FINDING UN-MET NEED AND MEETING IT

If someone can’t afford food, they likely can’t afford something to cook it on, to refrigerate it, to eat it on or to eat with. 

If someone can’t find a home to call their own, they likely can’t afford the luxury of a good night’s sleep in their own bed.

I have made clear before my thoughts that Welfare Reform and benefit cuts are inextricably linked to the surging use of food banks in the UK, with my particular concern of course being Scotland. As well the leap in sanctions being given out unjustifiably - driving more and more people into destitution. 

It has been in the news pretty consistently for the last few weeks that 1 million people and counting in the UK have used Trussell Trust food banks in the past year – almost treble the amount from the previous year. This news comes as we are being told that 1 in 5 children in Scotland live in poverty, with some of the worst of the stats being pinned to the Highlands. In my mind, it is no coincidence that this demoralising picture is painted alongside huge cuts being made to benefits and a sharp spike being seen in the dealing out of benefit sanctions by the job centre. It was reported recently by the Citizen’s Advice Bureau that they’ve seen a 60% rise in people seeking advice as a result of this.

The CAB offer free, impartial advice to an increasing number of people

The chief executive of CAB, Gillian Guy, relates this to the rise in sanctions:

 "The minimum four-week sanction is setting people up to fail and creating a barrier which can stop them from looking for work. Four weeks is a long time to go without money to get by and people are struggling to make ends meet.

"The success rate of sanction appeals reveals a culture of 'sanction first and ask questions later'. This is not only ineffective and a huge waste of money but also has a devastating effect on thousands of people's lives.

"To date, work programme contractors have been responsible for twice as many sanctions on the people referred to them as they have successfully helped people find work. Combined with CAB's latest figures this paints the strongest picture yet that the system is not working as it should."

To me this all suggests that there is a major part of our society whose needs are not being met by the current measures in place by the UK government to counteract poverty and to get people into work. But we didn’t need statistics to shine a light on this. 

A huge driving force behind our work at New Start Highland is identifying un-met need and specifically hidden poverty and hidden homelessness the area. If you live in Inverness, it’s true you’re unlikely to see anywhere close to the numbers of people on the street and in alleyways of the bigger cities with no home to go back to. This might suggest that homelessness and poverty isn’t a problem. But it is, although one that is swept away from public view. 

What about families stuck in temporary accommodation? Or sheltered housing? Often living with many others in the same situation, and often for much longer than they would care too. For whom benefit cuts, sanctions and unemployment just provide extra barriers to living the life many of us take for granted. Then there are those who are facing hardship but are unsure where to turn or that don’t fit into a specific bracket where help is available. This is what we see as un-met need and a huge part of identifying this un-met need is in linking with other organisations in the area who might be in a better place to encounter it. It is crucial that we seek as many opportunities as we can to address this need, and ensure better outcomes for all people who use our services. 

New Start Highland is a promising solution to poverty in the area, but in this day and age, we still need to help forge routes toward that solution.  Just last week in fact, we have opened our doors to representatives from the community including charity and church workers who may see poverty first hand. We put on a tour and info session for representatives here at New Start Highland to see how we could work with these people. In particular, to refer people in need of furniture, electrical and essential items i.e something to eat with, sleep on, sit on or cook with.These are things that many of us take for granted but for many something that cannot be afforded or accessed elsewhere. It is hoped that as a result, more people can find the support that is available in the face of the issues that are presenting themselves as a result of welfare cuts, and for which a real need is apparent. 

While the reasons behind towering poverty statistics run deeper than what charity can do, to work well charities must be innovative and shift to match the political landscape. We are more than a charity; New Start Highland is a very dynamic social enterprise. In the 14 years since our inception, we have done fantastic things for thousands of people, and supported people into becoming their own solution to the problems they face, and stop themselves from falling into a cycle of poverty. However, where a need exists for basic measures to stem poverty, we are still equipped to help.  It is to present ourselves as the solution – not just to their immediate needs, but to a fuller, happier life that is always going to be our focus. 

So consider that where someone can’t afford food and is forced to use a food bank, and while this is sad and shocking– it also suggests that there are likely a whole host of issues that face them, head on, waiting to manifest themselves as poverty.

For more information on New Start Highland and what we do, please visit:
www.newstarthighland.org
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