Cash First Project
The Cash First approach forms part of the Scottish Government’s response to financial hardship and their aim to reduce the need for emergency food provision.
Cash First in Aberdeen
Discover how the Cash First project is being implemented in Aberdeen City by ACVO TSI.
Resources
Take a look at these Cash First resources as well as further reading about the project.
Contact
Find out how you can get in touch if you have any questions about the Cash First project or network.
What is Cash First?
Cash First is a test of change to understand how financial support can replace emergency food provision across Scotland.
The aim is to create more dignified solutions to crisis support by providing people with immediate access to financial grants; giving the recipient choice in what they spend the cash payments on, depending on their priorities at that time.
The Scottish Government’s ambition is for a Scotland without the need for food banks. A Scotland where everyone has sufficient money to access the essentials they need with dignity and choice.
The Scottish Government pilot – Cash-First: Towards Ending the Need for Food Banks in Scotland – sets out a human rights approach to tackling food insecurity.
What is the Aberdeen Cash First project?
ACVO will co-design the Cash First project alongside partner organisations with the aim of breaking the cycle of repeated financial crises.
There are hopes that the project will also reduce reliance on food banks within Aberdeen City, positioning them as a last resort for emergency help.
A high proportion of those accessing emergency food banks within Aberdeen City are single males from the age of 18 to 45 – with a number of those from the demographic facing repeat crises when in receipt of Universal Credit.
The Aberdeen Cash First project will focus on this demographic by establishing a flexible crisis fund to those facing financial emergency. The crisis fund will offer flexible options via vouchers, cash payments or direct payments.
The project will also focus on improving access to financial advice and holistic support opportunities available.
This will be done by streamlining co-ordination and sharing of information between services to strengthen cross-referral partnerships.
There will be involvement of people with lived experience to identify barriers to accessing support and to establish the parameters of the flexible crisis fund.
Resources
Take a look at some handy resources below, including further help if you are struggling financially or if you want to find out more about Cash First.
Worrying about money?
Advice and support is available if you’re struggling to make ends meet via the Independent Food Aid Network.
Cash First Plan
Read the Scottish Government’s Cash First Plan, presenting the long-term ambition for a Scotland without the need for food banks.
A Cash First Future
Explore resources linked to the ‘A Cash First Future’ conference held in Glasgow, March 2023 by IFAN and the Trussell Trust.
Get in touch
Please contact Amy Duncan, Cash First Network Coordinator at ACVO, with any questions you may have about the project.
