PEEBLESSHIRE Foodbank hosted a Tackling Poverty Conference in Peebles which brought together local organisations and community groups across the Scottish Borders to discuss the realities of poverty and how services can work more closely together.
The event created a space for partners to share experiences of supporting people facing financial hardship, identify gaps in provision and highlight examples of what is already working well across Peeblesshire. Organisers said the aim was to strengthen local collaboration and ensure that more people can access the support they need.
Jenna McCormick, who organised the conference for Peeblesshire Foodbank, said: “We do not want to live in a society where foodbanks are needed, but this is the reality many communities face.
Read more
Book launch in Borders raises funds for local health charity
Fundraising drive launched to weave official Dyslexia Scotland Borders tartan
Paramedic and dog complete 100-mile challenge to raise money for charity
“We want people to feel the injustice of that and to join us in calling on government and policymakers to bring about meaningful change, long-term change. Our vision is for Peeblesshire to be a place where no one has to worry about putting the heating on, or how they are going to feed their children, or simply how they are going to get by for another week.
“We know our community is already well connected, but we want to deepen those connections so that no one falls through the cracks or feels they are facing poverty alone.
“These are difficult times, and until lasting strategic action is taken, Peeblesshire Foodbank will continue to stand alongside our community. To build on the momentum of the conference, we are establishing a Tackling Poverty Working Group to continue the conversations, drive collaboration, and keep pushing for change.”
Concerns over the scale and urgency of poverty in the area were a recurring theme, particularly with fears that demand for support could rise further this winter. Attendees said the day felt constructive and hopeful, with many welcoming the chance to connect with others in similar roles and share knowledge more openly.
There was also a strong call for action on the wider causes of poverty, including the need to challenge stigma and push for policy change.
The Peeblesshire Foodbank plays a key role in supporting local families in need, delivering enough supplies for nearly 25,000 meals to 1,680 residents over the past year. The charity provides three days’ worth of nutritionally balanced food, made up of mainly tinned and packet items with fresh bread and eggs, delivered directly to doors across Peeblesshire.
During the school holidays, its Summer Lunch Scheme supports vulnerable families facing higher food bills, with weekly deliveries of ingredients for healthy lunches; last summer alone, 192 children received around 6,500 meals.
Pupils from Peebles High School also contribute through the Food Foundation, cooking around 1,200 individual frozen meals which are added to food parcels for suitable clients.
Supported by 75 volunteers and four part-time staff, the foodbank is appealing for donations as it now spends over £1,000 every month topping up food supplies.
For further information visit www.peeblesshire.foodbank.org.uk
