Cost of Living Crisis support

Other resources

There are a number of organisations that offer free advice and support on a variety of issues.

Debt and financial support

  • The NHS Borders Money Worries App is free and contains a directory of support available both nationally and locally. It covers a range of issues such as debt, energy saving, housing and health. Search for NHS Borders Money Worries App on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or download directly for Android or Apple devices. 
  • Citizens Advice Bureau can help with income maximisation and advice on bills, as well as a range of other issues.
  • The Scottish Government has dedicated webpages with advice on debt and money worries. 
  • Every year hundreds of millions of pounds in vital financial support go unclaimed by older people in Scotland. Age Scotland has launched the “Check in, Cash out” campaign to raise awareness and increase take-up of this support.

Health and wellbeing support

  • NHS Borders has a number of services in the region which provide health and well being support.
  • The Scottish Government has published specific advice on health and wellbeing.
  • Young Scot provides a range of information and advice.
  • The Domestic Abuse Advocacy Support  (DAAS) service provides support for anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse. This can include financial control where victims have no control over, access to or use of income. DAAS can help victims access information and support to regain control of their finances and works in partnership with local services and national financial institutions. If you, or anyone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, call DAAS on 01835 825024. Alternatively you can call for confidential, free advice from the national Domestic Abuse helpline on 0800 027 1234.
  • Free period products - a range of products including sanitary pads, tampons, reusable cups and pants are available for free at venues across the Borders. They can be accessed by anyone who needs them, whether you’re picking them up for yourself or on behalf of someone else. Venues include all council operated buildings e.g. contact centres and offices, Live Borders sites e.g. leisure centres, libraries and community centres, primary and secondary schools (for pupils and staff), local food banks and homelessness accommodation settings. See our directory of venues for more information.

Housing

Free Resources

Live Borders – Library Service

Live Borders offer a variety of free resources through their library services including: 

  • Press reader - enjoy unlimited access to more than 7,000 of the world’s top newspapers and magazines as soon as they’re available. No limits on downloads – they’re yours to keep!
  • Borrow Box - over 2,500 eBooks and Audiobooks at your fingertips. Borrow directly to your device!
  • Lego and Bookbug sessions for children
  • Mobile and local library service

All of these free services are available to existing library members, or you can sign up for free and find out more here

Budget friendly recipes

The Joint Health Improvement team have developed two new budget friendly recipe booklets with a range of ideas to help you cook easy, low cost nutritious meals.

  • Eat Well in Winter – offering a selection of recipes that are nutritious, taste good and will help you to eat a balanced diet to keep well in winter. 
  • Low and Slow - focuses on slow cooking as a way of preparing nutritious meals that use less energy. 

For more information and to download a PDF version of the booklets, visit the NHS Borders website.

Other support services