The updates of the Poverty Truth Commission - a unique event where close to 400 people heard the stories of a dozen people ("Testifiers") from some of the poorest communities in Glasgow - are available on its blog (www.povertytruthcommission.blogspot.com). The Commission is currently focusing on 3 key issues: a supportive government policy for Kinship Carers; ways of freeing up neighbourhoods from the grip of violence, especially among the young and ensuring a voice for the poor - stories of hope, goodness and courage - in the national media.

At the Transformation Team we know of people who are keen to support community groups and churches to deliver the essential services they provide. So... if you have an activity or piece of work that requires assistance contact Margo (t: 0141 221 4576; e: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) and we'll do our best to connect you with someone with the appropriate skills.

Have you considered Timebank as a way of connecting with local people to encourage them to offer skills to the community?  Timebank operates like a bartering system whereby each skill has equal value and people volunteer their skill to help someone and this is awarded a ‘credit' which can be exchanged in the community to secure assistance. For example, someone does some gardening for a person and the gardener uses the credit for this service to have someone come and walk his dog! We can see the potential of this scheme as an opportunity to engage with local people who ordinarily wouldn't volunteer or ask for help. Consequently, We'd be keen to help a group set up a pilot in their area. If you'd like to have an initial conversation about Timebank, please contact Margo (t: 0141 221 4576; e: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

Credit Unions have criticised a UK-wide policy that will seek to collect levies - from banks, building societies and also credit unions - to help fund the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. The scheme was used to rescue five major UK banks that were close to bankruptcy recently. Credit unions, known for their social aims, have attacked the policy for being expected "to pay for the misdemeanours of these socially irresponsible banks" and have expressed their indignation at being unjustly penalised for the "unsustainable business practices of the major banks".