International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
Today (Friday 17 October) is International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
This day reminds us that poverty is not only about money. It’s also about fairness, dignity, and having a voice.
The United Nations theme for 2025 is:
Ending social and institutional maltreatment: ensuring respect and effective support for families.
It calls on everyone to:
- Treat people with respect
- Listen to lived experiences
- And build systems that support families instead of creating barriers
You can read more on the UN website.
Poverty is not only a global challenge. It’s here in our own city. Every day, families in Glasgow face tough choices about food, housing, and heating. That’s why we work with partners to reduce poverty and improve wellbeing across our communities.
Earlier this month, Scotland marked Challenge Poverty Week. In recognition of the week, colleagues joined poverty awareness sessions. Joan McDonald and Ann Logan from the Financial Inclusion Team at Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership led the sessions at the Mitchell Library.
The sessions explored how poverty affects people’s lives in different ways. They also showed how local services and partnerships, like ours with HSCP, make a real difference across Glasgow.
Staff feedback was very positive:
“A great and thorough refresher. I particularly liked the interactive aspects and hearing from the delegates.”
“I found the use of language very helpful.”
A big thank you to Joan, Ann, and everyone who took part.
Together, we can:
- Treat everyone with dignity and respect
- Design services that help, not hinder
- Listen to lived experience and act on what we learn
Our partnership work and community programmes show what’s possible when we stand together to support people and families.
Learn more and take action
If you want to learn more, here are some helpful links and resources: