We are supporting this year’s Challenge Poverty Week (3-9 October) by highlighting the wide range of financial support, information and advice available across the region
There are a number of reasons why individuals and families may find themselves experiencing poverty, whether through low income, unemployment, ill health, an unexpected change in circumstances or for some other factor out with their control.
The current cost of living crisis has also brought additional challenges and people may find themselves facing hardship for the first time as a result. Whatever the reason, it is important for people to know that help is available from a wide range of organisations.
Councillor Robin Tatler, Executive Member for Communities and Equalities
“There is already some extremely good work being undertaken to combat the effects of poverty on individuals and families in our local communities. However, we believe there is much more that can and needs to be done, especially with the impact of the cost of living crisis. With the Anti-Poverty Strategy for the Borders, we are committed to working with our partners to help reduce poverty across the region”.
Our website provides a range of detailed information about what grants, benefits and support people may be entitled to and how to apply.
This includes help with rent or council tax or access to specific support such as Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) and the Scottish Welfare Fund. DHP is intended to help claimants who already receive housing benefit or universal credit (housing element) but require further assistance to meet their housing costs. Community care grants and crisis grants are for people experiencing particular difficulties.
Debt and money advice, including a financial health check service is available through local Citizens Advice Bureau, can also be accessed.
Financial help is also available during pregnancy and for families with a child up to school age, while free school meals and school clothing grants are available for older children. Education Maintenance Allowance is a weekly payment that aims to encourage young people stay on at school or college.
Individuals and their families affected by cancer can access free, confidential and impartial advice through the Borders Macmillan Welfare Benefits Partnership.
Councillor Tatler continued
“I would urge anyone experiencing financial hardship to have a look at the support that is available to them through the Scottish Borders Council website and make sure they get in touch to see how the council and our many partner organisations may be able to help.”
For more information about the support provided by us, visit our website or call Customer Advice and Support Services on 0300 100 1800.
Other organisations providing advice and information include:
The NHS Borders Money Worries App provides a wide range of information about support services available nationally and locally in the Scottish Borders and advice on how you can improve your financial health. The app can be downloaded from either the Apple App store or Google play store.
Home Energy Scotland offering help to people who are worried about their energy bills or struggling to stay warm at home. The service is free and impartial and they are committed to keeping people stay warm. More information is available online or by phoning 0808 808 2282.
FareShare is the UK's national network of charitable redistributors. The food they redistribute goes to school breakfast clubs, older people's lunch clubs, homeless shelters, community cafes and more. Find out more about how they could help on their website
Citizens Advice Bureau can help with income maximisation and advice on bills, as well as a range of other issues. Find out more about their services online