Money is not the only problem
Money is not the only problem is a new online resource that can gain access to the help, support and guidance that is available to you and your family regarding finances and wellbeing.
This resource will provide you with a wealth of information as well as relevant contact details on each topic. You can access the full Money is not the only problem directory or you can select a specific topic below which will provide you with a link to that topic on the online resource.
Money
Having enough money to get by can be a big issue for people. This section looks at how you may be able to get more money in, either through benefits or fair work, and how you might be able to cut your bills in some ways.
There is more information further on about support for people looking for employment.
Housing
Do you have a housing enquiry and need advice regarding your current housing situation?
Our HomeOptions toolkit can provide you with information about accessing or maintaining different types of accommodation. This includes renting a property from the council, a private residential tenancy, or owning your own home.
You can also discuss your financial situation with a member of our local Housing Options Team, there may be assistance to secure a deposit through the Private Sector Access and Sustainment Service if you have found a private let that meets your needs.
Wellbeing
Taking care of yourself is very important. When you are under stress, it can be harder to do this. Within this section you will find information on places where you can get help to look after your mental and physical health as well as find social links and supports to help you stay comfortable, healthy and happy.
Food and healthy eating
Access the Food and healthy eating section
A well-balanced diet is important to provide all the energy you need to keep active throughout the day and nutrients you need for growth and repair, helping you stay strong, healthy and help to prevent diet-related illness. If you are worrying about food there are different organisations that are able to support you. Select this section for different options that are available.
Funerals
Organising funerals can be difficult, and there are lots of things to think about. Within this section you will find out what support is available such as Funeral Support Payments from Social Security, Money Matters Advice Service and Respectful Funeral Services in South Lanarkshire. Funeral poverty is where the price of a funeral is beyond a person's ability to pay and the information in this section, may be able to point you in the right direction.
Online access
Access the Online access section
There are many things which you may need to be able to access online, such as shopping, job applications and benefits help. If you need either equipment, skills or an internet connection to be able to do this, the following section lists places that may be able to help you.
Please check with the location before you go along – all of them are intending to provide free IT services but sometimes plans have to change. They will be able to tell you what they have available right now, and when.
Employment
If you are looking for work, there are services within South Lanarkshire who can help you with this. They can provide training, support and advice for you. They can also help if you are in work but need to develop your skills to secure better paid jobs, or need to know about your employment rights including how much the Living Wage is or what in work benefits you can claim.
Education
Limiting the Cost of the School Day is at the heart of every school. Schools are determined poverty will not become a barrier to success in school.
Get involved
Access the Get involved section
Getting involved in your community can help you become a part of something and give you chances to learn new things, make friends and make a difference to others. This sections shows some ways that you can do that.
You can make a difference by volunteering your time, knowledge and skills to help others. Volunteering is also a great way to meet new people and helps to build your confidence and learn new skills.
As the world comes out of the pandemic coupled with a harsh winter there has been a large demand for fuel, particularly gas. As a consequence, there has been an increase of 250% in the wholesale price of gas. This has been passed on to households with an increase in prices for consumers of around 75% in recent months.
This large increase in household costs for fuel has been exasperated by recent increases in mortgage rates, National Insurance contribution, a 20% increase in food costs, higher petrol costs and inflation at a 30 year high and rising all combining to give us the current ‘cost of living crisis’.
In these difficult times, it is vital that everyone can access what support is available. Here are the main points of contact:
Our Money Matters Advice Services
Home Energy Scotland - www.homeenergyscotland.org or by calling 0808 808 2282
Citizens Advice Scotland are also a great source of assistance and locally they can be contacted as follows:
If you would like your organisation or service included, please contact us on communities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk or 0303 123 1017 with a brief paragraph describing the service that you provide as well as contact details.
