Hey, everyone, it’s almost Xmas!
It’s our final newsletter of the year, we hope you find something of interest in the winter edition.
It’s been one heck of a year for us all hasn’t it? Families are still reeling from the effects of the pandemic and now we’re all facing uncertainty along with financial pressures which don’t look like they’re going away any time soon.
Families are struggling with the pressures of finding money for bills and heating homes. But we can rally around, use our initiative and try to do our best and make use of what we have and what we can afford. We can try to be happy and forget the pressures we face even for a few days. It will warm our hearts to see smiles on children’s faces.
Don’t forget that there are a lot of supports within local communities for people who need some help – so remember to make use of what’s out there. There are links to what’s available in your area via council websites and helplines. Our Helpline remains open over the festive period too, so don’t hesitate to call. Call us here.
This time of year can be a worry for many, we may experience loneliness, isolation and stress. It’s a time for reflection too, memories of the past can make some of us feel down. Sometimes having people to talk to can be a real source of comfort. There are volunteers with listening ears on helplines, make use of them if you need to.
I hope we can all take a moment to appreciate that Xmas is a good time to slow down and spend time with family and friends. We can bring a little more sparkle, a little less stress by sharing moments with each other and making the most of the time with our loved ones.
If we wanted to do one thing for someone else at Xmas, we could remember that many people don’t have families and friends. If we do know of anyone, maybe we could do something to reach out and give a gift to another – pick up the phone, send a message or say hello. The hand of friendship can bring warmth to the receiver but also have such a lasting impact and help build communities.
You might consider giving a gift to one of the young people who we support. We are looking for volunteer befrienders, if you’re interested in becoming a buddy for a teenager it would be great to hear from you. Contact us here.
The team at SLCo, hopes that whatever you do, you all have a Happy Xmas and we wish you a Happy New year. We’ll see you again in 2023!
Links to some info/sites which might be of use-
FUEL
SHOULD YOU OR YOURS BE ON THE PRIORITY SERVICE REGISTER?
The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free UK wide service which provides extra help to priority customers during power cuts or when there’s an interruption to electricity, gas or water supply.
Joining the PSR helps utility companies provide adapted services, adjust communications and make amendments to keep people safe and provide advance warning of planned interruptions to electricity, gas or water supplies.
Those eligible for PSR are as follows:
- Use medical equipment reliant on electricity or water
- Are blind or partially sighted
- Are deaf or hard of hearing
- Have a chronic illness
- Have anxiety, depression or any other mental health condition
- Have a disability
- Are over 60
- Live with children under 5
- Temporarily need extra support (e.g. recent operation)
- Need documents translated into another format or language
Here’s the links to sign up for each services:
Priority Services Registration Form – SSEN
Priority Services Register Form – SP Energy Networks
Priority Services Register – Scottish Water
Homepage | SGN Your gas. Our network.
FOOD NETWORKS
Dundee https://faithincommunitydundee.org/dundee-community-food-network/
Edinburgh https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/cost-living/food-bank-information
Glasgow https://glasgowfood.net/find-local-food-services
WARM SPACES
General info and links to different areas
Dundee https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ddf901a89522437a9e5c3e1c0ccf2c7e
Edinburgh https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/warmwelcoming
Glasgow https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=29741
Helplines/MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
https://www.stopbreathethink.org.uk/about-us/#
YOUNG PEOPLE TEXT SERVICE PROVIDED BY BREATHE If you would like to talk to someone right now or if you aren’t ready to have a chat just yet text: BREATHE to 85258 to message a trained volunteer. This is available 24/7, so just text whenever you feel like you need to get something off your chest.
Breathing Space
A confidential out of office hours telephone line for people over 16 experiencing low mood, anxiety or depression.Phone: 0800 83 85 87Visit: breathingspace.scot
Samaritans
24-hour helpline offering emotional support for anyone feeling down, distressed or struggling to cope.https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
Phone: 116 123
Visit: www.samaritans.org
NHS 24
NHS24 is a 24-hour health service for Scotland.
Phone: 111
Visit: www.nhs24.scot
Childline
A free, private and confidential service for anyone under 19 in the UK. Available: 24 hours, 7 days a week
Phone: 0800 1111
Visit: http://www.childline.org.uk
NSPCC Helpline
Provides 24/7 help and support from trained helpline counsellors to thousands of parents, professionals and families. Available: 24/7Phone: 0808 800 5000
Email: help@nspcc.org.uk
Visit: http://www.nspcc.org.uk