Working for Change Collective
Description
The Working for Change Collective is an East Lothian group of people who meet together to share their stories, and make sure those with power in our communities listen and understand our experiences.
This conversation is for anyone who has ever had to go to bed early because they can't afford to put the heating on. Or has had to split a tin of beans over several days. Whether that happened years ago or yesterday, your story can make a difference to those who are currently having to make those hard choices.
Poverty is complicated and it affects everyone in different ways. By sharing how it affected you, we can help people in the Council, the NHS, and beyond, to make better informed decisions.
This is the online version of our in-person conversations. We welcome you to join in both. We meet in person every second Wednesday of the month at the Lighthouse in Prestonpans, or use the debate function below.
Additional information
Poverty is never a choice. Poverty is a human rights issue.
People have a right to an adequate standard of living, to feel included and able to participate in their community.
This community conversation will shape our response to poverty in East Lothian for years to come. We want to hear about the issues facing you and your community, and the actions that will have a real impact on your life.
We're hearing from real life people. This is a supportive space and we ask that you help us to maintain that respect and support.
Throughout 2023 East Lothian residents are invited to set the direction of the East Lothian Partnership's response to poverty. We want to know how poverty has affected you and your community. We want to know what actions can be taken by individuals, communities, charity organisations, and bigger services including East Lothian Council, NHS Lothian, and the Health and Social Care Partnership.
Some things we won't be able to debate - we can't make food free to all, for example, or introduce a Universal Basic Income. There are also things that we know we must do - employment is a reliable route out of poverty, and so we know we must continue to invest in employability support.
We are looking for new ways to work, and we would like the people of East Lothian to shape what this looks like.
- Until the 1st March, you can take part in debates on Consul.
- Join us every third Wednesday of the month at the Lighthouse in Prestonpans.
- You can comment directly on the new Poverty Plan once we have heard from East Lothian residents