#MidlothianCares Week – Cost of Living & Finance Support
#MidlothianCares Week takes place this year from Monday 23 June to Friday 27 June, with a different theme for each day of the week. The focus of the campaign is to promote local services, drop-ins, and contacts which can help year-round.
With Tuesday’s theme being ‘Revenues’, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to highlight the work of the Midlothian Financial Inclusion Network (MFIN).
MFIN, which has over 20 participating organisations, aims to help relieve poverty and promote public awareness around matters relating to the management of personal finances. Midlothian Community Action host an MFIN staff member and frequently take part in the network meetings.
In collaboration with Dalkeith CAB, MFIN has published a range of useful leaflets that aim to give people the information that they need to resolve some of the most common enquiries that local statutory & third sector organisations often receive.
They also maintain a Cost of Living Support Directory, updated frequently and packed full of helpful information. You can view & download all of these resources on the MFIN page of our website:
MFIN Member Support & Services
VoiceAbility
An independent charity that provide advocacy and involvement services to support people to be heard in decisions about their health, care and wellbeing. Their advocacy services can offer help to access benefits from Social Security Scotland.
VOCAL Midlothian
Money Matter and Financial Wellbeing support at VOCAL Midlothian:
Benefits and entitlements
VOCAL offers one-to-one appointments with benefits advisors, to help you understand and access what you’re entitled to.
There are many benefits available for unpaid carers and the people you care for. The welfare rights system can often be overwhelming, but it’s important to know what you’re entitled to.
VOCAL offers appointments with our Money Matters team: Carer Support Practitioners with specialist knowledge in income maximisation. They can do a benefits check and support you with any applications.
To book a benefits check appointment, please contact Vocal Midlothian.
Grants and funding
We offer grants to support carers facing financial challenges and funding to take a break from caring.
We provide grant funding opportunities designed to enhance carers’ wellbeing and financial stability. Our funds offer much-needed support, whether it’s through enabling a well-deserved break or assisting with essential costs.
Wee Breaks Fund
The Wee Breaks Fund is designed to provide unpaid carers with opportunities to take a break from their caring responsibilities, enhancing their health and wellbeing. This fund is available to carers who support someone living in Edinburgh or Midlothian. Breaks can vary from a few hours to longer periods, depending on individual needs and preferences. Examples include funding for leisure activities, short holidays, or therapeutic treatments. Learn more.
Midlothian Carer Assistance Fund
The Midlothian Carer Assistance Fund provides one-off grants to carers in Midlothian to help manage the rising costs associated with their caring role. This financial support aims to alleviate some of the financial pressures carers may face, ensuring they can continue to provide care without compromising their own wellbeing.
Please note, this fund is not open to carers in Edinburgh.
Grants may include providing funds to support:
- Costs of setting up Power of Attorney
- Energy costs associated with having your heating on more frequently
- Costs due to travelling to appointments
- Food costs as a result of the person you care for requiring a special diet
- Sitter service to help you attend important appointments
- Personal hygiene or continence products
- Specialised clothing
- Specialist equipment or white goods which support the caring role
Grants are not limited to the examples provided above, and we encourage carers to be as creative as possible when considering what would help them most in their caring role.
ChangeWorks
Affordable Warmth Services
Changeworks’ Affordable Warmth Services team is skilled in working with people and households on low incomes and who find themselves in vulnerable situations.
The Affordable Warmth Services team can be contacted from 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday, on freephone 0800 870 8800. You can also email them at ku.gr1750908304o.skr1750908304owegn1750908304ahc@h1750908304tmraw1750908304.
You can refer yourself or a client to their Affordable Warmth Services team using the referral form on their website:
You can find more Cost of Living support & resources on the #MidlothianCares website. Learn more about the Midlothian Financial Inclusion Network by contacting MCA.