Monday 5 to Sunday 11 October 2026
Challenge Poverty Week 2026
Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, without being held back by financial pressures.
Challenge Poverty Week brings people together to raise awareness of the lived experience of poverty, challenge stigma and work towards a more just and equal Scotland.
Throughout the week, the Student Association, College teams and local organisations will share practical advice and highlight the support available to you.
What’s happening?
Our programme is still developing, so please check back for confirmed times, locations and activities.
Monday
Meet Scotwest Credit Union and learn more about saving, borrowing and managing your money.
Tuesday
Visit the Student Association stall for information about energy support and community grants.
Wednesday
Skills Development Scotland will have a Fair Work Day display outside their office.
Find out more about Fair Work principles, where to get support if you have a concern, and the training and development opportunities available through Scottish Apprenticeships and My World of Work.
Thursday
Meet The Holywood Trust and discover affordable meal ideas, food support and other sources of help.
Friday
Meet DAGCAS and other invited local organisations offering advice and support.
Who can I talk to?
If money, housing, wellbeing or another worry is affecting you or your studies, speak to a Student Adviser.
They can listen, help you explore your options and connect you with the right support. You do not need to know exactly what help you need before getting in touch.
- Dumfries Campus: The Point, behind Reception
- Stranraer Campus: Room G35A
- Email: studentadviser@dumgal.ac.uk
Food support at College
Free breakfast
All students can enjoy a free breakfast during term time.
- Dumfries: Monday – Friday, @ 8.15am – 10.15am
- Stranraer: Monday – Friday, @ 9am – 10am
Free soup and a roll
Available to all students from 12pm during term time.
- Dumfries: Monday – Friday
- Stranraer: Monday – Thursday
Student Foodbank
If you are struggling with the cost of food, you can use the Student Foodbank free of charge. You do not need a referral—simply visit and take what you need.
- Dumfries: Student Association Hub on the mezzanine level (between the cafeteria stairs and the Learning zone)
- Stranraer: Student Association Office
Affordable meal ideas
Looking for a little inspiration? Explore simple recipes and videos covering quick meals, batch cooking, microwave-only recipes and ideas requiring no cooking facilities.
Watch on YouTube
About these videos
These videos were created by external content creators and are shared as a useful starting point. Ingredients, availability and prices may vary, and prices shown may no longer be accurate.
More affordable recipes
Browse these websites for more quick, affordable and student-friendly meal ideas.
Student recipes
Simple meal ideas designed for student life, including easy dinners, snacks and recipes suitable for sharing.
Quick budget dinners
Affordable dinner inspiration for busy days, with plenty of straightforward recipes to choose from.
Microwave mug meals
Five quick meals made in a microwave-safe mug, with minimal equipment and very little washing up.
Student meal ideas
A varied collection of student-friendly dishes, from quick pasta and noodle meals to traybakes and sharing recipes.
Student survival recipes
Ten practical recipe ideas to help make everyday student cooking simpler and more varied.
Jack Monroe recipes
Explore recipes from food writer Jack Monroe, known for creating meals on a very tight budget.
Find out more
Challenge Poverty Week is coordinated by the Poverty Alliance, Scotland’s anti-poverty network. It brings organisations and communities together to raise their voices against poverty and build support for lasting change.
