Aberdeen City Council’s Anti-Poverty & Inequality Committee and Community Planning Aberdeen’s Anti-Poverty Group are calling on residents, businesses and the third sector to join them in supporting Challenge Poverty Week, which runs from Monday 6 October to Sunday 12 October 2025.
Challenge Poverty Week, coordinated by the Poverty Alliance, is a Scotland-wide campaign that challenges the stigma and discrimination often associated with poverty, and encourages a unified voice against the injustice of poverty.
Councillor Christian Allard, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council, and the Chair of the Community Planning Aberdeen Board, said: “Challenge Poverty Week is an important opportunity to showcase the ongoing anti-poverty initiatives in
Aberdeen and to encourage coordinated action to reduce stigma and improve the lives of those affected by poverty. By working in partnership, we can amplify the voices of those with lived experience and drive meaningful change across Aberdeen.”
Councillor Desmond Buchanan, vice- convener, of the Anti-Poverty and Inequality Committee, said: “We encourage everyone – residents, businesses and organisations – to get involved in Challenge Poverty Week. Together, we can challenge stigma, support those in need, and build a more compassionate and just Aberdeen for all.”
According to the latest data from the End Child Poverty Coalition and the Centre for Research in Social Policy at Loughborough University, in 2023/24, an estimated 7,825 (19.1%) children in Aberdeen were living in poverty (after housing costs).
On Monday 6 October, to mark the start of Challenge Poverty Week, Marischal College will be illuminated in pink and blue in a show of solidarity. Other events that will take place during the week:
Jobs Fair
- Date: Tuesday 7 October
- Time: 10am-3pm
- Location: Aberdeen Foyer, Marywell Centre, Marywell Street, AB11 6JF
Admission: Free
In partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Aberdeen Foyer will host a jobs fair to connect local people with employers, training, and support services, with a focus on supporting those furthest from the job market. To find out more, please go to: https://www.aberdeenfoyer.com
Money - how to ask the questions
- Date: Tuesday 7 October
- Time: 12.30pm - 1.30pm
- Location: online - to register for this event, please go to Eventbrite
- Admission: Free
ACVO will host an online session for service providers, featuring speakers from the Independent Food Aid Network and ACVO, to help staff support people struggling with money and signpost them to the right help. To find out more, please go to: www.acvo.org.uk/events
Empower Aberdeen
- Date: Wednesday 8 October
- Time: 10am-2pm
- Location: Music Hall, Union Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1QS
- Admission: Free
Scarf will host Empower Aberdeen, a free community drop-in event bringing together 60 local charities, services and support organisations under one roof. It is a chance for residents to discover help available across the city, and for organisations to connect and strengthen the support network that improves lives in Aberdeen. To find out more, please click here.
Challenge Poverty Week Aberdeen: film and presentation event
- Date: Friday 10 October
- Time: 10am - 12.30pm
Location: Cowdray Hall, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, AB10 1JQ - Admission: Free
Hosted by Fairer Aberdeen Fund partners, this event will raise awareness of the lived experience of poverty and inequality of Aberdeen, featuring films, presentations, panel discussions, and group sessions. To attend, please visit the Eventbrite page https://faf-cpw25.eventbrite.com/
Tillydrone Information Day
- Date: Saturday 11 October
- Time: 11am-2pm
- Location: Tillydrone Community Campus, 52 Hayton Road, Aberdeen, AB24 2UY
- Admission: Free
A local information day to connect residents with support and information on debt advice, employment support and mental health. Fun activities for children and free soup and sandwiches will be available at the event.
For more information about Challenge Poverty Week and how to get involved, visit the Poverty Alliance website or go to Community Planning Aberdeen or follow Aberdeen City Council’s social media channels.