Challenge Poverty week ran from 5 to 11 October and aimed to bring together West Lothian's public and third sector for events aimed at supporting local low-income households.
Key themes throughout the week includes Social Security, Energy, Fair Work, Child Poverty, and Communities and Volunteering.
Among the activities was a Tenant Participation event at Strathbrock Partnership Centre in Broxburn. This saw staff from council services such as Housing and Anti-poverty joined by third sector partners at the West Lothian Food Network to offer free advice on issues such as rent arrears, benefits, discretionary housing payments, energy support and more to those who needed it.
Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick, who visited the event, said: "It's vital we do all we can to help low-income families in West Lothian get the support they need.
"I was delighted to see first-hand that our knowledgeable and friendly council staff, as well as those from our third sector partners, are available for free advice for anyone who needs it.
"A recent report from The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) estimated that one in five children is in poverty in Scotland and called for stronger action to tackle this. Levels of poverty in West Lothian are around the Scottish average, with a number of West Lothian areas ranked amongst the 15% most deprived in Scotland.
"It remains a significant challenge to address often-complex causes of poverty in West Lothian, and the council will continue to do everything we can to support families who are struggling."
West Lothian Council's Advice Shop offer a free, impartial and confidential service to help the people of West Lothian. This includes advice in key areas such as benefits, energy, money/debt and housing issues,
To contact them please visit www.westlothian.gov.uk/adviceshop, or call 01506 283 000.
