Before contacting Stuart, you may wish to consider whether the following information helps answer your query.
COST OF LIVING
The Scottish Government have developed a website to provide information on the wide range of advice and financial support available to people in Scotland has been launched. This ‘one stop shop’ aims to help those struggling with the cost of living crisis, and includes information on help available for households to meet rising energy, housing and other costs. Click the link below to access the website.
Cost of living crisis – Cost of Living Support Scotland (campaign.gov.scot)
HEALTH
For general health information, check the NHS Inform website or phone their helpline on 0800 22 44 88. For urgent health advice when your GP practice or dentist is closed, telephone NHS 24 on 111 or textphone on 18001 111 (open 24 hours a day).
NHS Self Help Therapies recommend self-help books and other resources for people experiencing increased stress, anxiety, depression.
NHS Living Life is a free telephone service available on 0800 328 9655 to anyone over the age of 16 feeling low, anxious or depressed. Following a telephone assessment, patients can be assigned to either:
- Living Life Guided Self Help which is guided support with a self-help coach over 6-9 weeks, or
- Living Life CBT which is specialist support with a therapist over 6-9 telephone sessions.
Call Breathing Space Scotland on 0800 83 85 87 for listening, advice and information for people in Scotland feeling low, stressed or anxious.
CRIME
In an emergency, call 999. Anything that would not be classed as an emergency, please call Police Scotland on 101. You can also report matters to the police anonymously via Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.
If you have been the victim of a crime, you can receive support from Victim Support Scotland by calling 0800 160 1985.
Inverclyde Women’s Aid provide specialist domestic abuse services to women, children & young people who are experiencing, or have experienced, domestic abuse, sexual assault, rape and childhood sexual abuse. You can contact them on 01475 888505.
Rise Against Abuse are a survivor-led organisation providing practical and emotional one-to-one support for victims of abuse. You can contact them on 07780377420 or by emailing info@riseagainstabuse.com.
ENERGY
Advice Direct Scotland administers the Home Heating Support Fund on behalf of the Scottish Government to help Scots struggling with their energy bills. The scheme is designed to help prevent households falling into fuel poverty. Individuals can contact Advice Direct Scotland for free on 0808 800 9060 or visit their website, and trained advisers can assess their eligibility and refer them if appropriate. The Home Heating Support Fund runs until 31 March 2024, or until funds are exhausted.
The Fuelbank Foundation have already helped over half a million people in fuel crisis. They give emergency financial support to households identified as being in fuel crisis and are also working hard to actively raise awareness in the press and lobbying politicians and regulators. They have 350+ fuel bank centres across the UK.
Ofgem and other partners have produced a detailed guide listing advice for domestic energy consumers based on commonly asked questions. Make sure you read the guide for Scotland.
Energy Action Scotland campaigns for an end to fuel poverty in Scotland and aims to develop and promote effective solutions to the problem of cold, damp and expensive to heat homes. Their website has an abundance of information and links to further help.
Energy Saving Trust offer tips and advice for straightforward ways to save energy, lower your bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
Home Energy Scotland provides information about what funding is available to help you with the cost of energy. Use their handy tool to search for what funding support is available – just put in your postcode.
If you have a power cut, call the national power cut phone line on 105.
If you smell gas, call the 24-hour Gas Emergency Hotline on 0800 111 999.
FOOD
Inverclyde Foodbank is open on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays between 1-4pm and can be contacted on 01475 787177 or inverclydefoodbank@thei58project.com. Our office can make a referral if you require a foodbank parcel.
Angel’s Foodbank based at Port Glasgow Church (5 Brown Street, Port Glasgow) is open 10am-12pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with no referral needed.
The This’tle Help foodbank (100-102 Lynedoch Street, Greenock) is open 11am-1pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with no referral needed.
A whole range of community centres and third sector organisations are offering ‘warm spaces’ throughout the week. A list and map of where is open and when, and what they’re offering in terms of food and activities, can be found on Inverclyde Council’s website.
The Pantry (zero waste and affordable food shops on Grieve Road in Greenock or John Wood St in Port Glasgow) offer a £1 membership which allows you to access £10 to £15 worth of goods each week for £2.50.The Greenock Pantry is open Mondays from 10am – 3pm and Saturdays from 8.30 am- 3 pm. The Port Glasgow Pantry is open Mondays from 10am-3pm and Fridays from 1pm- 6:30pm.
BENEFITS, MONEY, DEBT & EMPLOYMENT
Inverclyde Advice First offers advice and information services to Inverclyde residents facing debt, housing and benefit problems through a telephone service where skilled advisers provide initial advice. Where people are at serious financial risk, emergency face-to-face appointments with project staff can be arranged. Call to engage with this service: 01475 715 299.
Financial Fitness offer free and confidential welfare, benefit and money advice to Inverclyde residents and can be contacted on 01475 729239 or at finfitteam@yahoo.co.uk.
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Scotland offer free help to those struggling with debt. Call 0800 328 0006 to book an appointment with an advisor or to find out more about their service.
The Kidron Project also provide a range of courses that can empower people to take control of their finances.
Inverclyde Advice & Employment Rights Centre can be contacted on 01475 888039.
Step Change Debt Charity provide free debt advice tailored to your individual circumstances and in line with Scottish debt law. You can use their online debt advice tool or call their free helpline on 0800 138 1111. They will then take some initial details and book you an appointment with one of their Scottish debt advisors.
National Debt Line provide free and independent debt advice over the phone and online. Call 0808 808 4000 or webchat with an advisor (Mon to Fri 9am – 8pm, Sat 9:30am – 1pm), or use their online tool to access debt help.
ACAS gives employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice. Call their helpline on 0300 123 1100 (Mon to Fri, 8am – 6pm) to speak with an advisor, but note they cannot give an opinion or legal advice.
HOUSING
If you are currently homeless or threatened with homelessness within 56 days, you have the right to make a homeless application regardless of any housing options that may be available. If you want to discuss your situation in detail with a professional adviser, you can contact Inverclyde Council’s Homelessness Services on 01475 558000.
Shelter Scotland provide a range of housing advice on their website.
CONSUMER RIGHTS
Do you have questions about consumer rights? Having difficulty returning goods that you have purchased online? Consumer Advice Scotland is a free service you can use to get advice regarding your rights as a consumer. You can visit the website by clicking here or call on 0808 164 6000.
Looking to employ a tradesman? Visit Inverclyde Council’s Trusted Trader directory.
FLOODING & WATER
If there is an issue with your water supply, contact Scottish Water online or by calling 0800 0778 778.
If you need to report flooding, contact Floodline via their website or by calling 03000 99 66 99.
OTHER
A range of advice is available on the Citizens Advice Scotland website.