Launched in 2013, the annual event takes place from today, Monday 5 October, to Sunday 11 October.

It is an opportunity to highlight the injustice of poverty, and for organisations to signal the action they are taking to promote a more just and equal Scotland.

A free Period Positive event with the social enterprise Hey Girls will be hosted at East Kilbride Central Library on Tuesday 6 October from 2.30pm - 3.30pm.  The workshop will include period product testing and an open group discussion on period problems, language, and period poverty.

The Financial Inclusion Network (FIN) is hosting a networking event on Thursday 8 October from 2pm to 4pm in South Lanarkshire Lifestyles Carluke, Carnwath. This will include a presentation from the MMAS covering unclaimed benefits and the importance of having benefit checks.  An overview of fuel poverty will also be delivered.

In addition to council activities, South Lanarkshire’s Community Planning Partnership is co-ordinating a calendar of free events and activities. There are approximately 90 events for local residents of all ages over the period from 5 to 11 October. More details are available on the Community Planning Partnership website.

Chair of the council’s Finance and Corporate Resources Committee, Councillor Mo Razzaq, said: “We know that times are hard and are only getting harder for a number of people across the council area.

“Challenge Poverty Week allows us to focus on the supports that are already out there and to signpost people to help that they perhaps didn’t know was there for them.

“Our Benefits and Revenue team has contacted thousands of customers who may be entitled to Council Tax Reduction or Discretionary Housing Payments, or both.

“Council staff will also be asked to contribute to local food bank collections by donating what they can at our council HQ in Hamilton.”

Online resources are available on the council website, offering help, support and guidance regarding finances and wellbeing.