Challenge Poverty Week is an annual campaign highlighting the injustice of poverty and promoting collective action for a fairer society. It is coordinated by the Poverty Alliance in Scotland and by Church Action on Poverty in England and Wales.
Community Money Advice, Launceston, hosted a successful community coffee morning this week, bringing contacts together to mark Challenge Poverty Week and break the stigma surrounding financial hardship.
Held on Tuesday the 13th of October, at their office at Sheers Barton Barns, Lawhitton, it focused on raising awareness and building connections with other organisations and local resources. Attendees shared coffee, homemade cake and conversations surrounding local poverty and the challenges that winter will bring.
Local attendees included Cornwall Councillor Damon Dennis, Launceston Mayor Cllr Nicola Gilbert, Social Prescriber Katie Haynes and Paul Chidley, Director of Kernow Financial Planning, all of whom were invited by Sarah Vinson, Centre Manager for CMA Launceston and her team of volunteers.
Sarah said “We see the challenges presented to local families, daily, as we support them whilst they battle debt and poverty. This is a global issue, but we are working with those in crisis at a local level. Work must continue, to ensure local services can best support families in need. This has been a brilliant morning for discussion and building more solid community relationships.”
Office Administrator, Gemma Massey expressed “This was a brilliant opportunity to bring together our volunteers, who give their time to our community, and those in a position of power, who can act as a voice on our behalf at more regional and national levels. It was great to see some new faces at our offices today.”
For more information about Community Money Advice’s ongoing initiatives or to find local support resources, please visit www.launcestonmoney.co.uk or contact 01566 770407
