Tag: free impartial advice

Edinburgh libraries to offer free, face-to-face advocacy under new national partnership

Drumbrae Library and Leith Library in Edinburgh have launched a new initiative which will deliver free, impartial advocacy to members of the public through a new partnership between the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) and national charity Advice Direct Scotland.

The Edinburgh libraries will be included in the first phase of the programme, which will see trained advocates from Advocacy.scot – run by Advice Direct Scotland – offer in-person support in select public libraries throughout the country to help people access and deal with Social Security Scotland benefits, ensuring their voice is heard.

The new in‑library service will offer an accessible, face‑to‑face option for those who prefer a more personal interaction or who may face barriers to accessing online services.

The first phase of the programme will also launch in the following libraries:

  • Aberdeenshire: Fraserburgh Library
  • Clackmannanshire: Alloa Library
  • Dundee: Coldside Library, Lochee Library and Wellgate Library
  • East Lothian: Dunbar Library
  • Fife: Dunfermline Library, Kennoway Library, Kirkcaldy Library, Lochgelly Library, Methill Library, Rosyth Library and Rothes Halls Library
  • Glasgow: Bridgeton Library, Dennistoun Library, Elder Park Library, Maryhill Library, Mitchell Library, Pollock Library, Pollokshaws Library and Springburn Library
  • Highlands: Dingwall Library
  • Inverclyde: South West Library
  • Moray: Elgin Library
  • North Ayrshire: Arran Library and Kilwinning Library
  • North Lanarkshire: Coatbridge Library
  • South Ayrshire: Ayr Library
  • South Lanarkshire: Larkhall Library
  • West Lothian: Almondbank Library, Bathgate Library, Broxburn Library and West Calder Library

By embedding these services within trusted, familiar community spaces, the partnership aims to make it easier for people to access the help they need, while also strengthening engagement with local library services.

Visitors will be encouraged to become library members, connecting more people with books, digital resources, learning opportunities and community activities.

Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “Libraries are trusted public spaces that sit at the heart of communities, offering connection, learning and support to people of all ages. By partnering with Advice Direct Scotland, we can extend that support even further, ensuring that anyone who needs advice can access it easily, locally and without barriers.

“This collaboration strengthens the role of libraries as essential community anchors and helps build a more inclusive and resilient Scotland. Through their participation in the partnership, Edinburgh locals will have easier access to trusted advice, advocacy and guidance whenever they need it.”

Marjorie Gibson, operation director at Advice Direct Scotland, which runs Advocacy.scot, added: “Our mission is to ensure everyone in Scotland can access free, impartial advocacy when they need it most.

“Libraries are welcoming, familiar environments and bringing our advocates into these spaces will help us reach even more people in a way that feels comfortable and accessible.

“We’re proud to work with SLIC to expand our support and connect communities with the right guidance at the right time.”

To learn more, visit www.advocacy.scot or call 0808 196 8901.

Support available to help you save on heating bills this winter

An additional £18 million will be available this year to help householders install energy efficient measures and reduce their heating bills, bringing the total support available through Home Energy Scotland to £50 million in 2021-2022.

People in Edinburgh and across the country are being urged to seek support and advice from Home Energy Scotland to help make their homes warmer and reduce their heating bills, on average by up to £300 per year.

Financial support worth up to £5,000 is also available to make homes more energy efficient through improvements like home insulation or a new heating system.

Home Energy Scotland also supports households with practical advice and, where appropriate, install energy efficient measures – making homes more energy efficient and saving householders money.

Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings Patrick Harvie, said: “As the colder weather returns and given the concern around rising energy bills, we want to ensure people living in Edinburgh and around Scotland are aware of the support available to keep their homes warm this winter.

“Home Energy Scotland offers advice, support and funding to help people make energy saving improvements, helping them reduce their energy costs.

“The free impartial advice and support is available for anyone concerned about paying their energy bills and we would urge people struggling with their fuel bills to get in touch with Home Energy Scotland.”

Recent research by Home Energy Scotland shows that 70% of people in Scotland feel concerned about energy bills rising, with almost two thirds using more energy than usual during the first 12 months of the pandemic. The research also found that 59% of Scots have noticed a worrying rise in their energy bills already.

Harry Mayers, Head of Home Energy Scotland said: “24,000 households across the country including Edinburgh have already benefited from new energy efficient measures, like a new heating system or insulation, by getting in contact with Home Energy Scotland.

“But with people spending more time at home over the past 18 months due to coronavirus, energy usage has been greater than ever. We therefore want to be able to help even more people to make energy saving improvements to their home.

“A home that isn’t well insulated can lose more than 50% of its heat through its roof and walls so making improvements can help your finances and make your home more energy efficient, comfortable and cheaper to heat while helping lower emissions in Scotland”.