CFINE is passionate about hearing people’s voices on the issues that affect them. We believe that the voices of those most affected by challenges, such as the cost-of-living crisis, are integral to finding solutions.
"Listening and acting on the voices of those with lived experience of poverty is crucial in developing truly effective national and local policy. CFINE’s values are rooted in community development principles, including that those most affected by issues should be involved in finding solutions to them. Each of CFINE’s services have been developed based on feedback from disadvantaged, vulnerable individuals, families, and communities. In an increasingly polarised world, it’s essential that policy-makers and other stakeholders learn from, and take action to support, those with lived experience. If we don’t, there are major risks in generating policy which has a minimal, or even a negative effect on people experiencing poverty." - Graeme Robbie, Depute Chief Executive
In line with this thinking in April 2023, CFINE convened a group of residents with lived experience of food poverty/food insecurity. This was agreed following Food Poverty Action Aberdeen’s (FPAA) publication of its refreshed Action Plan.
The group has developed via participants’ feedback and their shared experiences has culminated in a report, co-produced with CFINE development staff, aimed at informing FPAA, Aberdeen City Council (ACC), The Scottish Government, and other key stakeholders. The report can be read here.
The Group's most recent project has been to write a manifesto ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliamentary Elections. The manifesto was written collaboratively with CFINE’s Lived Experience group, CFINE’s development team, and was influenced by CFINE’s community of beneficiaries. You can read 'Our Manifesto' via the link above.
The manifesto sets out a vision for a Scotland where:
- No one falls below a set standard of living,
- Everyone has access to essential services, and
- Communities have a genuine say in the decisions that affect them.
To amplify these voices and strengthen the call for action, we’ve written a Letter of Support that individuals, community groups, and organisations can sign. You can read and sign the statement here:
👉 Support and sign CFINE's Lived Experience Manifesto – Fill in form
Every signature helps to show that this vision for Scotland has wide and meaningful support.
We encourage you to share this statement and the Lived Experience Manifesto with colleagues, organisations, and community members who share these values.
By standing together, we can make sure that lived experience continues to shape real and lasting change across our communities.
