Challenge Poverty Week
October 4, 2023
Challenge Poverty Week England & Wales 2023 takes place from 16 to 22 October.
The week provides an opportunity for us all to say what needs to change to enable our own communities to thrive.
It’s a chance for voices that are too often ignored to be heard loud and clear. It’s a chance to show that it is possible to build a better, more compassionate society in which everyone can live life to the full. And it’s a chance to start that journey, together, now.
Four Aims of Challenge Poverty Week
Raise Voices
To raise voices in unison against poverty and shine a light on visions for a more just, compassionate and opportunity-filled country.
Show Community
To show what is already being done at community level to challenge and alleviate poverty.
End the Stigma
To change the conversation around poverty and help end the stigma.
Build Awareness
To build awareness and support for sustainable approaches that enhance the dignity and agency of people in poverty.
Here in Cumbria the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) Sector has been at the forefront of meeting the needs of individuals, families and communities living in poverty. In the midst of the current cost of living crisis it is often the small, locally-based non-profit organisations that respond effectively and quickly to the challenges of poverty whether that be food sharing groups or places for people to meet others in a warm place in their community.
Whether it is financial support and advice or coping with the additional mental and physical health challenges caused by poverty it is the voluntary sector that is often working to help people cope.
Theme for Challenge Poverty Week 2023 – Dignity For All: a more hopeful future
The focus for Challenge Poverty 2023 is ensuring dignity and a more hopeful future for all.
