Tag: advice

Money Map: Help Yourself

The Money Map tool offers free, instant support and tips for those in Edinburgh feeling the financial impact of the pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented changes to everyday life and for many, it has impacted both personal and household finances.

Whether you’ve suffered a job loss, are self-employed, on furlough or are facing reduced hours or income, it’s a particularly challenging and uncertain time.

To help people face these challenges, Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS), supported by the Scottish Government, has created the Money Map tool.

The free, anonymous and easy to use online tool is a one-stop shop of financial support options. It brings together the many ways that people can maximise their money from benefits and grants to budgeting and tips on reducing bills such as council tax. It provides any related eligibility information and signposts people to websites where they can get more information or apply.

One of the main functions of the tool is to help minimise the stress of trying to find support through search engine browsing by bringing all the information and support together in one place. It includes a customised list function so users can save the support options that are of most use to them so that they can make sure they’re maximising their money as much as possible.

The Money Map tool contains helpful guidance for everyone, no matter their financial situation.

Myles Fitt, Head of Financial Health at Citizens Advice Scotland, runs through just some of the ways the Money Map tool can help you maximise your money at this time:

·       Make sure you’re not overpaying on bills – A simple way to reduce your monthly outgoings can be by performing a simple price comparison on your bills, such as energy payments. The Money Map tool signposts users to websites that will help you discover what you can save by switching providers.

·       Set a budget – This can be on a monthly, weekly or even fortnightly basis to suit your needs. A budget can help you get a true picture of your money and plan for the future. Money Map can point you to helpful resources for setting a budget, which can help you work out what you need and where possible savings could be made.

·       Check you’re using the correct tax code – Make sure you check your current tax code to ensure you’re not paying too much in relation to your current financial situation. For example, if you are on a lower income, you are entitled to a different tax code and required to pay less tax. Money Map highlights how you can check your tax code and any entitlement to tax reliefs.

·       Gain access to all the grants you’re entitled to – Grants enable families, students and individuals to boost their income or reduce the cost of everyday payments such as fuel payments or transport costs. Money Map points you in the right direction to access these.

·       Check to see what Council Tax you should pay – By checking if you’re exempt from council tax or eligible to pay less, you can save money on paying this bill. The Money Map tool will point you in the direction of where you can check your eligibility. Last year, support from the CAB service saved clients an average of £380 in council tax payments.

·       Ensure you receive benefits you’re entitled to – The Money Map tool will guide people to the appropriate online benefit checkers to make sure users are getting all the support they’re entitled to which can help meet specific needs like housing, childcare, disability and illness payments.

·       Make the most of the Money Map tool – It’s there to help you. By using the bespoke list function, users can save the support options that are of most use to them so they can ensure they maximise their money as much as possible.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “COVID-19 has impacted many people’s incomes and we know financial uncertainty is a source of worry for many people.

“This Money Map Tool provides information and support, helping people identify which benefits and grant support they may be entitled to. The Scottish Government is investing £330,000 to support the promotion of this online support service which signposts people to specific sites that can help them strengthen their financial position.

“The free, easy to use and anonymous website brings all information into one place, and can help people boost their income from sources such as grants or saving tips. I would encourage anyone concerned about money matters to use this service.”

Derek Mitchell, Chief Executive at Citizens Advice Scotland, said: “The Citizens Advice network in Scotland has been helping people for over 80 years and we want to ensure people get the help they need in a way that suits them.

“That’s why we developed the Money Map tool. We know how frustrating it can be searching endlessly online for support that is suited for you, our tool rounds up all the most helpful online sources and signposts people to where they can access and activate relevant help.

“The tool is open for absolutely anyone who is looking to boost their income or cut their cost of living. Whether that’s through access to grants and benefits or through lower bills, our Money Map can point people in the right direction.”

No matter what your circumstance is in 2021, if you are looking to improve your financial situation, think Money Map. Visit moneymap.scot

Free, independent advice is also available locally at Granton Information Centre, who have continued to operate throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Contact Granton Information Centre by telephone on 0131 551 2459 or 552 0458, or email info@gic.org.uk

Free advice, information sessions and publications for EU citizens and family members

The EU Delegation launches legal advice surgeries to assist charitable organisations, local authorities and local communities in the UK help EU citizens. These complement a range of other free services and products, including information sessions and a range of target-group specific leaflets available in all EU languages.

EU citizens, who arrived in the UK before 31 December 2020 and intend to stay, only have until 30 June 2021 to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).

UK central and local authorities, as well as civil society organisations, have already put huge efforts into supporting EU residents in their communities, but this has been made more difficult by the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

As of 31 January 2021, over five million EU citizens and family members have successfully applied to the EU Settlement Scheme. However, application rates remain lower in particular areas and among certain groups of people, especially the most vulnerable who are hardest-to-reach and may have difficulties applying.

Free advice surgeries are now here to help, offering one-on-one individual support. They can help make applications to the EU Settlement Scheme and indicate additional support organisations if further assistance is required.

Charitable organisations, local councils and local community groups that commit to scheduling a surgery for at least 10 vulnerable or complex case citizens can make a request to host surgeries.

During the ongoing health pandemic, support can be delivered by phone, WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, Zoom or any other platform of choice.

Free 90-minute information sessions for groups of citizens, providing a short presentation on the EU Settlement Scheme and an extended Q&A session, continue to be available. These can also be delivered through online platforms and can accommodate a general or target a specific audience.

Complementing these services, the EU Delegation can deliver free print publications on the EU Settlement Scheme and citizens’ rights in all EU languages anywhere in the UK. Target group specific leaflets for senior citizens, parents, non EU-family members and for joining family members are also available free of charge.

For more information, please visit http://www.eurights.uk/events/new

New support for professionals on M.E./CFS and managing Long Covid symptoms

GPs and health professionals in Scotland can now get a free one-hour training session on the diagnosis and management of M.E./CFS. This module, based on ten case studies, also supports the management of Long Covid symptoms.

Action for M.E. is very excited to launch a new partnership project in Scotland: Learn about M.E. – the M.E./CFS Professional Development Project in Scotland.

This project is a partnership between Action for M.E., The M.E. Association, #MEAction Scotland, The 25% Group and Dr. Nina Muirhead. Dr Muirhead, who developed a free online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) module in partnership with the UK CFS/M.E. Research Collaborative (CMRC,) became ill with M.E./CFS in 2016.

Dr. Muirhead said: “Only after I developed M.E. myself did I realize that I had not understood the illness. Feeling the devastating impact of M.E. on myself and my life I felt determined to offer something that changed that experience for other people.”

Many people with M.E. face disbelief and stigma around their illness and do not receive the appropriate care and support they need. This project provides vital information to GPs and Health Professionals in Scotland to assist them to diagnose and manage the symptoms of M.E./CFS. This module is also likely to be applicable to a subset of COVID patients who may develop post viral M.E./CFS and could be harmed by inappropriate advice to exercise.

There are around 20,000 adults and children living with M.E. in Scotland.

Action for M.E.’s Big Survey 2019 found that over 35% of respondents who live with M.E. in Scotland were not at all confident that their GP understood their condition. In addition, only 7% of children and young people and 16% of adults are obtaining a diagnosis within the current NICE and Scottish Good Practice Statement on ME-CFS guideline timescale of three months and four months respectively. Almost one in five adults (18%) waited more than six years for a diagnosis.

This training module on M.E./CFS will improve knowledge of the illness; reduce delays to diagnosis, reduce the likelihood of multiple unnecessary referrals and investigations and the potential for harm for people with M.E.

General Practitioners, Medical students and Allied Health Professionals will receive 1 hour CPD upon successful completion of the course.

The Scottish Government’s Neurological Framework funding is supporting the project to improve knowledge relating to diagnosis and management of M.E./CFS. Dr. Nina Muirhead is developing a complementary podcast and short opinion pieces to support dissemination and take up in Scotland.

Top tips to keep your cat safe as temperatures plummet

As temperatures drop once again, Cats Protection is urging owners to spare a thought for the welfare of their pet cat.

Plunging temperatures, icy conditions and snowfall present a number of risks for cats, particularly those who like to wander outside.

Following these simple tips can help to keep felines feeling fine:

Cats are at increased risk of road accidents after nightfall – try to keep your cat indoors overnight and time meals to keep your cat away from roads when they are at their busiest

Antifreeze is lethal for cats so always keep this out of your cat’s way and clear up any antifreeze spills immediately

Ensure your cat can reach his chosen toileting site and if your cat is seeing snow for the first time, consider giving him access to a safe and enclosed area such as a garden and accompany him when he goes out

If your cat does venture out when it’s snowy, wipe off any road grit and other substances that may stick to his paws or fur when he returns

Provide shelter for cats that go outside. Keep the doors of sheds and outbuildings closed, wedged slightly open or install a cat-flap so cats do not become trapped inside

Check your cat-flap regularly to ensure it hasn’t frozen over or become blocked by snow and if you provide an outdoor water source, check it hasn’t frozen over

If your cat seems reluctant to venture outside in snow or ice, provide an indoor litter tray

Cats may climb into vehicle engines for warmth. Be vigilant, and check beneath or knock on the bonnet before starting your vehicle

Take special care of cats with arthritis, as the cold can severely affect inflamed joints.

Provide additional warm and comfortable places to rest or sleep. If your cat is finding it hard to reach favourite resting places then look at ways of making it easier for him. Also ensure he can easily access his chosen toileting site

Neutering is vital, not only to prevent unwanted kittens being born but to reduce roaming, especially during bad weather.

Ensuring your cat is microchipped also increases the chance of being reunited if he becomes lost

For advice on cat care, please visit www.cats.org.uk/cats-and-cold-weather

A third of Scots don’t feel financially secure in current Covid-19 climate

A new survey from Royal Bank of Scotland has found that a third (33%) of people in Scotland don’t feel financially secure or believe they have enough money to live comfortably and afford essential payments (e.g. groceries, utility bills, mortgage and rent payments) in the current Covid-19 climate. 

Despite this, three in ten (29%) Scots surveyed admitted that they would be uncomfortable speaking to friends and family about their current financial status and three in ten (30%) said they have previously lied to make themselves seem more financially secure than they are.

Almost two-thirds (63%) of Scots surveyed also acknowledged that they would feel embarrassed to ask family or friends to borrow money, however, more worryingly, three in ten (29%) said they often and always feel depressed when they think about their current financial situation.

The research comes as Royal Bank of Scotland launches its new Financial Flex campaign that will encourage Scots – especially younger generations – to start talking more openly and honestly about their finances to combat growing worries around money. Through a Royal Bank Financial Health Check, anyone, whether a customer or not, can get free advice on how to manage their money better.

Psychotherapist Kelly Hearn, an accredited UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) member, reviewed the findings. She said: “Financial anxiety is high and increasing in this pandemic, particularly among young adults.

“Money worries can lead to enormous shame and so are difficult to discuss. They cut straight to issues of self-worth and feelings of ‘not enough.’  Often people suffer in silence which only compounds the issue. A vicious cycle emerges where financial stress causes mental stress which affects physical health as well, particularly when coping mechanisms like binge drinking or eating are enacted. 

“Financial anxieties affect most of us and yet are rarely discussed.  It is time to address the taboo subject of money more openly as financial wellbeing is an important pillar of mental and physical health.”

The free financial health check service is available from Royal Bank.  It is a review with a highly trained senior personal banker and is currently offered by video. 

During the appointment, the senior banker will consider all areas of finances to help customers make the best decisions about what they feel is right for them. The review can also be completed by telephone if required. 

To book or for more information, visit:  

https://personal.rbs.co.uk/personal/financial-health-check.html 

Surge in calls to Home Energy Scotland helpline

Scots are being urged to seek support and advice from Home Energy Scotland to reduce heating bills and make their homes warmer and more energy efficient, as increasing numbers of households seek advice on ways to cut energy bills.

A recent survey shows that with more people working from home since the start of the pandemic, almost half of those (44%) worry this will lead to an increase in unaffordable energy bills.

The Scottish Government-funded Home Energy Scotland advice service has seen a significant increase in demand since July 2020. The average number of calls to the free advice service has risen by 95% compared with the same six-month period last year. In its busiest weeks, calls were up more than 200% on the same dates in 2019.

Through Home Energy Scotland, the Scottish Government offers support and funding to help reduce bills and save energy. This includes help worth up to £5,000 to make homes more energy efficient through the Warmer Homes Scotland programme.

Help is still available for householders throughout lockdown, with strict safety protocols in place for installation of essential home heating measures under this programme.  

People are also encouraged to contact Home Energy Scotland to find out how they can make their home more energy efficient. Interest-free loans with cashback of up to 75% are available for a variety of measures such as solid wall insulation, double glazing or a new renewable heating system. 

Loan offers are valid for a year so householders in mainland Scotland can prepare now for installations when lockdown is lifted.

Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, Kevin Stewart, said: “We want to ensure that people are able to get all the help and support available to them to keep warm and safe in their home especially during the winter. 

“That is why we acted quickly and have taken action to ensure that appropriate support is available for those struggling with increased household energy bills as a result of the pandemic.

“I am really pleased that our award winning Home Energy Scotland service has adapted its approach during the pandemic and has continued to provide a range of free impartial advice and support for anyone concerned about paying their energy bills.  I would urge anyone struggling with their fuel bills to get in touch with Home Energy Scotland.”

Harry Mayers, Head of Home Energy Scotland, said: “Home Energy Scotland helps householders with both practical and financial support. This year calls to our helpline have risen sharply, with more than 2,000 people turning to us each week for advice on how to reduce their heating bills, save money and keep their household warm.

“As well as financial support, our advisors help customers identify practical savings they can make at home, either by changing the way they use energy or carrying out energy-saving home improvements. We can also help people access further support through our network of partners across health, social care and other areas of advice.”

Home Energy Scotland from the Scottish Government provides clear and impartial advice on reducing bills and saving energy – call 0808 808 2282 or visit www.homeenergyscotland.org

Police Scotland issues advice on vehicle security

• If you have a garage “use it” and lock it. If you have gates ensure these are locked. Consider using an alarm for you garage and gates.

• Leaving items on show is an invitation – Mobile phones, electronic equipment, coins, sunglasses, tools, clothing and bags should be removed from the vehicle or placed in the boot.

• Keys and ignition fobs should be kept safe and out of sight and reach – a common way to steal a car or van is to take the keys or ignition fob, either when left in the vehicle or from your home through burglary

• Always lock and close the windows of your vehicle when unattended – on the drive, the petrol station forecourt or when parking an unlocked vehicle is the easiest to steal or steal from. When away from home, consider using a Park Mark approved car park

• Fit theft resistant number plate fittings – stolen number plates are commonly used to hide the identity of stolen vehicles. Use one-way clutch head screws to secure plates

• Use a steering wheel lock and/or a lock that fits over the gear lever. Alternatively a security box can be fitted over the pedals to prevent thefts when the vehicle is parked up

• Double check: Listen out for the sound of your doors locking, lights flashing and/or mirrors closing. If you don’t hear or see this it make sure to double check

• Fit a tracker: These devices can alert you when your car is active and if it’s travelling in a new area.

Vehicle security information on our website – http://ow.ly/kRXp50D0lwK

Help is at Hand: Local Pantry opening hours update

Due to the pandemic restrictions the main North Edinburgh Arts venue will remain closed, but the NEA Pantry (in the old Co-op building on Pennywell Road) is open today from 10-2pm for new members, resuming usual hours from next Wednesday 13 January.

FRESH START PANTRY

New opening hours for Fresh Start Pantry on Ferry Road Drive

If you need help or advice, please call our North Edinburgh phoneline on 0131 356 0220 and we will help or signpost to who can!

GRANTON:HUB PANTRY

The first pantry of the New Year took place yesterday (Wednesday 6th January) from 11 – 12pm.

The pantry will continue to run on Wednesday’s on a fortnightly basis – next one will be Wednesday 20 January.

Thank you for the produce supplied by FareShareRoyal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Edinburgh Food for Good/Refugee Community Kitchen.

For more information contact community@grantonhub.org

There’s also daily food support from Leith-based Empty Kitchens Full Hearts:

Staying mentally healthy while working from home

12 tips from SAMH

Working from home, especially during extended periods can be difficult to adjust to. For many of us, it means learning how to manage our different areas of work under new circumstances.

While we all experience and learn to adapt to new situations and environments differently, there are some challenges that we are all facing.

We’ve put together some top tips on how to get the most out of working from home while looking after yourself and your mental health.

  1. Create your morning routine

Create a morning routine that brings you up until the moment you begin work for the day. It may sound trivial, but this helps you mentally prepare for the day ahead and get into the “I’m going to work” mindset.

You probably have a routine when you get to work, so creating a routine at home is also a good idea.

It could be making a cup of coffee. It might be returning home after a jog, or doing some mindfulness sessions. It could be getting dressed (although it may be tempting to stay in your pyjamas, it may not be the best look for those video conference calls!).

Whatever it is, setting yourself up for the day can improve your state of mind and psychologically prepare you to start work.

Why not try mindfulness or meditation to get your morning started: Headspace – Weathering the Storm.

2. Establish boundaries

It is easy to lose track of time when working from home, so set a schedule, and stick to it…where you can.

Having clear guidelines for when to start work and when to call it a day helps maintain your life-work balance. Aim to start and finish at your normal working times.

We know that those in self-isolation, who have childcare or other caring responsibilities, may need to be more flexible in the times they might work. For example, you may need to switch to some evening work so you can spend time with children during the day. Speak to your line manager about agreeing a new temporary work schedule.

3. Create your own workspace

Although it’s tempting to head to your sofa with a laptop, you’re may find setting up a work area helps you stay focused. If you can, try to set aside a specific area or space where you can work. If you don’t have a desk, use a table or worktop.

Besides making you feel like you’re at an “office,” this helps you maintain good posture, avoid distractions, and mentally leave your work behind at the end of the day. The NHS advice is that you should adjust your chair so you can use the keyboard with your wrists and forearms straight and level with the floor.

4. Set ground rules with the people you share your space with

There might be other people in your home during these exceptional times. They may be working from home too or self-isolating. You may all need to share a limited amount of space so it’s important to set some ground rules. For example, when you need access to a certain area of your home; or designated times for ‘quiet time’.

Working with limited childcare options

With schools and nurseries closed, you may find yourself needing to come up with new routines not only for your working life, but within your personal life for your children or siblings. Talk to your employer or manager about potential flexible working opportunites at your place of work. You may want to consider the following:

  • Are the children old enough so you can still continue to work?
  • Can someone supervise the children some of the time?
  • Can you alter your working times?
  • Do I want to consider using some annual leave to spend time with children?

If children are at home, then try set some ground rules. Have clear rules about what they can and cannot do during that time, when they can come and speak to you and when you need left alone.

We also know that many schools have reminded parents not to set unrealistic expectations or goals.  Its important parents take time to look after themselves too. If you are social care staff or co-parent with someone classed as a key worker, your children may still be able to go to school. Follow the Government’s most up to date advice.

5. Take breaks

Remember to take normal breaks, including your lunch break. Get up and move about, go for a short walk or make a coffee. Try setting a timer or alarm on your computer screen or mobile phone to remind you to take a break.

6. Connect with colleagues

Loneliness, disconnect, and isolation are common problems in remote work life, especially in the current uncertain and worrying situation. Making the effort to speak to your colleagues regularly can make a difference.

Conference calls, Zoom, Skype, and Microsoft Teams are all examples of how you can keep connected. Try to pick up the phone for a real conversation rather than relying on email or instant messaging all day. Video calls in particular can help you still feel connected to your colleagues.

7. Get some fresh air when you can

For those who need to self-isolate, opening the window may help you get as much fresh air as possible. Try to choose a spot with lot of natural light to work if you can.

Follow Government advice and do some exercise outside, even a short walk can benefit you both mentally and physically. Make sure to keep a distance from others when outside and be sure to wash your hands as soon as you return home.

8. Drink plenty of water

People get dehydrated when they sit, and if you’re heating is still on in your home, then you’ll need the extra water to keep yourself physically and mentally healthy.

To ensure that you are consuming a sufficient amount of water, keep bottles of water handy to make sure you drink your recommended 1.5-2 litres per day. You can also download apps on smartphone or tablet to remind you to drink regularly.

9. Stand up and stretch

Sitting all day isn’t healthy even if you’re at the office, but working from home means you skip your commute and have fewer reasons to get up from your chair throughout the day.

If it’s possible in the area you have set up for home working, try standing up to do your work for a change of pace. Standing uses more muscles and burns more calories than sitting and it’s good for your back and posture.

If you can’t stand and work, stretching is vital for maintaining good posture, especially when working at a desk for several hours a day.  Try standing up every 30 minutes or so to stretch your chest and extend your spine to reverse the hunched position of sitting. 

Standing and stretching can also help to reduce back and neck pain. Here are some suggestions to help you move and be mindful: a

10. Listen to music

If you find working from home to be a little too quiet, you miss the buzz of the office and find it difficult to focus, listen to music, turn on the radio, or put the TV on quietly in the background

11. End your day with a routine

Just like you should start your day with a routine, create a habit that signals the close of the workday. You might have a simple routine such as shutting down your computer and turning on a favourite podcast, or writing the next day’s to-do list.

Whatever you choose, do it consistently to mark the end of working hours. Put your work away or shut your laptop so you know you are back in your personal home time and place.

12. Reflect on your mental health

Ensure you take time to reflect on and try to be mindful of your mental health. Look out for changes in your feelings, practice self-care and be aware of any triggers or symptoms surrounding your mental health.

Make sure you keep in touch with support networks, even a text, phone call or video chat can make a difference.

For more ways to protect your mental health during these challenging times, check out our online information hub:  www.samh.org.uk/coronavirus.

First Minister: Please stay

Citizens of the European Union who live in Scotland are being urged to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

In an open letter and video message,  First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it is vital that every EU citizen who wishes to stay in Scotland completes an application by 30 June, 2021.

While it is the Scottish Government’s view that EU citizens should not need to apply to protect the rights they already have to live, work and study here, the UK Government has made it a requirement.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “My message to everyone from the EU who lives and works here remains this: Scotland is your home, you are our family, and we’d be privileged if you would stay here with us.

“We are drawing close to the end of the Brexit transition period, and the end of a year in which we have together faced the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In these times of uncertainty and disruption, I would like to once again re-assure EU citizens that Scotland values you for the contribution you make to our society, our culture and our economy.

“While I don’t agree that you should have to go through an application process to secure rights that you should automatically have, I do want to ensure that you are able to stay in Scotland.

“Many EU citizens have already applied for the Settlement Scheme – but many more do still need to apply.

“My message is a simple one. Please apply. Scotland is a better place because you are living here.”

The open letter and video mark International Migrants Day, Friday 18 December.

The First Minister’s video message is available to view on @scotgov social media channels including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram from 18 December.

The open letter has been translated into Italian, Lithuanian, French, Polish, Romanian, Spanish and German, and is being made available to public and third sector stakeholders.

Stay in Scotland social media graphics have also been translated into Italian, Lithuanian, Polish, Romanian, Spanish, French and German.

For more information on the support available, visit www.mygov.scot/stayinscotland

Full text of the open letter from the First Minister:

Dear European Union citizens living in Scotland,

I wrote to you last in October 2019 at a time of considerable uncertainty leading up to our exit from the European Union. Since then all of us in Scotland and across Europe and the wider world have faced the huge challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I would like to thank you for all you have done during this time as we have faced, and continue to face, this challenge together. You are of course our friends, family and neighbours in a year when the importance of these relationships cannot be overstated.

I believe that EU citizens in Scotland should not need to apply to protect the rights you already have to live, work and study here, but nevertheless there is a requirement, however unwelcome, to apply to the UK Government’s EU Settlement Scheme.

Thankfully, many of you have now applied to the EU Settlement Scheme and secured your status. Yet many of you are still to secure your status, and I must sadly reiterate that it remains critical that everyone who wishes to stay in Scotland must complete an application by 30 June 2021. Any EU citizen who is resident in Scotland before 31 December 2020 is eligible to apply, and I encourage you to do so.  

The Scottish Government’s Stay in Scotland campaign provides practical guidance and support to help you protect your rights and complete your application to the UK EU Settlement Scheme.

Working with our partners we fund an EU Citizens’ Support Service with a telephone helpline which is free to use and staffed by qualified advisors. In addition we part-fund a network of advisors in Citizen Advice Bureaux throughout Scotland.

Accurate information about your rights is crucial. That’s why the Scottish Government commissioned the human rights charity, JustRight Scotland, to produce a series of accessible guidance notes on EU citizens’ rights. These are available in six languages and will help you better understand your rights to healthcare, housing, banking and other services in Scotland after  31 December. 

You can find information on all the different support available to you at mygov.scot/stayinscotland, or contact the helpline for free on 0800 916 9847.

In light of the devastating impact of the pandemic, I hope that these resources will help you understand and exercise your rights. Please use them and encourage others to do the same.

My message to you remains the same: Scotland is your home, you are welcome here, we want you to stay.