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Council continues to support Challenge Poverty Week
North Ayrshire Council is – once again – proudly backing Challenge Poverty Week in October to help people who are living in crisis.
The week-long drive (5 to 11 October) shines a light on poverty and what we can do to help make life better for people in our communities who are struggling to make ends meet.
Arranged by the Poverty Alliance charity, the week of events and awareness raising inspires communities to work together, support each other and find new ways to change attitudes.
This is the eleventh consecutive year the Council has proudly shown its backing for the national campaign, and Council Leader Tony Gurney says it is vital that we continue offer practical support and compassion to everyone who continues to live at risk of poverty or is in need.
Quote: The Cost-of-Living crisis is still very real for many families living here in North Ayrshire. People are feeling the strain of everyday things like paying for food and keeping up with their household bills. Global factors, including conflict in the Middle East, have had an impact on inflation rates, fuel prices and home energy bills. Families are paying more for goods than they did five years ago; mortgage rates are higher and in some cases parents and carers are going without meals to save money and ensure their children have food. As a local authority, we are proud to offer our continuing support to Challenge Poverty Week. We will use the week to shine a light on the Council services and partner organisation supports that are available to help people in need across the six localities.
Quote from: Council Leader Tony Gurney
The daily themes for this year’s activities are:
Monday 5 October – Social Security
Tuesday 6 October – Energy
Wednesday 7 October – Fair Work
Thursday 8 October – Tackling Child Poverty
Friday 9 October – Communities and Volunteers
Saturday 10 October - Stand up for mental health
Sunday 11 October - Care and prayer.
Here in North Ayrshire, throughout the week, the Council’s social media channels will be used to highlight:
- how the team at North Ayrshire’s welfare rights and money advice service, Money Smart, helps residents financially and what the feedback from service users has been in recent months
- an energy support grant, various schemes and advice that is available to residents who are struggling to pay energy bills or are at risk of being cut off
- how local businesses play their part through offering flexible working practices to parents and being a Real Living Wage employer
- the great work being done through our network of community larders and
- the role our Third Sector partners play in supporting residents in collaboration with the Council.
The Council’s top priorities include reducing child poverty and supporting residents through the continuing Cost-of-living Crisis. Existing support available through the Council includes: finding work through the employability service, Working North Ayrshire; foodbanks and budgeting; Council Tax reduction and a range of grants; disability benefits and housing benefit.
Follow the Council’s social media channels between 5 and 11 October, using #ChallengePoverty
If you need help with Cost-of-Living support, please visit the Council’s dedicated webpage. You can find out more about the work of the Poverty Alliance on the anti-poverty network's web page.
Published: 29 September 2026