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.
Building on the report the group intend to create a manifesto ahead of the 2026 Scottish Elections. The manifesto will be written collaboratively with CFINE’s Lived Experience group, CFINE’s development team, and will be influenced by CFINE’s community of beneficiaries.
Why we want to do it
The Lived Experience Group has already identified key issues, but without a structured manifesto, and a clear method of presenting these issues to policymakers their voices risk being overlooked. A manifesto will ensure that those with decision making power are presented with concrete policy recommendations which reflect the realities faced by those who have experienced poverty.
Why we want to do it now
With the 2026 Scottish elections approaching, it is essential to translate these lived experiences into a clear policy agenda that can be presented to policymakers, inform political discourse, and drive meaningful change locally and nationally.
Why creating a Manifesto is important
- Influence Policy – Provides a structured platform for informing and engaging local and national policymakers.
- Raising Public Awareness and Support - Publishing a manifesto can attract media attention, gain community support, and lead to additional resources and partnerships.
- Empower Lived Experience Voices – Ensures those most affected by poverty contribute directly to policy discussions and decisions. This is a core part of CFINE’s ‘Community Development Principles’ and the process will support vulnerable individuals to engage with complex political structures.
- Strengthen CFINE’s Advocacy Efforts – Creating a manifesto based on the Lived Experiences of those affected by poverty will further enable CFINE to use its expertise in tackling poverty to influence and inform policymakers
Next Steps
Over the next several months, CFINE staff and the Lived Experience Group will work together to create a manifesto that addresses the key issues faced by people in poverty. This will involve hosting public events to gather input. The first of these events will focus on Food Poverty:
- 🗓️ Wednesday 30th April
- ⏰ 12-2:30pm
- 📍 2-4 Poynernook Road, Aberdeen, AB11 5RW
- 🍴 Lunch provided
How can you help?
- If you have any referrals or know individuals who may benefit from attending this event, please share their details with Sean at SMcVeigh@cfine.org, or encourage them to reach out directly.
- Share this blog post with your network!
- Attend! Join us on the 30th of April to share your thoughts and experiences.
Following theses events the group will meet to refine the recorded discussions into manifesto policies. The final manifesto will then be presented to politicians, local authorities, and third-sector organisations ahead of the 2026 Scottish elections.
