We're supporting this year’s Challenge Poverty Week which runs from 2-8 October.
Throughout the week, we'll be highlighting the range of advice, information and support that is available across the region to support those experiencing financial hardship.
The cost-of-living crisis has brought additional challenges and people may find themselves facing hardship for the first time as a result.
Individuals and families could be experiencing poverty, whether through low income, unemployment, ill health, an unexpected change in circumstances or for some other factor out with their control.
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, I would urge anyone experiencing financial hardship to have a look at the support that is available to them through the SBC website and make sure they get in touch to see how the council and our many partner organisations may be able to help.
"It is really important that people take that first step to find out what support they may be eligible for."
Information, advice and support is available
The Cost of Living Support pages of our website provides a wide range of information about what grants, benefits and support people may be entitled to and how to apply.
- Advice is available if you're having difficulty paying your rent or council tax. You may be eligible for specific support such as Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) or 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.
- If you're over State Pension age and on a low income, Pension Credit is a scheme that provides extra money to help with living costs. Information about eligibility, what you’ll get, how to claim and report a change of circumstances is available on our website.
- 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.
You can also call our Customer Advice and Support Services on 0300 100 1800 or see our website for other ways to contact us.
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 playstore.
- Citizens Advice Bureau can help with income maximisation and advice on bills, as well as a range of other issues. They can also help with debt and money advice, including a financial health check. Find out more about their services on the Citizens Advice Scotland website.
- Home Energy Scotland provide 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 on the Home Energy Scotland website 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 the FareShare website.