As usual the ECAP weekly support sessions will take a break over the holiday period. Our last session of the year is Tuesday 20th December, and we restart on Tuesday 10th January 2023. If you need support for benefits and poverty problems please email ecapmail@gmail.com to make an appointment.
If you have an urgent situation over the break please email ecapmail@gmail.com and we will try and get back to you within a couple of days, but we are a small group of volunteers so our resources are limited.
Some potential sources of support below:
The Scottish Welfare Fund – crisis grants, community care grants and food bank referrals – City of Edinburgh Council 0131 529 5299 https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/scottishwelfarefund For other areas see links here (scroll down to bottom of page) See also https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/costofliving
Emergency Social Work In the evening and at weekends or public holidays, you can call Emergency Social Work, in Edinburgh call 0800 731 6969. During office hours you can reach Social Work in Edinburgh on 0131 200 2324
You may be able to get some help from the local authority social work department, particularly if you have children or if you are a ‘vulnerable’ adult (for example, you have health problems). The local authority has powers under section 22 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 and under section 12 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 allowing it to assist people in need. Help can be given in cash or ‘in kind’, for example, vouchers to buy food.
Useful info on avenues of support in this Child Poverty Action Group factsheet
The voluntary group Empty Kitchens Full Hearts give food support in Edinburgh (contact form on website home page) hello@emptykitchens.co.uk 07895 347157
