Tag: advice

That’s Settled, then: more support for EU citizens in Scotland

EU citizens in Scotland are to be offered additional advice and support backed by more than £20,000 from the Scottish Government. 

The Citizens’ Rights Project and a new charity Settled are joining forces thanks to this funding to help EU citizens with applications to the UK Government’s EU Settlement Scheme. Continue reading That’s Settled, then: more support for EU citizens in Scotland

Improving access to healthcare for vulnerable people

People who have experienced difficulty registering with a doctor’s surgery are to be given additional guidance through the launch of new information cards. 

The Access to Healthcare cards are designed to offer support to vulnerable groups including those experiencing homelessness, people seeking asylum, refugees and the Gypsy/Traveller community.

The information, which highlights an individual’s right to register, is written in a way that is clear, simple and easy to access.

The cards will also assist reception staff in identifying a patient’s need for an interpreter or assistance in filling out forms.

Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: “I am proud to be launching the Access to Healthcare information card which will ensure some of the most vulnerable groups in society can access the support and treatment they need.

“They will be distributed via the groups who work with Gypsy/Travellers, people seeking asylum, refugees and those people experiencing homelessness.

“The information provided on these cards will ensure good communication between patients and reception staff from the outset, leading to a more positive experience for everyone involved.”

Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie said: “I welcome the introduction of these information cards.

“By removing barriers to access we are demonstrating a practical approach to tackling discrimination and delivering equality. These cards represent a significant step towards improving access to public services for people.”

Katie Hawkins, a GP who works with homeless people at Edinburgh’s Access Practice, said: “I believe the cards are an extremely useful way of informing patients and front line staff of the right everyone has to primary care.

“As a GP working with those experiencing homelessness I see the direct consequences of a lack of access to primary care.

“I hope the cards will help more of the most marginalised in society to address their basic health needs.”

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Money Talk Team benefits thousands of families

Free advice service helps low income households save more than £6 million.

Low-income families who seek free financial advice from the Money Talk Team are on average now £1,850 better off.

The service offers one-stop, personalised advice on dealing with debt and ways to reduce household bills.

With around 450,000 cases of unclaimed benefits in Scotland, it also helps low-income families identify what financial support might be available. The service is supported by Scottish Government funding of £3.3 million over two years.

In the last nine months, the Money Talk Team has helped a total of 3,198 people be better off by more than £6 million – meaning households benefit by more than £1,850 on average. A total of nearly 8,000 people have accessed the service.

Launching a national advertising campaign to raise awareness of the Money Talk Team, Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “The Money Talk Team is making a huge difference to the thousands of families that have already taken advantage of this free service.

“The friendly, experienced advisers talk callers through the options available, letting them know exactly what they are entitled to and helping them save money.

“But there are still too many families out there not getting what they should be.

“If you’re a parent struggling to pay the bills at the end of the month, you’re not alone. It doesn’t matter if you’re in or out of work, one call to the free phoneline is all it takes to get some advice that could be a massive help to your household.”

Money Talk Team is the new name for Financial Health Check, which started in 2018 and is delivered by Citizens Advice Scotland. It can be accessed through their free helpline on 0800 085 7145 or by visiting a local Citizens Advice Bureau.

Blooming Great (1): Miles Briggs supports Marie Curie’s Blooming Great Tea Party

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs is joining Marie Curie to throw a Blooming Great Tea Party and raise money to support people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones.  Continue reading Blooming Great (1): Miles Briggs supports Marie Curie’s Blooming Great Tea Party