It is difficult to watch the events happening in Ukraine on the news without feeling helpless.
The charity GOCC Edinburgh are organising a collection for Ukrainians in need.
If you are able to help, you are welcome to leave donations of UN-OPENED toiletries, packets of nappies/sanitary products at Granton Information Centre’s office (134-138 West Granton Road, EH5 1PE) tomorrow morning between 9.30 – 12 midday and Thursday morning between 9.30 – 12 midday.
We will ensure all donations are safely delivered to GOCC Edinburgh on Thursday afternoon.
PLEASE NOTE we are only able to accept donations of the items listed above (no clothes, medicines, monetary donations, etc will be accepted at our office).
Additional items can be donated directly at the Foodplus stores mentioned in the flyer (below):
As the cost of living increases and energy prices set to soar, debt charity encourages those who are unable to pay bills to seek support
As we start this new year, many people across Scotland are struggling with the increased cost of living impacting all areas of life. The cost of a food shop has increased alongside significantly higher fuel and energy costs. The upcoming removal of the energy price cap is set to see prices soar.
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Scotland is deeply concerned that many low income families will see their debts rocket as they struggle to afford the basics. CAP surveyed around 900 clients across the UK during the pandemic and over a third (37%) said they regularly had to go without meals. Over half (56%) had borrowed money to pay for food, clothing and other essential living costs.
TIME TO SEEK FREE DEBT HELP
CAP Scotland is encouraging more people to seek help with problem debt now and not to wait until things get worse. Their message is clear, it is never too early or too late to get debt help.
CAP Scotland’s National Director, Emma Jackson, explains why this is so vital: “Over the past year we’ve seen the devastating impact of the cost of living increase hitting low income families hard. Before getting debt help, many of our clients were having to prioritise which bills to pay.
“No one should have to make the impossible choice between whether to heat their home or feed their children but sadly too many people in Scotland are having to do this right now.
“Too often shame and stigma keep people trapped in problem debt, 50% of CAP clients wait for over a year to get debt help. We are urging everyone who is struggling with problem debt not to wait until things hit crisis point.
“CAP Scotland provides free, professional and community based debt help. Our Debt Coaches can meet you in the comfort of your own home and stay with you every step of the way until you become debt free.
“Many other trusted debt help charities are also offering vital support with free debt help. The most important thing isn’t which charity someone chooses to call, it’s just making the call for help as soon as possible.”
Local charity Granton Information Centre is one of the organisations that are here to help.
Email info@gic.org.uk or telephone 0131 551 2459 or 0131 552 0458 to make an appointment or enquire about our outreaches.
A new campaign which will help people in the Lothians struggling financially get support and access the benefits that they are entitled to has been launched.
The campaign comes as a survey reveals that just over 1 in 5 (21%) Scots living in the Lothians, wouldn’t feel comfortable receiving any type of financial benefits or grants, even if they were eligible, and seeks to address the stigma that people may have around claiming benefits.
The YouGov survey, commissioned by the Scottish Government, also found that people in the Lothians were concerned about being judged by others for receiving benefits, with 17% saying that they were concerned about being judged for receiving Universal Credit, and 10% for receiving Child Tax Credits.
These results indicate that there may be people in the Lothians who are eligible for financial support, whether that be benefits or grants, but aren’t taking the help that’s available because of how others may perceive them for doing so.
The survey comes as the Scottish Government launches a dedicated website – www.moneysupport.scot – to help those experiencing financial difficulties find the support they need.
The Money Support Scotland website contains information and contact details for a range of organisations able to provide information on benefits people could be eligible for, where to go for free and impartial debt advice and how to apply for affordable credit.
The Money Support Scotland campaign is working in partnership with Citizens Advice Scotland and Advice Direct Scotland, which both help people understand what benefits they might be entitled to and how to apply for them.
The Citizens Advice network in Scotland offers free, impartial and confidential advice, with trained advisers able to help explain how people can maximise their income through benefits and grants, cut costs and help manage debt.
Its Money Map tool helps people check which benefits and grants they might be entitled to, as well as eligibility for council tax reductions and support with housing and energy costs. Advice Direct Scotland also provide financial advice and offer a free benefit calculator on their website.
Citizens Advice Scotland Chief Executive Derek Mitchell said:“People shouldn’t feel uncomfortable about accessing the support they are entitled to. That’s how the welfare state works – we all pay in and get support when we need it. That’s what the money is there for, and after the past few years people should be confident about getting the payments they are due.
“The reality is people are facing a perfect storm this winter of rising bills and falling incomes, so maximising your income and getting all the money you are entitled to is really important to help with bills and spending.
“Citizens Advice Scotland is proud to partner with the Scottish Government on this important campaign to ensure people get the help they need this winter. The Citizens Advice network can give people help in a variety of ways and during the pandemic we unlocked around £147 million for people through things like social security payments, employment entitlements and debt reductions.”
There’s a wide range of support available to Scots of all ages from one-off payments to help with the cost of school uniforms to ongoing support with living costs.
To find out where to seek advice on accessing the range of financial support available, visit www.moneysupport.scot.
New benefit to tackle child poverty pays out £3.6 million since February
An estimated 78,775 children have already benefitted from Scottish Child Payment since its launch.
The benefit, which is unique to Scotland, is intended to help low-income families with the costs of raising a child. It gives qualifying parents and carers £40 every four weeks for each child under six.
A total of 92% of the applications received and processed have been approved, and payments started in February.
Applications were received from people living in all 32 local authorities in Scotland, with the highest number of 17,330 from Glasgow City.
Parents and carers are able to apply for all eligible children in their household in a single application and can also apply for Best Start Grants and Best Start Foods at the same time.
Scottish Child Payment is in addition to the UK wide Child Benefit.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Security Shirley-Anne Somerville said:“It is great to see so many families benefitting from the Scottish Child Payment and that it is making a positive impact on the lives of so many children. We are working hard to tackle child poverty and it is fantastic to see the number of households being supported so quickly after the payment’s launch.
“It is a benefit unique to Scotland within the UK, and has been hailed as a potential ‘game-changer’ in the fight against child poverty.
“It shows how, with the welfare powers we have gained, we are making a real, positive difference to the lives of young people and their families, boosting the life chances of children across the country.”
More than 104,000 applications were made between 9 November 2020 and 31 March 2021.
If you need local help or advice about your benefits, contact Granton Information Centre. Telephone 0131 552 0458, 0131 551 2459 or email info@gic.org.uk
Over £3 million for money advice services in GP surgeries
GP practices in some of the most deprived communities will receive £3.17 million to fund dedicated welfare rights advisors to address growing mental health concerns caused by money and housing insecurity.
The national roll out has been a long time coming: Granton Information Centre led the very first partnership when they introduced a pioneering new service at Muirhouse Medical Group over ten years ago!
Dr John Budd of The Access Practice, a member of The Deep End network of GP surgeries in Scotland which cover the 100 most deprived patient populations, explained the benefits of the service when he addressed a Holyrood event held to celebrate Granton Information Centre’s pioneering work in 2018.
Dr. Budd told guests: “Around six years ago we became increasingly aware of the crippling nature of the welfare changes being introduced by the Westminster government. We produced a report about people’s experience of welfare change which received national media attention.
“What came out if that was a real sense of hopelessness – we felt our patients, often vulnerable, were increasingly being defeated by a system that was supposed to be there to help them. GPs felt helpless: patients were coming to see them with issues they couldn’t address. Poverty, increasing levels of homelessness, complex benefits issues – they couldn’t do the job they were trained to do.
“However the embedding of welfare rights workers into this bleak landscape has been such a bright spot. As members of our primary care team they have made such a fantastic difference, enabling people to navigate through the incredibly complex benefits system.
“Michelle (GIC’s Michelle Lee – Ed.) was with us at the Access Practice for four years, and she generated around £800,000 a year extra in due benefits – around £1000 per patient, which can make a huge difference to people who are often destitute.
“It’s been a fantastic development: it’s tragic that we still need this service, but it’s been a great benefit to our patients and we are so fortunate to have it. It’s a hugely effective way of enabling people to gain greater control of their lives through addressing poverty.”
Launching in September 2021, 150 GP Practices will be able to refer patients directly to an in-house welfare rights officer for advice on increasing income, social security eligibility, debt resolution, housing, and employability issues as well as helping with representation at tribunals.
The Welfare Advice and Health Partnerships will reduce pressure on GPs and primary care services – allowing them to focus on clinical care and treatment for patients while a dedicated advisor supports them to address their social and economic needs.
Since the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic GP practices have reported an increase in the number of patients citing money and housing worries for mental health issues. This funding will enable Welfare Advice and Health Partnerships to be formed as part of COVID-19 Recovery and Resilience plans.
The work will be delivered in collaboration with Public Health Scotland, The Scottish Public Health Network and the Improvement Service.
Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyone differently and further highlighted how vital it is to ensure support is in place for those who need it, including access to advice to help people overcome issues which are having a negative impact their mental health.
“Evidence has shown that money and welfare advisors in health centres reach people who do not engage with traditional advice services. This is the first time this approach will be delivered at a national scale, and I am sure it will make a difference to households as we focus on our recovery from this crisis.”
Deep End GP and former chair of the Royal College of Practitioners Scotland Dr Carey Lunan said: “This pandemic has shone a spotlight on health and social inequalities for some of our most vulnerable citizens, with the economic impacts being felt most by disadvantaged groups, who already live in precarious financial circumstances.
“Poverty is a fundamental cause of persisting health inequality and as we plan our recovery from COVID-19 we must ensure an appropriate focus on those with the greatest health and social needs, or these inequalities will simply worsen further. More financial security offers more choice, more control – and more hope.”
Figures released on Young Carers Action Day reveal that The Scottish Government has paid out more than £860,000 to eligible young carers since The Young Carer Grant opened in October 2019.
Over 2,900 applications have been authorised to support young people aged 16, 17 and 18 who spend an average of 16 hours a week caring for someone who receives a disability benefit.
The Young Carer Grant is an annual payment of £305.10 made to young carers to spend on anything they like, for example, a subscription to a video or music streaming service, new clothes or something else that helps them take a break from their caring responsibilities.
Young carers who have previously received the Grant and still meet the eligibility criteria can re-apply 12 months from the date of their previous successful application.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Security Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Young carers play a vital role across our society. It is fantastic that so many have received this financial support since the benefit was introduced.
“People may not realise what they do at home is caring – you could see it as just part of your day to day life. It is true all year round but it is worth emphasising again on Young Carers Action Day that people should check if they are entitled to The Young Carer Grant.
”I encourage young people who help someone that receives disability support to check if they could get this additional financial support.”
Young carers can combine the hours they spend caring for up to three eligible people in order to reach the 16 hours a week requirement
To find out more and apply people should visit mygov.scot/benefits or call 0800 182 2222
The statistics cover the period of 21 October 2019 – 31 January 2021
December 2020 and January 2021 had the highest number of successful applications since the payment began, with 335 and 325 authorised respectively.
The person or people the young person is caring for must have received one or more of the following benefits for at least the last three months:
the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
the middle or highest care rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) including Child Disability Living Allowance
Attendance Allowance
Armed Forces Independence Payment
Constant Attendance Allowance – either: Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (at or above the normal maximum rate), or War Disablement Pension (at the basic rate)
Granton Information Centre can help you get the benefits you are entitled to. GIC has been supporting clients throughout the pandemic and is here for you.
For free, professional advice call 0131 552 0458 or 0131 551 2459, or you can email info@gic.org.uk – an adviser will respond to your message.
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 emailinfo@gic.org.uk
Following the latest coronavirus guidelines announced on Monday, Granton Information Centre staff are working from home and our office on West Granton Road will remain closed for the foreseeable future – BUT PLEASE BE ASSURED THAT WE ARE STILL OPERATING!
You can contact us by email at info@gic.org.uk or by calling 0131 551 2459 or 0131 552 0458.
Any messages left on our answering machine will be dealt with as soon as possible – please ensure you clearly leave your full name and telephone number when leaving a message.
Let’s all play our part in keeping each other safe, stopping this terrible virus and getting life back to normal!
