Cost of Living Events

Supporting households most impacted by the cost of living crisis across the UK has been a key part of my work as our constituency MSP.

As well as supporting those who attend my advice surgeries, I have hosted major ‘cost of living’ events across Maryhill and Springburn. This has allowed large numbers of households to access the support and advice they need from various organisations. Previous events have been held in Milton, Summerston and Springburn.

I am currently organising two further major events, Maryhill and in Springburn.These events can be very busy but organisations present will always take your details and get back to you even if they can’t assist there and then. Organisations present often include those listed below. There is also information, support and advice on how to get help online by visiting the Scottish Government website: www.gov.scot/costofliving 

 

Provsional Dates

These dates may change, check this page for latest updates and who will be attending

Springburn Inside Springburn Shopping Centre Friday 16 August 2024 12noon to 2pm Attendees to be confirmed

 

Maryhill Friday 23 August 2024

 

 

People who can help with the cost of living:

 

 

Advice Direct Scotland

Advice Direct Scotland (ADS) offer free, practical, and impartial advice and information on a range of matters including energy; debt & money; benefits; consumer rights; and much more. ADS also administer The Scottish Government’s Home Heating Support Fund and other sources of support for Scottish citizens. For more information on the range of services ADS offer, visit www.advicedirect.scot.

 

Citizens Advice Scotland

Glasgow North West Citizens Advice Bureau (GNWCAB) is an independent charity founded in 1981. We specialise in providing free, impartial and confidential information and advice services on issues ranging from debt, benefits, and welfare rights to consumer rights, finances and budgeting support.

The information and advice we give is compliant with standards set by the Scottish Government and Citizens’ Advice Scotland. Our services are available to everyone in our local communities. We aim to make them as accessible as possible by promoting equality and diversity, and by challenging discrimination.

 

Family Fund

Families raising disabled and seriously ill children are facing a daunting winter as the cost of living continues to rise. Now, more than ever, we want families to be aware of the support that is available from Family Fund.

We’re looking for first time applicants to our grant schemes and would be grateful for your help in sharing information across your networks so that we can reach as many eligible families as possible in Scotland.

We give grants to parents or carers on a low income raising disabled or seriously ill children, aged 0-17.

We supply essential items such as children’s clothing, white goods, kitchen appliances and assistance with family breaks.

Families can find out more about Family Fund, and apply, by visiting www.familyfund.org.uk/grants 

 

Home Start Glasgow North

For many years, we’ve worked across communities to provide support for families with young children who are facing difficulties.

We have long-term experience in family support and are established as one of the leading charities working in this field in the community. Our impact within the local communities we serve is far reaching, aiding reduction in isolation and loneliness, improving mental health of adults and children, improving educational attainment, building healthy relationships, supporting more nurturing environments and improving the wellbeing of parents with, or at risk of, mental ill health during the perinatal period (during pregnancy and until infant reaches three year old). With our focus on empowerment and resilience, we assist families to become self-reliant, confident and connected.

Find our more https://homestartgnnl.org.uk/

 

North United Communities (NUC)

North United Communities (NUC) is dedicated to strengthening the community. We want children, young people and their families to lead happier, healthier lives. Our aim is to be a part of a chain reaction of mutual goodwill and support.

Find out more: http://www.nuconline.co.uk/

 

Skills Development Scotland

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is the national skills agency and delivers Scotland’s career service. SDS’s expert Careers advisers can support anyone looking to change or improve their employment situation.

myworldofwork.co.uk – for all your work, skills and learning needs

ourskillsforce.co.uk – making skills work for employers

apprenticeships.scot – for all the latest on apprenticeships

 

Social Security Scotland

Find out more at https://www.mygov.scot/browse/benefits

 

StepChange

Our team of debt experts help hundreds of thousand of people a year to deal with their debt problems. With nearly 30 years experience, you can be confident that we can provide the advice and support you need to achieve long-term financial control.

We offer free, flexible debt advice that is based on a comprehensive assessment of your situation. We'll then provide practical help and support for however long it’s needed.

Find out more at https://www.stepchange.org/

 

Warmworks 

Warmworks supports fuel poor households to stay more affordably warm at home. As the Managing Agent for the Scottish Government's national fuel poverty scheme, Warmer Homes Scotland, we've helped more than 30,000 people across the country to manage their energy costs, and live warmer, happier and healthier lives. We are committed to providing affordable warmth to homes, families and communities across the country.

Find out more about us at www.warmworks.co.uk

  

Wheatley Homes Glasgow

Wheatley Homes Glasgow has a range of services to help support our tenants, including help with money, welfare benefits, fuel bills, getting into work and more.

If you are a tenant of Wheatley Homes Glasgow and want to find out more, please get in touch with your housing officer or our Customer First Centre on 0800 479 7979, where our friendly and helpful staff are on hand 24/7 to provide expert support and advice no matter your circumstances.

 

NHS Winter Pressures: NHS24

I raised In the Scottish Parliament how long waits for some constituents for receiving support and advice from the NHS 24 phone line has placed additional pressures on hospital services. Some who struggle to get through end up going to hospital when they may not need to. 

The Cabinet Secretary informs me he is addressing unprecedented demand on NHS 24 by recruiting an additional 200 operatives.

Read more: NHS Winter Pressures: NHS24