COST OF LIVING SUPPORT
COST OF LIVING SUPPORT
It is undoubtedly a difficult time with the rising costs affecting so many households including carers and disabled people. We have pulled together a list of local and national supports that may be able to help:
West Lothian Council Cost of Living Hub
West Lothian Council have compiled a range of resources to help with details of support available
This includes help with benefits and money, energy costs, household costs, grants and more.
GOV.UK ‘Help for Households’
Details what cost of living support may be available for households.
Energy Advice and Support
The following services share advice and information with tips to reduce the costs of your bills, as well as possible grants and services that may be available to you.
West Lothian Advice Shop: To speak to an advisor about energy advice and grants, call 01506 283000 (and press option 4) or visit their website.
Citizens Advice Scotland: Online advice available, including smaller articles with tips to help cut down your bills. Visit their website.
Home Energy Scotland: This website has a huge range of energy advice available, including ways to make your home more energy-efficient and funding that you may be eligible for. Visit their website or call 0808 808 2282
Energy Advice.Scot: Provide free, practical advice on a range of energy-related topics. Visit their website or call 0808 1968660
Support to Access Food
There are several organisations and community groups within West Lothian to help you gain access to food essentials. You can use this online locator map to identify this support in your community:
Warm Welcomes
West Lothian Council have created a map full of ‘Warm Welcome’ locations throughout the area. These places provide local people with a warm & welcoming place to visit, socialise, access services and provide support.
Benefits Advice and Support
West Lothian Advice Shop: Can offer benefit checks, application assistance, help with appeals and resolving issues with benefits. You can find out more on their website or call 01506 283000
CoWL Benefits Advice Clinic: Run by a benefits advisor from Advice Shop fortnightly via telephone or Teams. You can book an appointment by calling us on 01506 448000 or email office@carers-westlothian.com
Social Security Scotland: Are responsible for certain benefits and grants. More information at: socialsecurity.gov.scot or call 0800 182 2222
Citizens Advice Bureau West Lothian: Find benefits advice and more on their website or call 01506 432977
Disability Information Scotland: Provide reliable support for people in Scotland living with a disability. Visit their website or call their helpline on 03003 239961
Turn 2 Us: Are a charity who provide help to those going through financial difficulty. Visit their website.
Debt Support
Debt can be a difficult subject to talk about. With it, it can bring a lot of worry and stress.
If you are struggling with debt, there are local and national services who offer free support and advice, so you don’t need to worry alone:
West Lothian Advice Shop – Money and Debt Advice: http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/…/Money-and-Debt-Advice
Citizens Advice Bureau (Debt and Money Advice): cabwestlothian.org.uk/services/debt-and-money Tel: 01506 432977
Step Change Debt Charity: stepchange.org Tel: 0800 138 1111
National Debtline: nationaldebtline.org Tel: 0808 808 4000

EXTERNAL QUICK LINKS
St John’s Hospital - 01506 523000
NHS 24 - 111 / Web - NHS UK
Samaritans - 116 123 (Free from landlines and mobiles) / Web - Samaritans
Breathing Space – breathingspace.scot
Childline - 0800 1111 / Web - Childline.org
HELP OUT OF HOURS
West Lothian Council Social Work Services - website WLC Social Work
Out of Hours Emergency Service 01506 281028 / 281029
West Lothian Council main number 01506 280000
West Lothian Council Social Work Services 01506 282252



CONTACT US
Open Monday - Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm
Telephone: 01506 448000
Email: office@carers-westlothian.com
Registered Scottish Charity No. SC019628
Company Limited by Guarantee Company Number SC226434
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