reliance on home heating oil, but the decision makers have forgotten about us, again. ​
Is this what my life has come to?  Feeling cold, feeling alone, feeling I have no way out.  The only light at the end of the tunnel, and the only choice I have been given, is to leave my home of 20 years. I can move into an energy efficient property. My home cannot be upgraded.​
But this is not the end of the struggle.  This is just the beginning 
“Look, Mum, so many turbines! They make power, you know. 

If there’s so many of them, maybe our bills will finally go down?”
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 27/06/2026
📖 Weekend reading! - Did you know that the Scottish Government is planning to review the way it measures child poverty. We joined a coalition of anti-poverty charities to raise concerns about it. www.povertyalliance.org/news-parliam...
A photo of a young boy around 3 or 4 years of age. He is holding a pen and looking up, with a bit of an anxious look on his face. Text says “Removing any measurement of income from child poverty reduction targets would be like having a speedometer in your car that only told you the temperature.” Poverty Alliance logo.
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 26/06/2026
👏 The #LivingWage #Scotland Awards for 2026 are open! Seven categories - seven chances to recognise the #employers who are blazing a trail towards a fair work Scotland. scottishlivingwage.org/lws-awards/
A photo showing the actual Living Wage Scotland awards before they were given out at the 2025 ceremony. They are made of wood, and feature the round, blue Living Wage logo. There are 10 of them in two rows on a table, leading the eye back towards an out of focus hotel function room.
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 24/06/2026
Motability means freedom and independence. This photostory is from Richard, a member of the Taking Action on Rural Poverty in Argyll & Bute panel. Cuts to mileage would make his life harder - along with the lives of other disabled people across Scotland. inclusionscotland.org/new-motabili...
A photostory from Richard, a member of the Argyll & Bute Taking Action on Rural Poverty Panel. It's a picture of a car driving down a country lane at dawn, with its lights on, the sun just on the horizon, and dark blue skies, with Venus shining above the hills. Text says Without the car, I'd be lost.
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 22/06/2026
Together, we can challenge the unjust extra costs faced by people on low incomes in rural Scotland. We've created this great infographic to share the learning from our Taking Action on Rural Poverty project.
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 18/06/2026
🚨🚨 Challenge Poverty Week Daily Themes are here! Please share them with your own networks - and let us know about your plans to join us in raising our voice against the injustice of poverty. www.povertyalliance.org/cpw/
Daily themes. Monday Social Security. Tuesday Fuel Poverty. Wednesday Fair Work. Thursday Tackling Child Poverty. Friday Communities and Volunteers. Saturday Stand up for Mental Health. Sunday Care and Prayer. Challenge Poverty Week takes place from Monday 5 - Sunday 11 October
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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 17/06/2026
📅 Thu 25 June: 12-1:30pm Online meeting - open to all Join our Senior Research Officer Lauren Wilks to talk about our new research and the urgent changes that are needed to ensure young adults get the support they're entitled to from Universal Credit us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Members' Meeting (open) Thu 25 June 12-1.30pm. Young adults' experiences of claiming Universal Credit. povertyalliance.org/events
A graphic showing three people, cradled in two upward facing hands, and with an umbrella covering them.
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