A powerful new photography exhibition showing the real impact of rural poverty and high living costs is to be launched in Argyll.
The Taking Action on Rural Poverty (TARP) Photostory exhibition will be launched at Dunoon Burgh Hall on Tuesday August 11.
Created with local people who have lived experience of low incomes and rural costs, the exhibition uses images and personal stories to show how everyday essentials like transport, food, heating, childcare, social care and health care can cost more in rural and island communities.
One of the creators, Roxy Malik of Dalavich, used her photostory to talk about the support on offer at The Snowdrop Centre in Lochgilphead.
She said: “Taking part gave me confidence to share my experiences through photography, helping my voice to be seen, heard, valued and showing the importance of connections”.
Jane Paterson, of Oban, said: ” I think that the part of the process I appreciated was the way the storyboards shared our individual experiences directly, and connected people to the policy making process.”
The Dunoon event will also see the launch of a new report showing how local charity ALIenergy helped households get practical benefit from home energy work designed to lower bills and keep homes warmer.
The report, developed through TARP’s test of change work, highlights the importance of making sure people have the right support and information to benefit from improvements such as renewable heating, insulation, solar panels and new energy tariffs.
David Reilly, Communities & Networks Manager at the Poverty Alliance, said: “The photographs and stories in this exhibition show what rural poverty really means for people in Argyll & Bute. Behind beautiful landscapes, too many households are facing higher costs, fewer choices and difficult decisions about essentials.
“The launch in Dunoon is a chance to hear directly from local experience, to recognise the strength and insight of people who have taken part, and to show how practical action can make a difference.
The new ALIenergy report is an important example of that, showing how tailored support can help people feel warmer at home and get more value from energy improvements.”
Lynda Mitchell, Chief Executive of ALIenergy, said: “People in Argyll & Bute need help to get the most out of the support on offer to switch to clean energy and keep their homes warm. We were delighted to work with the Poverty Alliance so better information and practical support reaches the people who need it.”
The TARP project, funded by The Robertson Trust, has worked with people in Argyll & Bute and Aberdeenshire to explore the rural poverty premium — the extra costs faced by people with low incomes because of where they live.
The Dunoon launch is open to local partners, community organisations and members of the public interested in tackling rural poverty and supporting fairer access to warm homes, affordable transport and essential services.
