The Anti-Poverty Group has developed a dedicated webpage to highlight support that is available and has also recently allocated funding through the Scottish Government’s Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund (ICCEF) to help partners deliver more direct support locally, to those in need.

Funding has been awarded to Tighean Innse Gall, Hebridean Housing Partnership and Western Isles Citizens Advice Service to assist with fuel and food bills, and additional support has been provided to the Foodbank operated at Stornoway Golf Club, that will allow for service provision to be available over the Winter period.

Tagsa Uibhist will now also be able to provide an increased service of home-grown free meals, through their Biadh Blasta Uibhist project, and families registered to receive free school meals will be in receipt of additional support through the school holiday period.

The Chairs of the OHCPP and its Anti-Poverty Sub-group have also written to Scottish and UK Government strongly urging them to reconsider their position on the withdrawal of the Universal Winter Fuel Payments.

Comhairle leader, and chair of the OHCPP, Councillor Paul Steele, said: “The current costs of living are already having a disproportionately high impact on island communities such as the Outer Hebrides and this decision will have detrimental consequences on our older population who are more acutely affected by the inter-related drivers of poverty”

The OHCPP Anti-Poverty Group and its collective of local public, private, community and third sector partners, would strongly urge those aged 65 and over to check their eligibility for the Pension Credits scheme before 21st December 2024 to entitle them to receive the Winter Fuel Payment, this year.  Friends and family members are also encouraged to help, by reaching out to those at risk of being in need, to ensure they can access support.

Councillor Angus McCormack, chair of the OHCPP Anti-Poverty Group, added: “There is so much good work and support available within our Communities, but unfortunately it is those most in need who struggle to access it.  Through this Campaign, we hope to raise awareness of the help that is available and how to access it, but also to encourage everyone within our Communities to more actively play a part by reaching out to those who are isolated, and in need, over this Winter period and providing help.”