Practical support: food, money, housing and work
Some of us are experiencing worries about money, work, accessing food and housing which can impact our mental health and wellbeing.
We have collected information, tools and links to local organisations that can give you practical support during this time.
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.
During Covid-19, The Bonnyrigg and Sherwood Community Trust Shop has re-opened as a food bank.
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.
Penicuik Ambassadors can help you access food if you are in need.
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.
Food Standards Scotland answers your questions about food and Covid-19,
Housing
Shelter has a wide variety of information on its website which includes information about:
- eviction
- moving and leaving home
- paying rent
- claiming benefits
- domestic abuse
- repairs and landlord access
- mortgage arrears
- gas and electricity bills
- land and Buildings Transaction Tax
Learn more here – www.scotland.shelter.org.uk
Money
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
Turn2us has tools and resources about on benefits.
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.
Work
Here you can find local projects in Midlothian to help you find work that works for you as well as information and tips to help you understand what causes stress in a workplace, how to recognise it and find ways to manage it so you can thrive in all areas of your life.
Tips and information
Communities and Lifelong Learning work with young people, adults, families, and community organisations to improve skills for learning, life, and work.
Locate Midlothian has pulled together a wide range of employability support available in the area and throughout Scotland
Into Work support people with disabilities and long-term health conditions to find employment.
The Prince’s Trust supports young people aged between 11 to 30 years old to gain skills, and find employment.
Rural & Urban Training Scheme (RUTS) delivers vocational training and employability support to young people.
Useful pages on Midspace
This page has factsheets, tips and information, activities and services available in Midlothian to help you understand what causes stress in a workplace, how to recognise it and find ways to manage it so you can thrive in all areas of your life.