AN organisation based in Launceston has done its bit to help tackle financial inequality as part of Challenge Poverty Week.

Each year, Challenge Poverty Week seeks to highlight the injustice of poverty and promoting collective action for a fairer society. It is coordinated by the Poverty Alliance in Scotland and by Church Action on Poverty in England and Wales.

In Cornwall, Community Money Advice Launceston, played its part in highlighting the struggles which are experienced by those in our communities daily.

The organisation, which supports residents through financial troubles for free, hosted a successful community coffee morning on October 13, bringing contacts together to mark the occasion and break the stigma surrounding financial hardship.

Hosted at its office at Sheers Barton Barns, Lawhitton, the meeting focused on raising awareness and building connections with other organisations and local resources. Attendees shared coffee, homemade cake and conversations surrounding local poverty and the challenges that winter will bring.

The morning saw a number of local figures in attendance, each hoping to play their part in tackling these issues, among them were Cornwall councillor Damon Dennis, Launceston mayor Cllr Nicola Gilbert, social prescriber Katie Haynes and Paul Chidley, director of Kernow Financial Planning.

Sarah Vinson, centre manager for CMA Launceston, said: “We see the challenges presented to local families, daily, as we support them whilst they battle debt and poverty. This is a global issue, but we are working with those in crisis at a local level. Work must continue, to ensure local services can best support families in need. This has been a brilliant morning for discussion and building more solid community relationships.”

Office administrator, Gemma Massey added: “This was a brilliant opportunity to bring together our volunteers, who give their time to our community, and those in a position of power, who can act as a voice on our behalf more regional and national levels. It was great to see some new faces at our offices today.”