BLOG POST: Challenge Poverty Week

8 October 2019

BLOG POST: Challenge Poverty Week

At Scottish Mentoring Network, we’re pleased to be supporting #ChallengePoverty Week 2019, as we feel that it is important to highlight where our members are working to overcome poverty. One such member is the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow, whose mentoring programme supports young people who are going through the stages of bereavement.  The family support service also offers care, advice and support for adults, children and young people living with the impact of a life limiting or life shortening illness

The people that the Family Support Service works with may become affected by sudden financial strains – for example, the sudden cost of a funeral might have a significant impact on a family.  This Challenge Poverty Week, the hospice are promoting the services that might help people in difficult financial circumstances. 

We’ve listed some resources below which could help service users in times of crisis: 

  • Scottish Funeral Support Payment - for people on low income or certain benefits. A flat rate of £700 or £120 if there is a funeral plan. Can apply up to 6mths after funeral if eligible. Tel: 0800 182 2222

More info: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/advisernet/benefits/other-benefits/scottish-funeral-support-payment/scottish-funeral-support-payment/scottish-funeral-support-payment/

  • Scottish Welfare Fund - people on low income or certain benefits

Crisis Grants – cash assistance after an emergency for help with travel, food, heating, nappies, toiletries, hostel accommodation etc

Community Care Grants – leaving care, prison, homelessness or families under exceptional pressure for furniture; sofas, carpets, curtains, cooker, fridge, washing machine or travel costs, removal expenses etc. Cash, high street vouchers, Paypoint or bank transfer.

Apply from local authority – Glasgow City Council tel: 0141 276 1177

Crisis Grant Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm or online at GCC website 24/7 – Community Care Grant Tues, Wed 7 Thurs 9.30-12.30

More info: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/advisernet/benefits/social-fund-and-welfare-assistance/scottish-welfare-fund-s/scottish-welfare-fund-an-overview-of-crisis-grants-and-community-care-grants-s/

  • Citizens Advice Bureau ‘Help To Claim’ Universal Credit

Find out if you’d be better off claiming or staying on legacy benefits or just want to know more before you make a claim

Free Helpline; 0800 023 2581 Mon-Fri 8am-6pm or webchat at www.cas.org.uk/helptoclaim

More info: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/benefits/universal-credit/

  • Citizens Advice - Money Talks

Ways you might be able to save cash -  Cheaper deals on things like gas and electricity - Claiming benefits you might not know you’re entitled to or Grants or exemptions you may be entitled to.

More info: www.parentclub.scot/articles/who-are-money-talk-team - 0800 085 7145 

If you've got any questions about the hospice, or would like any further information #ChallengePoverty week, then please get in touch!