Date Added: 10 March 2009 | Category: GeneralAn event focusing on raising awareness of sources of support available to local people to help alleviate poverty.
How To Tackle Poverty? - sources of support available in relation to Money Matters, Food Poverty, Affordable Warmth and Essential Skills were identified and explored in an all day event at Ballyearl Arts Centre in Newtownabbey on 5 March.
The event was organised by the Northern Investing for Health Partnership members, including Newtownabbey Borough Council and a range of other partners from the statutory, community and voluntary sectors, who worked collaboratively to develop this comprehensive anti-poverty programme.
The event was primarily developed to increase the understanding, skills and knowledge of frontline staff who regularly come into contact with people at risk of or living in poverty to enable them to signpost clients to sources of information and support available to help alleviate the effects of poverty.
Welcoming delegates to the event Alderman Victor Robinson, Mayor of Newtownabbey, said:
“I am delighted that Newtownabbey has been chosen to pilot this timely initiative. The Council is committed to delivering the Investing for Health Strategy at a local level and this event builds on what the Council has already achieved with its Investing for Health partners.”
Representatives from the Citizens Advice Bureau; the Northern Ireland Housing Executive; the Northern Health and Social Care Trust; the North Eastern Education and Library Board; North Antrim Community Network; the Northern Ireland Anti-Poverty Network; the Northern Health and Social Services Board; the Education Guidance Service for Adults; and the Northern Neighbourhoods Health Action Zone, worked collaboratively to develop an extensive programme that will equip frontline staff, across a range of sectors, with the information and knowledge to support some of their most vulnerable clients living in poverty.
The event provided delegates with a broad range of information on sources of support and guidance available in relation four areas that can significantly impact on their clients health and well being - Money Matters, Food Poverty, Affordable Warmth and Essential Skills. Speaking about the event, Elaine O’Doherty, Northern Investing for Health Partnership Manager, said:
“One of the main benefits from today’s event is that people at risk of slipping into poverty can be helped to help themselves improve their situation. For example, they can get information on who can advise them about getting all the benefits they may be eligible for; who can help them have healthier, better value food or improved home heating. To achieve this, we are looking to our delegates, who mainly come from Northern Investing for Health Partnership organisations, to be signposters, using the information provided today, by sharing it with their at risk clients and directing them to support services. Their role is crucial. It’s about lots of people and organisations pulling together to tackle a big problem. This is partnership working in action.”
Initially piloted in Newtownabbey Borough Council area, subject to evaluation, it is anticipated that the model developed through this event may be rolled out across the Northern area.