Challenge Poverty Week 2025: ending poverty in the Western Isles

Challenge Poverty Week returns this October (6th – 12th), with events taking place across Scotland to shine a spotlight on the issues affecting communities.

NHS Western Isles’ Public Health Department and Comhlaire nan Eilean Siar’s Adult Learning Department are hosting a drop-in partnership event to allow members of the public the opportunity to seek advice, access support and connect with a wide range of organisations.

The event will take place on Thursday 9th October between 12noon and 2pm in the Stornoway Town Hall, everyone is welcome to attend.

Challenge Poverty Week has grown into a nationwide movement since it’s launch in 2013. By sharing local experiences and amplifying voices across Scotland, this year’s campaign highlights that poverty is not inevitable – it can be solved.

This year’s theme is ‘Justice, Dignity and Hope’ – which underlines the urgent need for solutions that allow everyone to thrive, regardless of where they live.

In the Western Isles, households face various challenges, including:

• fuel poverty,
• affordable housing shortages,
• and limited access to essential services.

These pressures, combined with high living costs and transport barriers, place a significant strain on low-income families in our island communities.

Colum Durkan, Director of Public Health, NHS Western Isles, said: “NHS Western Isles is delighted to mark Challenge Poverty Week by working in partnership to host the Challenge Poverty event on 9 October. The rising cost of living has presented challenges to many people living in the Western Isles, making the event particularly important for the local community. I have no doubt the advice and initiatives on offer at the event will be a great help in challenging poverty in the Western Isles.”

Cllr Angus McCormack, Chair of the Outer Hebrides Community Planning Anti-Poverty Working Group, said: “Poverty in the Western Isles is a very serious problem, and it requires an approach unique to the islands. I would urge all members of the public to engage with Challenge Poverty Week and in particular, to visit the events at the Town Hall in Stornoway and elsewhere in the in the Western Isles.”

To find out more about Challenge Poverty Week, visit: https://www.povertyalliance.org/cpw/