Category

• Fully Validated Effective Local Practice

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Poverty impact

• Mitigation

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Poverty driver

• Provide benefit in-kind (material)

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Keywords

• Cash

Summary

The Cash-First Project initiative adopts a multi-agency approach in the fight against poverty, improving service access and sustainable routes out of poverty for residents of Aberdeen. The Cash First Project is a third sector initiative and is part of Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations (AVCO). The Project offers immediate financial grants to people who are struggling to afford necessities due to costs associated with rising living costs. The Project is funded by the Scottish Government and aims to promote service users’ self-sufficiency, and to end over reliance on foodbanks.

What difference does it make?

The Project has helped to reduce over- reliance on foodbanks for 92% of The Cash First Project users.
• The Project has helped service users receive tailored support and streamline service delivery and wrap around support provision.
• Funding received by the Project was used to help aid service users in financial crisis and aid individuals into finding sustainable employment.
The Project has helped to mitigate the risk of homelessness amongst some service users.
• Transport barriers have been mitigated though an increase in finances.
• Helped to reduce debt burden.
• Increased access to further education, training and employment.
• Improved family wellbeing and household income.

Key take-aways

• Instead of focusing on a single aspect of poverty (i.e., food poverty, fuel poverty), there should be a holistic approach.
• With the right approach you can help build rapport and trust between service providers and service users.
• Service users feel more understood which aids longer term outcomes rather than short term solutions.

 

Organisations

ACVO partners. ACVO. Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations (ACVO).

Location

Aberdeen (throughout).

Contact