Website launched offering help to manage cost of living crisis

A new website providing information on the wide range of advice and financial support available to people in Scotland has been launched.

 

Developed by the Scottish Government as a ‘one stop shop’ to help those struggling with the cost of living crisis, the website includes information on help available for households to meet rising energy, housing and other costs.

 

It also provides details on accessing Scottish and UK social security payments, including online benefit calculators, as well as wider health and wellbeing information.

 

The website was launched by Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison MSP during a visit to a debt and welfare advice service in Tollcross, Edinburgh, run by charity Christians Against Poverty.

 

Shona Robison said: ‘I know that people are struggling with the cost of living crisis right now and may not know where to turn for help.

 

'Our cost of living website is a trustworthy online resource with information on the wide range of vital support available.

 

‘No one should feel alone in this crisis and this website, along with our campaign, aims to encourage people to find out if they are eligible for the extensive support available to access the advice they need.

 

'We want everyone to get all the financial support and help that is available, so I would encourage people to apply for the payments they are entitled to – it might be just the lifeline that is needed right now.

 

‘We have allocated almost £3 billion in this financial year to contribute towards mitigating the increased cost of living crisis and the new website highlights the wide range of support at hand.

 

'Our package spans a range of support, for energy bills, childcare, health and travel, as well as social security payments that are not available anywhere else in the UK. The website is an important signpost towards them all.

 

‘The cost of living crisis is impacting every household in the UK and the Scottish Government will continue to do everything within its powers and finite budget to ensure people are supported as far as possible.’

 

Scotland national director for Christians Against Poverty, Emma Jackson, said: ‘We are deeply concerned about the impact of rising costs on low income households.

 

'Even before rising costs, over a third (36 per cent) of CAP clients had to borrow to meet essential living costs and we know the consequences of problem debt can be devastating for people.

 

‘The new cost of living website from the Scottish Government is a welcome step in helping people to find and access all the vital support that is available to them, including steps to maximise income.

 

'People need to know help is available.

 

'Now more than ever, we need to take every action possible to support households who are being hit the hardest by the cost of living crisis.’

 

Help and advice

 

Social Security Scotland

 

Apply for a benefit or find out what to do if you’ve already applied and need more help. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov.scot

 

or call 0800 182 2222

 

Shelter Scotland

 

Free housing advice for everyone. Visit Scotland.shelter.org.uk

 

Home Energy Scotland

 

Home Energy Scotland provides clear and impartial advice to make your home warmer. Visit www.homeenergyscotland.org or call 0808 808 2282

 

Citizens Advice Money Talk Team

 

To find out about benefits and grants you’re entitled to, get advice to make your money go further, and support managing debt. Visit www.moneytalkteam.org.uk Call 0800 028 1456

 

Stepchange

 

Free, impartial debt advice. Visit www.stepchange.org or call 0800 138 1111

 

Breathing Space

 

A confidential phone line for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16, feeling low, anxious or depressed. Visit www.breathingspace.scot or call 0800 83 85 87

 

Advice Direct Scotland

 

Financial advice and information on how to manage debt along with a free benefit calculator on their website. Visit www.advice.scot or call 0808 800 9060

 

Case studies

 

Claire, Edinburgh

 

Claire, a single parent from Edinburgh, experienced problem debt after her son was born prematurely. She spent a lot of time at the hospital and his health and wellbeing was her primary focus.

 

Due to the stress of this situation she wasn’t able to manage bills or work to earn money and debts began to mount.

 

Claire’s debt had a significant impact on her mental health.

 

She lived in fear of debt collectors coming to the door and hid the letters in a drawer as she didn’t know how she would be able to pay them.

 

She felt ashamed and embarrassed and for a long time she didn’t know where to turn.

 

Claire heard about Christians Against Poverty through her local foodbank and once she met her debt coach she felt like a weight had been lifted and she was able to laugh again.

 

She felt like CAP was her safe place and her befriender became like a mother to her.

 

Claire was able to go debt free in December 2021, however, she is still struggling on a low income.

 

She already has to travel quite far to shop around and find the cheapest items. She is worried about how she will be able to keep going with rising costs.

 

She explained: ‘It’s unbelievable what things cost at the moment, it’s all gone up so much – food, electric, clothes for my son. It all costs so much and right now, I just don’t know how I am going to afford it all.

 

‘I’ve worked hard to get back on track with my finances, but there isn’t enough to pay for all of these essential things that I need for my son. I don’t want to be in debt again.’

 

Home energy case study: Julie Bradley, Glasgow

 

Julie Bradley lives in Glasgow with her son and she contacted Home Energy Scotland after her heating system broke down during the pandemic.

 

She discovered the range of support available through Home Energy Scotland and decided to get in touch when her heating wasn’t working properly and eventually completely broke.

 

Julie didn’t have any financial help at the time and had been put on furlough due to the pandemic, so called to see what help and support was available.

 

Householder Julie Bradley, said: 'I work in retail and due to the lockdown I was put on furlough and had no idea how I was going to afford to pay for a new heating system.

 

'A neighbour recommended that I contact Home Energy Scotland to see what help was available.

 

'I was delighted to find out I was eligible for funding. Two weeks later I had a new energy efficient heating system installed, and my home went from being damp and cold to being warm straight away. It’s also helped me save money on my heating bills.

 

'I was so stressed the winter before. I had a lot of worry about not having heating but the new system has taken that pressure off me.

 

'Both financially and for warmth, I feel so much more relaxed about my situation. I can’t believe how hot the house gets now and how quickly too! It really is amazing.'

 

Julie didn’t know she would be entitled to support and recommends calling the Home Energy Help line to anyone looking for advice or support:

 

'I didn’t know help as good as this was available for homeowners, so I would urge anyone with heating or money worries in general to give them a call.'