![EDINBURGH, UK - 4th October 2018: Scottish MSP's show their support for Challenge Poverty Week. A debate will take place in parliament highlighting the problem of poverty in Scotland and comes as new figures published on Tuesday showed that one in four children are locked in poverty. (Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY)
Full press release below.
Poverty Alliance news release
For immediate use: Thursday 4th October
Photo to follow at 1.30pm
Party leaders unite to challenge poverty
Today at the Scottish Parliament leaders of all the political parties represented in Holyrood will join forces to highlight the problem of poverty in Scotland and showcase the solutions we can all get behind to solve it. Leaders will unite for a photocall ahead of a debate in Parliament on the solutions to tackling poverty.[1]
The debate is part of ScotlandÕs biggest ever Challenge Poverty Week. From upcycling classes and family fun days to workshops on innovative alternatives to food banks, more than 100 events are happening this week. Academics, leading NGOs, churches, community groups, schools and leaders of all the major political parties are among those to show their support for the campaign.
NHS Health Scotland, Shelter, NSPCC Scotland, Close the Gap, Refugee Survival Trust, The Church of Scotland and Citizens Advice Scotland are among those joining forces to highlight the grip poverty has on peopleÕs lives and the policies we need to solve the problem.
It comes as new figures published on Tuesday showed that one in four children are locked in poverty and that the majority of these children are in families where someone is disabled or parents are finding it difficult to juggle work and childcare. [2]
Peter Kelly, Director of the Poverty Alliance said:
ÒIn our society we believe in doing the right thing. And yet, weÕre letting increasing numbers of people get swept up in the rising tide of poverty.
ÒAll across Scotland people from all walks of life are coming together to](https://www.povertyalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Peter-square-circle.jpg "Scottish Party leaders unite to challenge poverty.")
Peter Kelly
Director
Peter joined the Poverty Alliance as Policy Manager in 2002, becoming Director in 2004. He is responsible for the overall day-to-day management of the organisation, ensuring that the Alliance is delivering the objectives set by the board and members. Peter also represents the Alliance in a variety of forums and networks, including Scottish Drugs Forum and the Living Wage Foundation’s Advisory Council. He was Vice President of the European Anti-Poverty Network from 2012 to 2018. Peter is also Company Secretary on the Board of the Alliance.
Before joining the Alliance he worked at the Scottish Low Pay Unit, helping to campaign for the introduction of the National Minimum Wage.
Email: peter.kelly@povertyalliance.org
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