A Poverty Awareness training course was held during October for 14 front line workers, providing an opportunity for front line workers to discuss the issues surrounding poverty and how they can identify any gaps in service.

The session, held in the Fire Station, Stornoway, attracted participants from a variety of organisations including NHS, CnES, Befriending, Staran, HHP, Third Sector and Acres, and was facilitated by Mary Maclean, NHSWI Fas Fallain Manager, and Roddy Nicolson, Western Isles CAB.

Part of the morning was also spent exploring the referral pathways available to workers, which would ultimately benefit the most vulnerable in the community.

CnES Financial Inclusion Officers and a representative from the Tighean Innse Gall Gluasa Project spoke about their roles in targeting those in the community with the most need.  Mary MacLean also provided an overview of the Universal Referral Form, a tool allowing front line workers to signpost members of the community to relevant agencies.  Evaluation from the course indicated a desire for further training and in response to this, the training will be constantly updated and run on a regular basis.

For further information please contact Mary Maclean, Fas Fallain Manager, tel. 01851 762014 or email: marymaclean1@nhs.net