Find support

Thousands of people are not claiming benefits they’re entitled to, either because they’re unaware they could get them or because they feel embarrassed to ask. There are also a range of emergency grants and support you may be able to access. UK charity Turn2Us has a free benefits calculator, grant search, and advice line to help you regain financial security. 

Your first step in building a budget may be to ask a trusted friend or family member to work through your spending with you, and put down in writing how you can save. There are also a number of online tools you can use – try this one from Money Helper. 

Citizens Advice can help you find support with your bills – they have an online resource here listing ways to get help with specific bills, and, if you go to your local Citizens Advice, they may be able to help you with calling up companies you owe money to and negotiating a manageable payment plan. 

Almost 1 in 100 people in Scotland are at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness, so you’re not alone. If you’re worried about losing your home, don’t put off talking to someone. Speak to your local Citizens Advice office for advice – they may be able to turn what feels like a crisis into a manageable set of solutions.  
If you’re at risk of homelessness in the next 2 months (eg if you’re being evicted), you will qualify for emergency support from your local council – find your local council’s housing office on the Shelter Scotland website. As well as helping you access emergency housing, the council are required to help you with possible steps to avoid you losing your home, so get in touch as soon as it becomes an imminent risk. 

Breathing Space is a free Scotland-wide helpline and webchat where you can reach out and speak to someone about whatever you’re struggling with. They will be able to offer a listening ear, help you manage feelings of overwhelm and panic, and offer information, advice, and options for next steps. They’re designed to make sure you have somewhere to turn before things hit a crisis point, so reach out whenever you’re stressed or overwhelmed. 

If you’re struggling with your mental health and wellbeing, whether it’s a new or continuing issue, it’s important to speak to your GP as soon as possible. They will be able to refer you on to NHS therapies or prescribing medication where appropriate, but your GP will also be able to help you find wellbeing support, community support and other routes to look after your mental health. They may also be able to help you identify if there are other health problems which might be contributing to your mental health issues. 

Even if you’ve already spoken to a GP in the past or are on a waiting list for mental health support, it’s worth talking to them if your situation or mental health has changed – for example, if you can no longer afford to do something which has been helping you cope, or if your symptoms are getting worse. Be open and honest about what’s happening, and how it’s affecting you. GPs can be a valuable hub for all sorts of services, not just medical treatment, from financial support to free community groups. 

While waiting for NHS treatment, some people may pursue private talk therapies and counselling, but these can be too expensive for many people. If you are able to set aside money to go private, many practitioners offer sliding scale payments for people dealing with financial pressures. If you’re looking at private options but finding them unaffordable, explain your situation and what would make it accessible for you – there’s a chance the practitioner you are looking at will be able to make it more affordable. You may also be eligible for therapy or mental health grants – look into whether there are any tailored to your specific community or needs. 

If you’re in Edinburgh and the Lothians, check out our mental health portals. As well as local and national specialist support services, there’s also a wealth of advice and resources for ways to look after your own wellbeing and mental health, from grounding exercises and mindfulness activities to planning resources. You can also check our resource page for ideas and advice on managing pressures on your mental health. 

All of our support services are free, and we are able to offer a range of community-led services, including 1:1 or group support to help you come up with strategies for managing your mental health, wellbeing, and practical planning to manage the sources of your stress. Get in touch with us through our enquiry form, and we’ll work with you to find the right support for your situation.