Demi White, a Greenock mum, received vital support from Home-Start Inverclyde after losing her benefits, helping her family regain financial stability.
The couple lives in a private rental and had their benefits stopped. This left them unable to pay rent or feed their two young children.
They reached out to Home-Start Inverclyde for help. Support worker Suzanne O’Connor connected them with the right services.
Demi shared, “We were left without money for eight months. It was hard.” But things changed when they received support.
They got news just before Christmas that they would receive £3,000. Demi was shocked to learn she was entitled to £14,000.
“Home-Start Inverclyde changed our lives,” she said. The social justice secretary emphasized the need for authorities to support families like Demi’s.
Home-Start Inverclyde has been helping families for nearly ten years. They now have a team of 13 staff and 60 volunteers.
Lisa Carberry, the director, said they adapt their services to meet families’ needs. They provide one-on-one support and peer groups.
Funding for their projects is crucial. They work with various organizations to tackle child poverty in the area.
The local council is set to receive £2.4 million to continue these efforts. A recent report showed child poverty is decreasing in Scotland.
The project aims to help families improve their financial situations and job prospects. It’s about long-term support, not just crisis management.
Inverclyde has high child poverty rates, impacting many families. The council is committed to finding new ways to help.
The visit from the cabinet secretary highlighted the positive work being done in the community. Together, they aim to end child poverty in the area.
