29/05/2026
It's been a long tough week at the foodbank, and we haven't had the chance to draw breath to reflect upon our second annual Tackling Poverty Conference where we brought together around 50 people from local organisations and community groups across the Scottish Borders.
The conference created a vital space for local partners to come together and talk openly about the lived experience of poverty, the pressures facing families and individuals, and the importance of working collectively to provide support. Attendees shared examples of what is already working well across Peeblesshire, the gaps in support, and explored how organisations can collaborate more closely to strengthen the help available to those who need it most.
We do not want to live in a society where foodbanks are needed, but this is the reality many communities face. We want people to feel the injustice of that and to join us in calling on government and policymakers to bring about meaningful change, longterm change. Our vision is for Peeblesshire to be a place where no one has to worry about putting the heating on, or how they are going to feed their children, or simply how they are going to get by for another week. We know our community is already well connected, but we want to deepen those connections so that no one falls through the cracks or feels they are facing poverty alone.
These are difficult times, and until lasting strategic action is taken, Peeblesshire Foodbank will continue to stand alongside our community. To build on the momentum of the conference, we are establishing a Tackling Poverty Working Group to continue the conversations, drive collaboration, and keep pushing for change.
Another clear message from the day was the scale and urgency of poverty in Peeblesshire, particularly with concerns that this winter could be one of the most challenging yet in terms of demand for support. Despite this, there was a strong sense of encouragement in the room. Attendees highlighted the passion, expertise and commitment of local people and partner organisations. Many reflected on the value of connecting with others in similar roles, sharing information more openly, and building stronger collaboration across the area.
Alongside meeting immediate needs, there was a shared understanding that more must be done to reduce stigma, challenge policy, and address the wider systemic causes of poverty. One attendee described it as the best conference they had ever attended, while many others said they felt hopeful again, a significant shift for those who have been feeling the strain and burnout of working in this sector.
Attendees:
Peeblesshire Foodbank, Social work – Scottish borders council, Dementia Friendly Tweeddale Community Support, Sustainable Borders Tweed Togs, are with You, Peebles Evangelical Church, Trussell, Eildon Housing, The Poverty Alliance, industries, Citizens Advice Scotland, Tweeddale Youth Action, Peebles and District Citizens Advice Bureau, Communities and Partnership Team Scottish Borders Council, Local Area Coordinator, St Andrew's Leckie Parish Eddleston Community Council, Whole Family Support Scottish Borders Council, SBHA HomeChoice, Peeblesshire Community Council, Whole Family Support, Peebles and District community council, Community Learning and Development, Community Support worker, Community Engagement Team, Home Basics, Employability Team Scottish Borders Council, Borders Community Action. Sadly none of our elected representatives were able to make it.
Massive shoutout to Jenna McCormick from our team who worked so hard to pull the event together so successfully and to Tara and the team from The Coffee Clubs for arranging the catering.
