Tag: advice

Worried this winter? Let’s chat.

If you are worried about heating bills and the cost of living this winter, the Citizens Advice network is here to help.

Continued high living costs and months of unaffordable energy bills means many of us are worried about managing payments again this winter. Sadly, too many of us are switching off the heating, turning to credit to cover essential livings costs, or feeling like there is no solution to unmanageable bills.

But the Citizens Advice network in Scotland is here for you with free, impartial and confidential advice.

Find your local CAB

Your first port of call should be contacting your local Citizens Advice Bureau to get free, confidential and impartial advice. One of our specialist advisers will be able to talk to you face-to-face, go through your situation and work out the next steps. They will be able to help communicate with your energy supplier, set up a manageable repayment plan or find out if you are eligible for any grants or discounts.

Get help online

Specialist services

  • If you are thinking about claiming Universal Credit for the first time, we can help. Our Help to Claim advisers are available by webchat or telephone (0800 023 2581, Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm) and can guide you through the process, whether you’re looking for answers to quick questions or step-by-step support to make your claim.
  • The Money Talk Team at your local Citizens Advice Bureau helps you maximise your income, look at options to reduce costs and offers specialist debt advice. To find out more, start a webchat here.
  • If you are elderly, have certain health conditions, are pregnant or have young children, you may be eligible for additional support from your supplier. Check if you are eligible for the Priority Services Register here.
  • You can also call Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 for help with your home energy this winter.

Pet expert shares tips to keep your pet calm this Bonfire Night


Bonfire Night can be a very stressful time for a pet owner and their pet. The loud crashes, bangs and booms, and inability to pinpoint where they are coming from can be extremely distressing for a dog and they can perceive it as a threat. The anxiety can also be caused by the smell of the gunpowder, the reaction of other pets or owners and the lights flashing.

If you’re worried your dog is struggling with anxiety from fireworks, some of the key signs include: shaking, whining, hiding and refusing to go out, restless, and clingy. To help pet owners across the country, Bella & Duke’s Expert Dog Behaviourist, Nikki Mather has shared some tips to limit anxiety and combat stress on Bonfire Night in the future:

  1. A long walk or run before dark: This will allow your dog to get their energy out and ensure they’re able to get home before most fireworks are likely to be let off.
  2. Providing a safe space: Having the curtains closed to avoid the flashes of light, provide a bed or crate with a cover that they can hide in, and you can be nearby for comfort, play white noise to help drown out the sound of the fireworks, and reduce stress in your dog.
  3. Be there for your dog: A good option would be to wear comfort clothes that have a familiar scent for your dog and to allow them to cuddle up for reassurance if they are seeking that. Try to remain calm for them so they don’t sense your anxiety for them.
  4. Use calming products: You can purchase calming sprays that can be beneficial to helping your dog relax, chew toys and treats are also a good option to help distract them and relax them – and also just to have a well-deserved treat at an anxious time!
  5. Preparation and patience: Being prepared can help manage your dog’s anxiety ahead of time, instead of acting once they are already afraid. Find out when any local events are planned to reduce the element of surprise and have your safe space and any products, treats or music you may be using ready to go.


Nikki Mather, Expert Dog Behaviourist at Bella & Duke, said: “We all hate to see our pets suffering and seeing the anxiety they go through when hearing fireworks is heartbreaking.

“While there are steps we can take as pet owners to limit the stress they go through, unfortunately there isn’t a magic fix. Patience and preparation will be your greatest allies and remaining calm yourself can help in keeping our pets’ distress to a minimum at this time of the year.”

To find out more information on how to keep your pets calm during Bonfire Night please visit www.bellaandduke.com

Healthcare awareness campaign launched

Where to seek help over winter

An awareness campaign is underway to ensure people know the best place to access healthcare this winter.

Right Care Right Place helps the public decide the most appropriate service for their healthcare needs – whether they should contact their GP or pharmacy, call NHS 24 on 111 or use self-help guides on the NHS Inform website. Hospital emergency departments should only be visited for critical emergencies.

The campaign features targeted advertising on television, radio and online and aims to help alleviate pressures on the NHS and social care ahead of an expected seasonal increase in demand.

Health Secretary Neil Gray visited East Lothian Community Hospital to hear about work being undertaken to address delayed discharges. The hospital supports patients leaving acute hospitals who require intermediate care before returning home.

Mr Gray said: “We have been working closely with colleagues across the NHS and social care to make sure we are as prepared as possible ahead of winter.

“Public information and awareness of the treatment options and how to access them when needed is key to ensuring services are directed where they are most needed.

“This will help everyone to get the right care, in the right place as quickly as possible while helping alleviate pressures on the rest of the NHS. People can also help by making sure they receive their Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Covid-19 and flu vaccinations if eligible.”

Self-help guides can be found on NHS inform and include advice on the most common winter illnesses.

Health and social care: winter preparedness plan 2024 to 2025 – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Acas urges employers to act now on sexual harassment

Workplace expert Acas is encouraging employers and their staff to create a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment at work ahead of a change in law this week.

The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 comes into effect on 26 October 2024, introducing a legal duty for employers to proactively take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment.

Acas is suggesting employers create a culture where sexual harassment is understood to be unacceptable, including anyone in a position of authority.

This includes developing a policy on sexual harassment, training managers on their responsibilities, and creating an environment where people feel safe to report incidents of sexual harassment and situations where they felt unsafe.

According to a recent Acas survey, 14% of employers and 6% of employees said they had witnessed sexual harassment in their workplace.

Acas Head of Inclusive Workplaces Julie Dennis said: “Sexual harassment is unacceptable at work or anywhere else. We want everyone to understand this, and we are urging employers to take a proactive approach to stamping it out.

“Proper policies and training for managers can help eliminate the potential for sexual harassment to occur. They can also help foster environments where staff feel empowered to report any harassment and avoid it before it occurs.”

Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature.

Under the new law, employers must take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment.

They must not wait until something has happened before they take action.

This covers harassment from colleagues, whether at work or in settings connected to work, and also harassment from third parties such as customers, service users or members of the public.

In order to identify and address risks, employers need to:

  • consider the risks of sexual harassment happening in their organisation
  • consider steps they could take to reduce the risks of sexual harassment happening
  • consider which of those steps are reasonable for them to take.

For more information, please visit: https://www.acas.org.uk/sexual-harassment

Granton Information Centre: Benefits Awareness session in Clermiston

Join us on Halloween for our FREE Benefits Awareness Workshop!

THURSDAY 31st OCTOBER from 10am – 12 noon

at Clermiston Church of the Nazarene, Rannoch Terrace

Don’t miss out on Pension Credit

Are you missing out on Pension Credit?

If you’re of pension age & on a low income you may be eligible for Winter Fuel Payment to help with heating costs. You need to claim by 21 December.

Contact us to find out if you’re eligible or to refer someone:

http://edinburgh.gov.uk/benefits-grants/advice-shop?documentId=12262&categoryId=20127

Dog behaviourist issues urgent advice ahead of bonfire night

Dogs can experience various disorders and health issues because of the noise and unpredictability of fireworks even if they are inside, including anxiety, panic attacks and cardiovascular issues. 

If exposed to fireworks displays outside, dogs may experience distress that can lead to agoraphobia, the fear of open spaces and crowds. 

This can result in long-term behavioural changes such as trembling, barking, and anxiety when taken outside, even if they previously felt safe.

Owners can keep their dogs safe during firework displays by gradually desensitizing them in advance. Play recordings during positive activities and slowly increase the volume to build their noise resilience.

Other advice includes avoiding walks on bonfire night and using dog body wraps. 

Nick Jones said: “Fireworks can be extremely frightening to dogs and exposure to the loud bangs and flashing lights can lead to serious health conditions and disorders, which can unfortunately impact behaviour long term. 

“Many owners will be surprised to learn their dog could even develop agoraphobia, a fear of open spaces and crowds if exposed to fireworks. 

“In extreme cases, they can get so scared of fireworks and loud displays that they could die of heart attacks. 

“This is why it is so important dog owners are educated on how to make the season safer for their beloved pets, including by preparing in advance for displays with desensitising techniques.

“My other advice includes not walking dogs outside if there is a possibility of fireworks, placing cotton wool in their ears, or socks over them and creating a safe, quiet and dark environment for them.”

Six tips to keep a dog safe on fireworks night, according to Nick Jones: 

Desensitisation:

Planning for fireworks is essential for dog owners. Desensitisation techniques, like gradually increasing the volume of YouTube fireworks videos while giving treats, can help dogs adapt to the noise. This creates a sense of safety. If your dog struggles during fireworks season, start desensitisation now to help for future events.

Avoid dog walks

Always avoid dog walking during fireworks displays, even if your dog isn’t showing signs of distress. The sudden noises, bangs and flashes could not only cause fear and anxiety but could also make them run away if they are off lead. 

DIY ear covers

Consider using inexpensive DIY methods like placing cotton wool under their ears or cutting an old sock to cover their ears to muffle the sounds of loud bangs and minimise distress. This technique may prove difficult on some dogs, so it may be worth investing in proper doggy earmuffs. 

Body wrap ThunderShirt 

A ThunderShirt is a specific body wrap which provides constant pressure, promoting relaxation. They are a great way to alleviate anxiety during fireworks and help them feel comforted and connected, naturally reducing stress and calming their nervous system.

Dark and soundproof spaces

Create a secure, calm, dark, and soundproof hiding place with blankets and toys to help your dog feel safe. Regularly check on them to ensure they are okay.

Seek professional help:

If no methods are helping and a dog is still showing extreme signs of fear and anxiety, they may need to be taken to a vet or referred to a dog behaviourist ahead of fireworks season for further help. 

Menopause advice from NHS 24

TODAY is #WorldMenopauseDay and it’s a great chance to spread awareness on the information, advice, and support that is available. 💙

NHS 24 has talked to the experts about a variety of questions (and myths!) that can pop up during this natural transition.

Visit our links in the comments below to find out more:

Menopause information on Women’s Health Platform on NHS inform – 🔗https://nhs24.info/menopause

View our Women’s Health playlist on the NHS 24 YouTube channel – 🎬 https://www.youtube.com/playlist..

Scottish housing charity helps tenants save over £1.8m

A LEADING Scottish provider of housing and care services for older people has helped its tenants save more than £1.8 million.

Through the work of its dedicated Income Advice Officers, Bield Housing and Care has achieved remarkable results, providing crucial support to vulnerable tenants navigating complex benefits systems and pension claims.

First established at the end of 2022, the Income Advice team has achieved significant results over the past 18 months, saving tenants a total of £1,847,740.

Led by experienced advisors, Rebecca Summers and Scott Alexander, the team work with tenants and support staff to offer expert guidance on various financial matters, including pension awareness and claims, Housing Benefit applications, Universal Credit support and grant applications.

Rebecca highlighted a recent significant case: “We assisted a gentleman on Universal Credit who was initially told his benefits would only cover rent.

“After extensive work with the DWP, we secured a £12,500 back payment for him, covering essential costs like service charges and communal heating costs.”

The organisation has noticed a shift towards online services by local councils, which has created challenges for many older individuals, however it has helped process 1,034 referrals since March 2023.

Rebecca continues: “Having application processes exclusively online can be challenging for elderly people particularly if they are dealing with these processes and benefits for the first time.

“We work to offer support and guide tenants through the process, ensuring they receive their maximum entitlement, as well as educating our development staff.”

By raising pension awareness and providing comprehensive financial advice, Bield continues its mission to improve the lives of older people across Scotland, one tenant at a time.

Tracey Howatt, Director of Customer Experience at Bield said: “At Bield, our mission is to help older people in Scotland live independent and fulfilled lives.

“The remarkable achievement of our Income Advice Officers, saving our tenants over £1.8 million, perfectly embodies this commitment. By providing expert guidance on complex financial matters, we’re not just helping with immediate financial needs, but also empowering our tenants to maintain their independence and quality of life.

“We’re constantly innovating and improving our services to meet the evolving needs of older people across Scotland and we’re proud of the tangible difference our dedicated team is making in the lives of our tenants.”

The Income Advice Officers offer guidance on charity applications, grant applications (including Community Care Grants and Discretionary Housing Payments) and facilitate access to food banks throughout Scotland, as well as identifying further benefits tenants may be eligible for.

These additional benefits, ranging from £5 to £182 per week, empower tenants to address their individual needs and improve their quality of life.

Founded in 1971, Bield has grown from a single housing development to become a leading housing charity in Scotland.

Today, it provides support for over 5,000 tenants across more than 170 developments, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for older people through innovative care and housing solutions.

For more about Bield visit https://www.bield.co.uk/ or follow them on Facebook @bieldhousingandcare and Twitter @BieldScotland