NHS Lanarkshire supported Challenge Poverty Week which fell in October.

The annual awareness raising campaign aims to remind people that poverty exists in Scotland and affects us all.

NHS Lanarkshire chair Neena Mahal used the opportunity to sign a ‘Stick Your Labels’ pledge which challenges negative perceptions, attitudes and behaviours towards people in poverty.

Neena said: “The campaign was about encouraging us all not to accept the stigmatising language used to describe poverty and those who live on low incomes.

“And as chair of NHS Lanarkshire, I was more than happy to give this commitment.

“Attitudes matter. The way we talk about poverty and those affected by it can make a difference.”

Gabe Docherty interim director of public health, who oversaw the campaign in NHS Lanarkshire, said: “We were delighted to support the campaign and raise awareness among our own staff encouraging them not to pass judgement on those in poverty.

“This included sharing myth busting information and personal testimonies from people who have and still do experience poverty.”

Challenge Poverty Week was organised by the Poverty Alliance and  aimed to:

• Highlight the reality of poverty and challenge the stereotypes that exist about it;
• Demonstrate what is being done across Scotland to address poverty
• Increase public support for more action to solve poverty.

For more on the campaign visit: www.povertyalliance.org/challenge_poverty