West Lothian Council are appealing for local people to join their Anti-Poverty Strategy group.
Anyone with a history of living on a low-income is invited to come aboard and join their Experts by Experience Panel.
The council’s new strategy was announced in 2018 and in April of this year they announced their masterplan to tackle the issue focusing on three main areas; income from employment, cost of living and income from social security and benefits in kind.
The Experts by Experience Panel was established to ensure that those with a lived experience of living on a low income have their voices heard.
West Lothian Council’s Anti-poverty and welfare advice manager, Elaine Nisbet said: “We’re looking for volunteers to join the panel who will be able to share their own experiences to help us make sure that actions taken will make a difference and help those who need it most.
“If you, or someone you know, has experience of living on a low income, and you would like to be involved, please contact the Advice Shop.”
The volunteers on the Panel come from across West Lothian and meet monthly to consider various aspects of current and future planned delivery.
They have already given their views, ideas and suggestions on the Food Growing Strategy, Respectful Funeral Fund, Period Poverty and Holiday Hunger projects.
Volunteers are paid their expenses, given opportunities to attend events, undertake training and become involved in a range of activities.
Volunteers have commented: “I was pleased to volunteer. I have considerable experience in community development; therefore I am pleased to share these experiences for the benefit of residents of West Lothian.”
“I joined the panel so I could increase my knowledge and help improve what is on offer to low income families.”
“I joined to help others and to help make a difference to the people of West
Lothian.”
If you would like to be involved, please contact the Advice Shop on 01506 283000 (option4) or e-mail welfarereformteam@westlothian.gov.uk.
