Cost of living support: food, home and money
The cost-of-living crisis presents an ongoing challenge to people and families across Scotland, with many struggling to make ends meet. Not only is it is affecting people financially, it is having an impact on their mental health and wellbeing.
On this page you can find resources and information, organisations and services that can help with the cost of living crisis, including the impact it can have on your mental health and ways to improve your wellbeing.
Let us know what works well for you. If you have any other suggestions for this page, please email midspace@health-in-mind.org.uk
Money
With bigger bills and stretched budgets, you may well be feeling a financial squeeze on all sides. From heating your home to the supermarket shop, fuel and your everyday essentials, prices have been going up.
If you’re concerned about the cost of living and how to look after your money, this is a good place to start. This section has information that can help you manage your finances and understand what support you are entitled to.
Citizens Advice Scotland’s Money Map will help you find sources of online support to:
- Increase your income
- Reduce your bills
- Ease the costs of daily living
This includes information on benefits, council tax, grants, budgeting, utilities, food, clothing and energy costs.
Learn more here – moneymap.scot
Local Citizens Advice Bureau
Dalkeith and District Citizens Advice
Phone: 0131 660 1636
Email: bureau@dalkeithcab.org.uk
Penicuik Citizens Advice
Phone: 01968 675259 / 0800 0327077
Email: bureau@penicuikcab.org.uk
Organisations
Midlothian Council has created an information page detailing how to stay well this winter and what support is available to you locally.
Energy Saving Trust has some great information on how to understand your energy bill. They also provide some tips that could help you save money on energy.
GOV UK Winter Fuel Payment is available to those born on or before 25 September 1956, find out if you could be eligible.
Money Talk Team offers support and money advice for families in Scotland. The team can help you with practical money management skills and find out what you might be entitled to.
Money Advice Scotland can help people in debt and support money advisers. It aims for financial wellbeing for the people of Scotland.
Age UK – Benefits calculator and benefits advice Age UK’s Benefits Calculator can help you find out what benefits you could be owed.
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis is Good Morning Britain’s “Money Man”, watch his short videos, giving information on how to save money.
Food
Here’s a range of information and support available to help you access food when you need it, make healthy and affordable meals, and understand the connection between food and our mental health and wellbeing.
Local organisations
Midlothian Foodbank is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.
The Bonnyrigg and Sherwood Community Trust Shop has as a food bank, available to those living in Midlothian.
Food Facts Friends food bank and drop-in centre aims to help anyone who is facing hunger because of crisis. It is an independent food bank supported by local businesses and individuals, working to prevent poverty and hunger across Midlothian.
Guides and information
Eat Well Age Well aims to tackle malnutrition in older people. It has a range of resources on how to keep healthy and well during COVID-19.
Change 4 Life has lots of recipes and ideas to help parents and guardians so you can make healthier choices for your families.
Parent Club has a wide range of recipes, food planners and healthy tips.
Cooking on a bootstrap is a blog from Jack Monroe and has lots of ideas and recipes to help you eat well on a low income.
The mental health charity Mind has a guide on ‘Food and mood‘ which looks at the connection between food and our wellbeing. It also includes information on how you can eat more healthily.
Home
Shelter has a dedicated cost of living section on its website which includes information about:
- The rent freeze
- The eviction ban
- Get help with housing costs
Find out more here: Shelter Scotland – Your housing rights in the cost of living crisis
Home Energy Scotland are sharing ways to create a cosier and more comfortable space by taking control of your heating system.
Scottish Government has created an information page detailing how to stay well this winter and what practical support is available to those living in Scotland.
Warm Places
Midlothian has a number of council and community-run buildings that are open to the public, such as libraries and community center’s where you can use services and participate in activities in warm, welcoming spaces. Midlothian Council has pulled together details of where you can go – Warm Welcome Spaces