Practical support: food, housing, money 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
The pandemic has caused food insecurity for many of us in East Lothian.
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
East Lothian Foodbank is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.
The East Lothian Fareshare Hub can help facilitate unused supermarket food free of charge for community groups in East Lothian. To find out more email: eastlothianfaresharehub@eastlothian.gov.uk.
Musselburgh Baptist Church in partnership with Edinburgh City Mission has a Basics Bank where you can get items such as tinned and fresh food, toiletries, and childcare products. (This service requires a referral needed from Social Work, Health, CAB, and East Lothian Council)
Wallyford Community Centre provide family meal packs – including recipe and fresh ingredients provided on a ‘call and collect’ basis. Phone 0131 653 2804 or private message on its Facebook page
Basics Dunbar offers help to individuals going through a crisis to access food and support.
East Lothian Council has a listed a wide range of food resources – Food support in East Lothian
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.
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.
The Pennypit Development Trust has cook-along videos and recipes to go along with their food packs.
Housing
Shelter has a wide variety of resources 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
As a result of Covid-19, some people are furloughed, have been made redundant, are struggling to find employment and at times unable to work due to health and/or family situations.
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
Phone: 01620 824471
Address: 46 Court St, Haddington, EH41 3NP
Organisations
Turn2us has tools and resources about benefits and Covid-19
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 East Lothian 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.
Local organisations
East Lothian Council has pulled together a wide range of employability support available in the area and throughout Scotland
The Ridge support and employability provides support for individuals experiencing challenges including mental health difficulties, housing, welfare, employment and volunteering.
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 Eastspace
This page has factsheets, tips and information, activities and services available in East Lothian 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.