Working in partnership with LOIP subgroup, Motherwell Health Improvement team arranged an event at Maranatha Centre during Challenge Poverty Week, a national campaign that raises awareness of poverty, challenges its injustice, and highlights the need for collective action. A targeted location was chosen for the event, to bring support services to a local foodbank which takes place at same time in same building.10 partner organisations were in attendance to provide advice, including- The Wise Group, Community Learning & Development, NL Disability Forum, Routes to Work, Citizen’s Advice, Tackling Poverty Team, Sum It Up, NLC Period Dignity team, Community Action Newarthill and NHS Lanarkshire Health Improvement Team. The event was open to all and offered free teas, coffees, and a warm, welcoming space for conversation and support. Local Asda community champion donated fruit which was also available for attendees to take home.  

• 30 people attended the event 

• 5 pre-registrations received for Routes to Work 

• 5 referrals to Citizen’s Advice Bureau  

• 3 referrals to Tackling Poverty Team for benefit checks  

• Also important networking between staff at event including exploring new referral routes between services and arranging further outreach work  

• Partners have been asked to anonymously follow referrals made from the event to create case studies and measure impact