On this page, you’ll find details for each type of support, making it easy to access a range of useful links, including financial help, advice, and information. This page will be regularly updated with the latest resources.
We understand how challenging it is with the rising cost of living, and if you’re facing financial uncertainty, it’s important to know you are not alone.
If you are struggling to make payments, please speak to us, we are here to support you however we can.
You can request a call back and we will call you during working hours.
Benefits
-Social Security Scotland - 08001822222
-Scottish Welfare Fund - 03005550405
Mental Health
SAMH - 03448000550, info@samh.org.uk https://samh.org.uk
-Samaritans - 116123 jo@samaritans.org https://www.samaritans.org/
Gambling and Addiction
Gamcare - 08088020133 - https://www.gamcare.org.uk/
Scottish Families - 08080101011 - https://www.sfad.org.uk/
Money worries
Citizens Advice - 08000281456 - https://www.cas.org.uk/
Stepchange - 08001381111 - https://www.stepchange.org/
Families
-Social Security Scotland - 08001822222
Budgeting
StepChange
How to manage your budget
Managing money is a key part of getting on top of debts or juggling household costs. These are our top tips to help you stay in control of your money.
Make a budget
Making a budget is the first step to managing your money.
It shows you what:
- Money you have coming in
- You need to spend each month
Budget for one-off expenses
Some expenses happen once a year, like Christmas.
Work out:
- What you spend over the year on these, and
- Divide that amount by 12
Save this money each month until you need to spend it.
Save your money
Think about saving some money every month.
This helps you:
- Budget for emergencies
- Plan for the future
Even small savings quickly add up.
Monitor your bank account
Check your bank account often.
This helps you make sure you have enough money for bills.
Check your Direct Debits.
- Make sure you know what you pay for
- Make sure you only pay for things you use
Use cash
Using cash helps you control spending.
When you go shopping or have a day out:
- Take what you can afford to spend with you in cash
- Leave your debit card at home
This way you can only spend what you have.
Looking for more ways to save money?
Regularly review your budget
Living costs can change over time.
Review your budget often.
This helps you spot areas where you can save money.
Keep track of when contracts are due to end
Write down the end date whenever you start or renew a contract.
Contracts can be things like:
- A phone bill
- Energy bills
- Other subscriptions
This reminds you to check for a better deal before your contract ends.
You could end up paying more over time if you let your contract lapse.
Cut back on spending
You can save money without making big changes to your lifestyle.
Cutting back on little things makes a big difference.
For example:
- You spend £2 on a coffee every weekday
- This adds up to £520 every year
You can save by:
- Checking price comparison sites
- See if you can switch to a cheaper energy supplier
- Switching to a cheaper supermarket
- Save money on food shopping and meals
- Cutting back on subscriptions
- Such as broadband and digital TV packages
- Shop around for better deals on clothes
Check for ways to make extra money
- Have you checked if there are benefits you can get?
- Are you in a position to take on a second job?
- Have you tried using a cashback website?
- Get a little money back every time you buy
- Save it for one-off expenses like Christmas and birthdays
Shop around
Before buying something, ask yourself:
- Do you need it?
- Is it an item you could get by without?
If you feel you do need it:
- Shop around
- Look online to find the best deals
