Where to get help
If you’re one of the many millions struggling as the price of almost everything goes up, there are organisations out there who can help. UK-wide, lots of charities and other organisations offer advice and assistance to help people make ends meets. We’ve listed some links to them below.
Advice agencies
ALISS
ALISS is a national digital programme enabling people and professionals to find and share information on resources, services, groups, and support in their local communities and online.
- ALISS can help you find information about resources like:
- services that provide support for managing long term conditions
- groups that support social and community connection (e.g., local choirs, book groups, befriending)
- activities that offer opportunities for getting more active and for getting outdoors (e.g., badminton clubs, community gardens)
- practical, legal, and financial support (e.g., money advice, advocacy services)
- digital technology that can support health and social care (e.g., online forums, health related mobile apps).
- Visit: www.aliss.org
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Aberdeen Action on Disability
Aberdeen Action on Disability was founded in 1992 as a user-led organisation to give a helping hand to people with physical and sensory disabilities in the city of Aberdeen.
- Tel: 01224 641355
- Email: office@aad-online.com
- Address: Units G & H, Kettock Lodge, 2 Campus Two, Balgownie Dr, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB22 8GU
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Aberdeen City Council Financial Inclusion Team
If you live in Aberdeen city, our benefits and money advice team can provide free, impartial and confidential advice.
- Tel: 01224 069769
- Email: moneyadvice@aberdeencity.gov.uk
- Submit an online referral – www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/benefits-and-advice/get-benefits-and-money-advice
- Address: Financial Inclusion Team, Aberdeen City Council, Marischal College, Broad Street, Aberdeen AB10 1AB
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Aberdeenshire Money Advice and Welfare Rights Team
If you live in Aberdeenshire our Money Advice and Welfare Rights Team can provide free, impartial and confidential advice.
- Tel: 01467 538555
- Email: welfare.rights@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
- Submit an online referral – www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/benefits-and-grants/money-and-welfare-advice
- Address: PO Box 18533, Inverurie, AB51 5WX
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Citizens Advice Bureau’s
Citizens Advice Bureau – Aberdeen
- Tel: 01224 569750
- Email: bureau@aberdeencab.casonline.org.uk
- Address: Aberdeen Citizens Advice Bureau, 41 Union Street, Aberdeen AB11 5BN
Citizens Advice Bureau – Kincardine and Mearns
- Helpline: 0800 028 1032
- Contact us: www.kamcab.org.uk/contact-us
- Address: Ground Floor, Sheriff Court Building, Dunnottar Avenue, Stonehaven AB39 2JD
- Laurencekirk Outreach and Portlethen Outreach Tel: 01569 766578
Citizens Advice Bureau – North West Aberdeenshire
- Bureau directory: 01888 562495
- Contact us: nwacab.org.uk/contact-us
- Address: Masonic Building, Gladstone Terrace, Turriff AB53 4AT
Citizens Advice Bureau – South West Aberdeenshire
- Bureau directory: 01224 747714
- Outreach Banchory Office: 01330 825551
- Contact us: www.swacab.org.uk/contact-us
- Address: Suite 2, 1st Floor Offices, Westhill Shopping Centre, Old Skene Road, Westhill AB32 6RL
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Gordon Rural Action
Gordon Rural Action is a registered Charity that has offered a wide range of free, confidential, impartial and independent advice for over 40 years.
- Tel: 01466 793676
- Email: Enquiries@GordonRural.org.uk
- Huntly Advice Centre, 55 Gordon Street, Huntly, Aberdeenshire AB54 8EQ
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Hillcrest Homes Tenancy Sustainment Service
If you are a Hillcrest Homes tenant living in Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire our tenancy sustainment service can help with income maximisation, benefit queries and access to funds /grants including various charities.
We also have an energy advice service HEAT who can help with any issues related to your gas or electricity accounts including reducing your bills, dealing with fuel debt, accessing financial support for your fuel bills.
- Tel: 0300 123 2640
- Email-customerservice@hillcrest.org.uk
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Money Advice Moray
Our Money Advice Moray team help Moray residents with money advice and welfare benefits. The team includes a combination of Money Advisers, Welfare Benefit Officers and Income Maximisation Officers. It is free, confidential and non-judgemental.
Money Advice – can help anyone who is struggling with debt – this can be credit cards, loans, Council Tax, rent, mortgage payments etc. Please click here for more information and how to contact us.
Welfare Benefits – can help you challenge a decision on your disability benefits if you think it’s wrong. Please click here for more information and how to contact us.
Income Maximisation – can complete a full benefit check to ensure you are receiving all the benefits you’re entitled to, help you to complete the benefit application form and also help with budgeting. Please click here for more information and how to contact us.
How to contact us
- Call 0300 123 4563 and ask for Income Maximisation.
- If you’re a support service and want to make a referral please complete the attached referral form and return it to the email address on the form.
- Referral Form (PDF) or Referral Form (Word)
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North East Sensory Services
Supports people with serious sight or hearing loss. NESS is an independent, local charity delivering the first integrated joint sensory services in Scotland
- Tel: 0345 271 2345
- Text: 07593 102 004
- Email:info@nesensoryservices.org
- Completing the NESS Referral Form and sending it by email
- Address: North East Sensory Services, 21 John Street, Aberdeen AB25 1BT
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SAFE Team @ CFINE
Offering Support Advice Finance & Education
- Tel: 01224 531386
- Email: info@cfine.org
- Submit an online referral –www.cfine.org/about/contact
- Web: www.cfine.org/get-support/improving-finances
- Address: 2-4 Poynernook Road, Aberdeen AB11 5RW
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Scarf
Over the phone, online or face-to-face we offer information about grants and funding, energy efficiency improvements for the home, fuel debt and billing, and much more.
- Call freephone 0808 129 0888
- Email: info@scarf.org.uk
- Web: www.scarf.org.uk
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SMART (money advice project)
Our SMART money advice project offers FREE, impartial and confidential money advice to tenants of Grampian Housing Association who are facing financial difficulties.
- Tel: 01224 202934
- Email: smart@grampianhousing.co.uk
- Web: www.grampianhousing.co.uk/en/grampian-housing-association/our-services/smart-money-advice-project
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Voiceability
Voiceability are an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services.
General enquiries and referrals for social security benefits advocacy in Scotland: 0300 303 1660 or socialsecurityadvocacy@voiceability.org
www.voiceability.org/in-scotland/support-to-access-benefits-in-scotland
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Outreach in Aberdeen
FINANCIAL INCLUSION TEAM OUTREACH LOCATIONS:
Torry Hub (Greyhope) Every Monday 9am – 12pm
Tillydrone Hub Every Tuesday 9am – 12pm (Appointment only)
Tilly Flat Fortnightly on a Tuesday 1pm – 4pm
Cornhill Coffee Mornings Every Wednesday 10am – 12pm
Instant Neighbour Second Friday of every month 9:45am – 1:15pm
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ABERDEEN CAB OUTREACH LOCATIONS:
Powis Community Centre Monday 10am – 2pm
Torry Medical Centre Tuesday 10am – 3pm
Mastrick Community Centre Tuesday 10am – 3pm
Woodside Community Centre Wednesday 10am – 3pm
Northfield Community Centre Thursday 10am – 3pm
All sessions are on a drop-in basis, with no appointment required.
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CFINE SAFE TEAM OUTREACH LOCATIONS:
DWP Ebury house 3rd Monday of every month 1 – 4pm
Vaccination and Wellbeing Hub Bon Accord centre last Friday of every month 10am – 12pm
Middlefield Hub Friday first week of each month 2.30 – 4.30pm
Cummings Park Community Flat Monday first and third week of the month 10am – 12pm
Tillydrone Community Flat Monday second and fourth week of the month 10am – 12pm
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Are you concerned about a child or adult?
Concerned about an Adult?
If you are concerned that an adult might be affected by any kind of harm, abuse, exploitation or neglect, you can call any of the following numbers:
- Aberdeen City Adult Protection Social Work Team/Out of Hours Social Work Team (24 hours): 0800 731 5520
- Police Scotland: 101
- Care Inspectorate: 0345 600 9527
- www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/aberdeen-protects
Or, if you don’t need urgent help or advice, and are clear that the adult is ‘at risk’, as defined by the Adult Support & Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 (see Guidance Note for more information), you can report your concern to Aberdeen City Council using the following Reporting Form. Find out more about protecting adults.
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Concerned about a Child or Young Person?
Child protection is everyone’s responsibility. If you are worried about the safety of a child in Aberdeen call:
- 0800 731 5520 (Social Work)
- 101 (Police Scotland)
- www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/aberdeen-protects
Contact us even if you are unsure, then we can take steps to assess the risk to the child and, if needed, to protect them.
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Benefit calculators
Aberdeen City Council
Aberdeen City Council’s benefits calculator will help you find out what benefits you can claim. The calculator is free to use, and the details you provide are anonymous.
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Entitledto
For information on income-related benefits, tax credits, contribution-based benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work
- Visit: www.entitledto.co.uk
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Policy in Practice
For information on income-related benefits, tax credits, contribution-based benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit, how these are calculated and how your benefits will be affected if you start work or change your working hours
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Turn2us
For information on income-related benefits, tax credits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work or change your working hours
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CPAG (Child Poverty Action Group)
Free, expert advice on benefit and tax credit issues if you’re a frontline adviser or support worker.
CPAG e-learning
Supporting low-income families courses
Cash in a crisis
Cost of the School Day
Supporting hard-up families
Supporting people accessing food banks
Universal credit and other benefits courses
UC backdating – advanced
UC backdating in managed migration – advanced
Moving home and the UC housing cost element – advanced
UC and the transitional SDP element – advanced
Mixed-age couples – advanced
Scottish student income and universal credit
Introduction to universal credit
Winning your benefit appeal
Scottish benefits courses
Children’s benefits in Scotland
Child disability payment
Payments for children in Scotland
Planning and paying for funerals
Scottish benefit appeals
Scottish child payment
Scottish social security
Scottish welfare fund
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CPAG Scottish Benefits
Children and young people
Disability benefits
Help with council tax
Benefits for carers
Help with heating costs
Scottish welfare fund
Other Scottish benefits
CPAG More information about benefits in Scotland
Explore our wide range of factsheets and resources on benefits and tax credits.
Universal credit factsheets
Benefits for parents factsheets
Disability benefits factsheets
Benefits for migrants and refugees factsheets
Benefits for students and young people factsheets
Kinship care factsheets
Prison and benefits factsheets
Veterans and benefits factsheet
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CPAG Benefits for migrants
Resources and information on benefits for migrants.
CPAG Advising migrant groups in Scotland
CPAG in Scotland’s service supporting those working with migrant groups, including migrant workers, refugees and asylum seekers. We provide advice, training, information and support for organisations and individual advisers.
Benefits for people with no recourse to public funds
Benefits for new refugees
EU citizen guide to claiming benefits in the UK
Benefits for resettled Ukrainians
Benefits for resettled Afghans
Links to all our essential information on benefits for migrants in the UK, including online handbooks, articles, tools and test cases.
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Request a breakdown of the calculation of a universal credit transitional element
Use this tool to help you request a breakdown of the calculation of your universal credit transitional element if you have transferred to UC under the managed migration process. It creates a note for you to add to the journal on your online UC account.
Start
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AskCPAG
Time-saving checklists giving ideas for maximising benefit income and finding other sources of financial help for your clients.
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Cost of living
Aberdeen City Council
The Council has a free support line for those facing crisis, experiencing extreme hardship due to the rising cost of living, struggling with mental health challenges, experiencing domestic abuse or concerned about a family member/friend.
- Our Community Support team can be contacted on 0800 0304 713.
- Visit: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/help-cost-living
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Aberdeenshire Council
With the rise in the cost of living, we understand that this is a challenging time. There are different types of support available, from government financial help to local services and advice.
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AskCPAG
Time-saving checklists giving ideas for maximising benefit income and finding other sources of financial help for your clients.
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Cost of Living Support Scotland (Scot.gov)
Your local council may be able to help if you need urgent help with things like food, heating and electricity
- Contact your local council – www.mygov.scot/urgent-help-food-fuel-money
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Help for Households (Gov.uk)
Covers income support, childcare costs, energy bills, transport, and includes a discounts section.
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Employment
Aberdeenshire Council Employability service
The Employability Service is a confidential service supporting people with disabilities and health related conditions to achieve their employment goals. To find out about the Employability Service support in your local area contact:
- Tel: 07733 115929
- Email: employabilityservices@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
- Visit: www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/community-care/living-independently/day-services-for-adults-with-disabilities/employability-service/
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Aberdeenshire Council Employment Support Team
The Employment Support Team (EST) is the council’s central point for employment support. The team coordinates the Aberdeenshire Employability Partnership, which is geared to help people into work and training.
The EST assists anyone living in Aberdeenshire who is actively seeking employment or looking to enter education or training to gain full-time or additional employment. We can offer practical assistance if you are returning to the work market following redundancy or after an absence such as raising children or health issues or perhaps you are looking to retrain for a better job.
- Email: employmentsupportteam@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Tel: 01467 534867 or 01467 532797
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Aberdeen Foyer
- For general enquiries about the services Foyer offer, please email: info@aberdeenfoyer.com
USEFUL CONTACT DETAILS
- EMPLOYABILITY PROGAMMES ABERDEENSHIRE – bryanm@aberdeenfoyer.com – 07880 031 878
- EMPLOYABILITY PROGRAMMES ABERDEEN CITY – bronagh.cameron@aberdeenfoyer.com – 07944 299 390
Fair Start Scotland poster
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AbzWorks
ABZ Works is a service available to Aberdeen residents who are looking for support to develop confidence, knowledge, skills or experience so they can work towards achieving their goals of progressing into employment, education or training.
We deliver a range of employability programmes for those aged between 16 and 67, supporting people from all walks of life and at all stages of their working life. We also provide a range of redundancy advice and support.
- Tel: 01224 346100
- Email: abzworks@aberdeencity.gov.uk
- Visit: abzworks.co.uk
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Pathways
Offer one-to-one support to help people find the job they want, a free and confidential counselling service, a range of classes to help people build their confidence and skills.
- Tel: 01224 682939
- Email: info@pathways-online.org
- Visit: www.pathways-online.org
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In a Crisis
Apply to the Scottish Welfare Fund
- The Scottish Welfare Fund provides financial support if you are facing a crisis or need help to live in the community. This is normally in the form of a one-off grant to help with living costs. The fund does not cover ongoing expenses. You do not need to pay the money back.
There are two kinds of grants.
- Crisis grants – to help meet immediate needs after an emergency or disaster. For example you can apply for things like food, heating costs, nappies, toiletries and travel.
Community care grants – to help people to settle in a new home, when moving from an “unsettled way of life” (for example hospital, prison or a homeless accommodation unit). They can also support families who are facing exceptional pressure. For example you can apply for things like furniture or carpets.
Aberdeen
- Visit: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/benefits-and-advice/apply-scottish-welfare-fund
- Tel: 0800 03 04 713
Aberdeenshire
- Visit: www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/benefits-and-grants/scottish-welfare-fund/
- Tel: 01467 537400
Moray
- Visit: www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_84329.html
- Tel: Customer Contact Team 01343 563456
- Email: revenues@moray.gov.uk
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DWP Contact Numbers
Benefit enq/Signing off: 0800 169 0310
New Style JSA Claims: 0800 055 6688
New Style ESA Claims: 0800 328 5644
Debt Management: 0800 916 0647
Universal Credit enquiries: 0800 328 9344
Universal Credit ‘Help to Claim service’ CAB: 0800 023 2581
PIP Enquiries: 0800 121 4433
AA Claims & Enquiries: 0800 731 0122
DLA Enquiries: 0800 121 4600
Child Benefit claims & enquiries: 0300 200 3100
Tax Credits enquiries: 0345 300 3900
Carers Allowance: 0800 731 0297
Maternity Allowance: 0800 169 0283
Social Fund enquiries: 0800 169 0140
Bereavement Benefit enquiries: 0345 6088 601
Kinship Care (CAB): 0808 800 0006
NI Allocation line: 0345 600 0643
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Non UK nationals and NRPF & legal services
Aberdeen Law Project
The first law project in the United Kingdom to be founded, led and operated by students. The Aberdeen Law Project (“ALP”) students are trained to undertake legal research, write letters, provide legal opinions, attend mediations, negotiate settlements and, if necessary, appear in Court. Our team advise and represent across many areas of law.
- Tel: 01224 272 434
- Visit: abdnlawproject.com
- Submit an enquiry online –abdnlawproject.com/legal-advice
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Citizens Rights Project
THE SETTLEMENT DEADLINE HAS PASSED BUT YOU CAN STILL SUBMIT A LATE APPLICATION
Providing information, advice and support for EU citizens in Scotland
We provide online and face to face support in multiple languages
- Tel: 07803 102 173
- Email: Info@citizensrightsproject.org
- Visit: citizensrightsproject.org/
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Civil Legal Assistance Office
Do you live in Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire? Are you eligible for legal aid? Do you have a legal problem that falls within one of our case types? If you have answered yes to these questions, we may be able to help you. Contact us to discuss your legal issue and we will assess if we are able to take your case.
Contact CLAO Aberdeen to find out if we can help you with cases relating to:
- Housing and homelessness
- Some types of debt, money and welfare benefits issues where the input of our solicitor casework services can be most effective
- Child Protection and children’s hearings
- Some types of family law – those that involve an element of public law. We can help identify that.
- Address: 353 Union Street, Aberdeen AB11 6BT
- Tel: 01224 402330
- Email: aberdeen@clao.org.uk
- Web: www.clao.org.uk
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EU Settlement Scheme Resolution Centre
EU Settlement Scheme, Frontier Worker permit or Service Provider from Switzerland visa applications
Get help with:
- questions about how to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme
- questions about how to apply for a Frontier Worker permit or Service Provider from Switzerland visa
- technical problems while applying online, including problems with the ‘EU Exit: ID Document Check’ app or your online immigration account
- questions about an application that you’ve submitted
- Contact the Resolution Centre online
Tel: 0300 123 7379
The phone number is different if you’re from a local council or another organisation helping other people to apply.
If you’re from an organisation helping others to apply
- Tel: 0300 790 0566 Monday to Friday 8am to 8.30pm and Saturday and Sunday 9:30am to 4:30pm
EU Citizens Support Helpline (CAB)
- Tel:
0800 916 9847The CAB EU Citizens Support Service has now closed. If you need specialist advice on the EU Settlement Scheme and your rights as an EU national, you can contact the Citizens’ Rights Project – citizensrightsproject.org
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GREC
Taking a leading role in advancing equality across North East Scotland.
Our services include support and advice for individuals and communities; translation and interpreting; counselling for adults and young people; language cafés and English classes; information campaigns; research; and celebrating the work of young people to promote equality in their schools and communities. We also provide training and consultancy for organisations, and take part in public and third sector partnerships.
- Tel: 01224 595505
- Visit: grec.co.uk
- Address: 680 King Street, Aberdeen, AB24 1SL
(in the Langstane Housing Association building)
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JustRight Scotland
We produce legal and know-your-rights factsheets about many issues that affect our clients – www.justrightscotland.org.uk/learn-more/legal-factsheets/
We offer a range of free, confidential legal helplines and surgeries –www.justrightscotland.org.uk/need-help/legal-surgeries-helplines/
JustRight Scotland – Second Tier Immigration & Asylum Advice
Our second-tier immigration and asylum advice line provides free, confidential advice for advisers or professionals working in Scotland.
- Advice line: 0141 406 5353
JustRight Scotland – Ukraine Advice
We provide free, confidential legal advice and information to Ukrainians and their families on legal routes for seeking safety in Scotland. You can access our service, which is staffed by qualified solicitors and legal caseworkers.
- Legal helpline: 0800 995 6045
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No Recourse North East Partnership
Working together in the North east of Scotland to protect the rights of and increase quality support to people with No Recourse to Public Funds
- Visit: nrnepartnership.org/
- Contact: nrnepartnership.org/contact/
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The3Million
Our work ranges from organising and mobilising EU citizens’ communities, informing people of their rights, holding the Government to account on the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, promoting access to justice, advocating for an easier pathway to citizenship and residence-based voting rights at local elections, giving EU citizens in the UK to change the narrative on migration, and advocating for social justice.
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Housing
Aberdeen City Homelessness helpline
An emergency service operates from 5pm to 8.30am Monday to Friday. During weekends and public holidays, we provide a 24-hour service
- Tel: 0800 917 6379 (24 hours)
- Visit: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/housing/homelessness/housing-support
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Aberdeenshire Council
- If you are in an emergency situation and have nowhere to stay phone 01467 530577 (Option 1), between 9am to 5pm.
- Outside office hours phone 03456 081206.
- If you think you’ll become homeless in the near future contact us straight away for advice. Please don’t wait until you don’t have anywhere to stay as we may be able to prevent you becoming homeless.
- Homelessness privacy notice (PDF 136KB)
- Out of hours housing service privacy notice (PDF 432KB)
Shelter Scotland (Aberdeen)
We strive every day to give people struggling with bad housing or homelessness the help they need, through our advice, support and legal services.
- Helpline: 0808 800 4444
- Visit: scotland.shelter.org.uk/about_us/contact_us/aberdeen
- Address: 29 Crown St, Aberdeen AB11 6HA (By appointment only)
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Families
If you are on a low income and have children at school, you may be entitled to financial support.
Support for Families 2023
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Abernecessities
Provides disadvantaged families with the essential and basic necessities that No Child Should Go Without. From maternity bundles for mother and baby to nappies, formula milk, clothing, toys and equipment for children aged 0-18 years.
- Visit: www.abernecessities.co.uk/apply-for-support
- Tel: 07719 707 360
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Foyer Families
Foyer Families is a 16-week fully funded programme created and delivered by Aberdeen Foyer which will help you to:
- Achieve accredited learning and employability skills
- Progress into further education and employment
- Support your child’s development through learning and play
- Improve the health and wellbeing of yourself and your family
If you would like to sign up/refer to the programme please click on the link https://app.upshot.org.uk/signup/7c71f879/
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Homestart Aberdeen
We are one of Aberdeen’s leading family support charities. Every year we provide practical and emotional support to around 200 families with young children in Aberdeen.
- Tel: 01224 693 545
- Email: admin@homestartaberdeen.org.uk
- Web: www.homestartaberdeen.org.uk
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Furniture
Aberdeen City Council Furniture leasing scheme
The Furniture Leasing Scheme (FLS) is available to all tenants of Aberdeen City Council. The FLS is intended to help households equip their tenancies with essential household items.
Talk to whoever is helping you with your application as soon as possible and they can help you complete the application. You need to formally sign for the service charge for the furniture at the same time as you sign your tenancy agreement. It can’t be done after the tenancy agreement has been signed.
www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/housing/information-council-tenants/furniture-leasing-scheme
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Instant Neighbour
Instant Neighbour supports people on low incomes to set up home, by providing access to low-cost reuse furniture, white goods, clothing and bric a brac.
Instant Neighbour
5 St Machar Drive
Aberdeen
AB24 3YJ
Somebody Cares
Through the kindness and generosity of the good people of Aberdeen & beyond, we provide free furniture and much more to the poor, the vulnerable and the marginalised people of the area.
Furniture referrals would be through a worker who would need to attend with the client.
- Address: Wellington Circle, Altens, Aberdeen AB12 3JG
- Tel: 01224 460700 – option 1
- Email: info@somebodycaresscotland.org
- Web: www.somebodycaresscotland.org
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Domestic Abuse & Mental Health
Aberdeen City Council Domestic Abuse Team
The Domestic Abuse Team is a voluntary service which provides short to medium term support and advice to victims of domestic abuse to help them address the effects the behaviour of their partner/ex-partner has had on them. We can support individuals with safety planning in order to reduce risk as well as practical and emotional support.
- Tel: 0800 030 4713
- Email: domesticabuseteam@aberdeencity.gov.uk
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Aberdeen Cyrenians
Aberdeen Cyrenians Violence Against Women (VAW)
- Offers support to women who are currently experiencing violence or abuse. They can provide 1:1 support as well as a 12-week Women’s Group programme, providing a safe, friendly space for women to meet others as a way of increasing confidence, improving social skills and befriending support.
- Tel: 0300 303 0903 option 4
- Email: evaa@weareac.org
Aberdeen Cyrenians Domestic Abuse Support and Accommodation Project (DASAP)
- For women, men and families who are experiencing domestic abuse.
- Web: www.weareac.org/care-services
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Alcohol & Drugs Action
Alcohol & Drugs Action is a leading provider of alcohol and drug support services in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire. Our services are open to individuals, family members and friends.
- Address: 7 Hadden Street, Aberdeen AB11 6NU
- Helpline: 0333 3 448 355 (Monday to Friday 10.30am to 1pm; 2 to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 2 to 5pm)
- Alternatively: 01224 594700 (lo-call rates apply) or text us on 07927 192 706.
- Email: info@alcoholanddrugsaction.org.uk
- Web: www.alcoholanddrugsaction.org.uk
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Breathing Space
A confidential out of office hours telephone line for people over 16 experiencing low mood, anxiety or depression.
- Phone: 0800 83 85 87
- Web: breathingspace.scot
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Four Pillars
Provides a range of mental health and wellbeing support services for the LGBT+ community including group and
one-one support/counselling.
- Tel: 01224 211963 Monday – Friday 10.00am – 6.00pm
- 33 Regent Quay
- Mail@fourpillarsuk.org
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Grampian Women’s Aid
Free, confidential specialist service to women, children and young people in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire who have experienced domestic abuse.
- Tel: 01224 593381
- Email: info@grampian-womensaid.com
- Web: www.grampian-womens-aid.com
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Other resources you may find helpful:
- For additional advice on homelessness in Scotland, please visit Homeless Network Scotland: homelessnetwork.scot/members/
- Male Domestic Abuse Network mdan.org.uk/key-national-organisations/
- Refuge 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247 www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/en/How-can-we-support-you
- Womens Aid www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/
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Primary Care Link Practitioners
- Link Practitioners are based in GP practices. They work with local communities and colleagues both within and beyond the practice to support people to live better and have healthier lives.
- The Links service for SAMH supports people with non medical issues they are experiencing, helping them to talk about what really matters to them. Link Practitioners offer non-clinical support to people, enabling them to set goals and overcome life’s challenges. Link Practitioners know what is happening in the local area, helping people access all their local community has to offer.
- Contact your local GP Practice for a referral to a Link Practitioner.
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Samaritans
24-hour helpline offering emotional support for anyone feeling down, distressed or struggling to cope.
- Phone: 116 123
- Email: jo@samaritans.org
- Web: www.samaritans.org
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SAMH Information Service
Whether you’re seeking support, are looking for more information for you or someone you love, or if you just want to have chat about mental health, we’re here to help.
- Tel: 0344 800 0550 (9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday)
- Email: info@samh.org.uk
- Web: www.samh.org.uk
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Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone with experience of domestic abuse or forced marriage, as well as their family members, friends, colleagues, and professionals who support them.
- Tel: 0800 027 1234 (24 hours)
- Email: helpline@sdafmh.org.uk
- Web: www.sdafmh.org.uk
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MP's
Andrew Bowie MP (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine)
- Tel: 01330 705013
- Email: bowie.mp@parliament.uk
- Web: andrewbowie.org.uk
- Constituency office: Unit 6, 75 Highstreet, Banchory, AB31 5TJ
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David Duguid MP (Banff and Buchan)
- Tel: 01261 818 744
- Email: duguid.mp@parliament.uk
- Web: davidduguid.com
- Constituency office: 8 Low Street, Banff AB45 1AS
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Jackie Dunbar MSP (Donside)
- Tel: 01224 011936
- Email: Jackie.Dunbar.msp@parliament.scot
- Webpage
- Constituency office: 12a Mastrick Shopping Centre, Greenfern Place, Mastrick, Aberdeen AB16 6JR
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Kirsty Blackman MP (Aberdeen North)
- Tel: 01224 633285
- Text: 07464 606650
- Email: kirsty.blackman.mp@parliament.uk
- Constituency office: 46 John Street, Aberdeen AB25 1LL
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Richard Thomson MP (Gordon)
- Email: richard.thomson.mp@parliament.uk
- Online contact
- Web: www.richardthomsonmp.com
- Constituency office: Unit F6 – Enterprise Centre, Aberdeen Energy Park, Exploration Drive, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB23 8GX
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Stephen Flynn MP (Aberdeen South)
- Tel: 01224 213114
- Email: stephen.flynn.mp@parliament.uk
- Constituency office: 1 Pitstruan Place, Aberdeen AB10 6PQ
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Legal
Civil Legal Assistance Office, The Annexe, Migvie House, North Silver Street, Aberdeen AB10 1RJ
- Web: www.clao.org.uk
- Tel: 01224 402330
- Email: cases@clao.org.uk
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NHS Advice
NHS Grampian Healthpoint: Healthpoint (nhsgrampian.org)
NHS Grampian Fit for Surgery website: FitSurgery (nhsgrampian.org)
NHS Grampian smoking cessation services: Specialist Smoking Support in Grampian (nhsgrampian.org)
NHS Inform: Scottish health information you can trust | NHS inform
National NHS Inform Waiting Well Hub: Waiting well | NHS inform
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Social Work
Aberdeen Social Work
Adult social work duty team
The team offers information on services, assessment of service required and a short-term service – advice, practical support and counselling. If you don’t have a social worker and are aged 16 years or over, and want to discuss a problem with the Duty Team phone them on the number below and if necessary an appointment will be made for an interview to discuss the problem more fully. If you already have a social worker you should contact them directly.
Contact the duty team
- Tel: 01224 522055 Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm
- Email: duty@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Out of hours service
The Out of Hours team provides an after hours emergency service within the City of Aberdeen. A wide range of Social Work services are covered, delivering crisis assessment by a home visit or phone call. Referrals are then passed on to other social work teams and appropriate agencies. The problem will be discussed over the telephone. Whatever action is needed for the immediate situation will be taken. This may include a visit from the service’s social workers. A Mental Health Officer or an appropriate adult can be contacted through the Out of Hours service.
The service is available from:
- Monday to Thursday 4.30pm to midnight
- Friday 4pm to midnight
- Weekends and public holidays 8.30am to midnight
Contact the Out of hours service
- Tel: 0800 7315 520
- Email: OOHS@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Royal Cornhill Hospital social work teams
There are 3 adult mental health teams and 1 old age psychiatry and rehabilitation team based at Royal Cornhill Hospital. They offer a social work, care management and Mental Health Officer service to people with mental health difficulties and their relatives.
Contact the Hospital Social Work Teams
- Tel: 01224 557260/557734 (Adult Mental Health)
Tel: 01224 557306 (Old Age Psychiatry/Resettlement Co-ordinator) - Email: cornhill@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Criminal justice social work
Criminal justice social work services aim to reduce reoffending, increase social inclusion of offenders and ex-offenders and enhance public protection. Scottish local authorities have a legal duty to provide criminal justice social work services.
Contact with Criminal Justice Social Work Services is normally as a result of report requests, court orders or supervision following release from prison.
Contact the Criminal Justice Team
Criminal Justice Social Work Team
74 – 76 Spring Garden
Aberdeen
AB25 1GN
- Tel: 01224 538000
- Email: CJAdmin@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Children’s Social Work Reception Team
The Reception Team assess most new referrals for children’s social work in Aberdeen. They will respond within ten days to determine whether children are in need, or at risk of harm, and there is a need for children’s social work to be involved on a longer term basis.
- Tel: 0800 7315 520
- Email: ChildrenAndFamilies-Reception@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Joint Child Protection Team
The Joint Child Protection Team will be responsible for referrals where children and families are assessed as:
- at risk or potentially at risk of significant harm
- received an unexplained injury
- at risk of sexual exploitation
- at risk of forced marriage
Tel: 0800 7315 520
Aberdeen Maternity Hospital Children’s Social Work
The Social Work Units based at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital offer a statutory social work response to referrals that primarily focus on working with vulnerable babies and their families, during pregnancy.
- Tel: 01224 550 646 / 01224 550 594
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Aberdeenshire Social Work
Contact local Social Work offices
This page has details of your nearest Social Work office open to the public and the services they deal with.
For children and families matters such as worried about a child or reporting a child’s safety concern you need to contact your local Children and Families team directly.
The Social Work offices cover these services:
- Community care
- Criminal justice
- Community learning disability service
- Mental health services
- Substance misuse
You can visit or contact your local office using their contact details or by emailing us at aberdeenshireHSCP@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.
If you need an urgent social care service, outside office hours call us on 03456 08 12 06.
Area | Services | Contact details |
---|---|---|
Aboyne | Community care | Social Work office Low Road, Aboyne, AB34 5GW 01339 267745 |
Banchory | Community care Substance misuse | Social Work office 45 Station Road, Banchory, AB31 5XZ 01330 700415 |
Banff | Community care Community Learning Disability Team – North Aberdeenshire Substance misuse | Seafield House 37 Castle Street, Banff, AB45 1FQ 01261 455810 |
Ellon | Community care | Social Work office Schoolhill Road, Ellon, AB41 9AH 01467 537743 |
Substance misuse Mental health services | Social Work office 59 Station Road, Ellon, AB41 9AR 01467 537740 | |
Fraserburgh | Community care Substance misuse | Social Work office 13 Dalrymple Street, Fraserburgh, AB43 9BH 01346 415885 |
Criminal justice | Social Work office 14 Saltoun Square, Fraserburgh, AB43 9DA 01346 415885 | |
Huntly | Community care Substance misuse | Social Work office 25 Gordon Street, Huntly, AB54 8AL 03456 081206 |
Inverurie | Community care Community Learning Disability Team – Central Aberdeenshire | Social Work office 67 Market Place, Inverurie, AB51 3PY 01467 536700 |
Criminal justice | Social Work office 93 High Street, Inverurie, AB51 3AB 01467 532803 criminal justice team | |
Laurencekirk | Community care | Laurencekirk Health Care Centre Blackiemuir Avenue, Laurencekirk, AB30 1GX 01561 400739 |
Maud | Community care | Old Mart Community Resource Centre Deer Road, Maud, AB42 4EG 01771 613967 |
Peterhead | Community care Criminal justice Substance misuse | Buchan House St Peter Street, Peterhead, AB42 1QF 03456 081206 |
Portlethen | Community care Community Learning Disability Team – South Aberdeenshire | Social Work office 01569 690532 |
Stonehaven | Community care Substance misuse Criminal justice | Viewmount Arduthie Road, Stonehaven, AB39 2DQ 01569 690575 |
Westhill | Community care | Skene Health Care Centre Top of page |
Trading Standards
Aberdeen City Council
- can be contacted by calling 0300 0200 292 or e-mailing tradingstandards@aberdeencity.gov.uk
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Aberdeenshire Council
- For non-urgent Trading Standards enquiries, please contact Consumer Advice Scotland at https://www.consumeradvice.scot/ or on 0808 164 6000.
- For urgent Trading Standards matters, contact Aberdeenshire Council’s Trading Standards at 01467 537222.
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Travel
Free bus travel with the National Entitlement Card:
- 60+ or disabled – Eligibility –www.transport.gov.scot/concessionary-travel/60plus-or-disabled/#37403
- 60+ or disabled – Companions –www.transport.gov.scot/concessionary-travel/60plus-or-disabled/#37401
- How to apply for or renew your National Entitlement Card –www.transport.gov.scot/concessionary-travel/how-to-apply-for-or-renew-your-national-entitlement-card/
Young Persons’ (Under 22s) Free Bus Travel
- How to apply –www.transport.gov.scot/concessionary-travel/young-persons-free-bus-travel-scheme/#69510
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Blue Badge
Blue Badges help people with disabilities or health conditions park closer to their destination. You can apply for a badge for yourself, on behalf of somebody else or an organisation that transports people that need a Blue Badge.
- Eligibility –www.mygov.scot/apply-blue-badge/eligibility
- Apply for a new Blue Badge – www.mygov.scot/apply-blue-badge
- Apply Online – www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/roads-transport-and-parking/apply-blue-badge
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Ukraine Advice
Help for displaced people from Ukraine
Information and support for displaced people from Ukraine in the UK, including family migration visa and the Ukraine family scheme. The British Red Cross is one of the charities supporting people affected by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine who are now in the UK. The information on this page will help you and your family to find out about services and support that might be available.
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Scotland for Ukrainians: a guide for displaced people
This guide includes information on visas, travel, accommodation and life in Scotland.
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Ukraine Advice Scotland
People from Ukraine and their families can contact us for free, confidential advice on legal routes to seeking safety in Scotland and information on your rights and entitlements once you have arrived.
Call 0808 1967 274 or email ukraine@scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk for free and confidential information and advice.
What can we help you with?
Contact us if you need someone to:
- Listen to you and find out how we can help
- Provide information and advice on money, housing, education, healthcare, learning English and building social connections in Scotland
- Connect you with other services in Scotland that can provide you with help and support
- Provide you with useful information about your local area
- Let you know where you can access practical support, including digital devices like mobile phones
Ukraine Advice Scotland – Scottish Refugee Council
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Veterans
Armed Services Advice Project
The Armed Services Advice Project (ASAP) provides dedicated information, advice and support to members of the Armed Forces community in Scotland, which includes people who are currently serving in the Armed Forces, either Regular or Reserve, or a dependant of someone who is. Have served in the Armed Forces, either Regular or Reserve, or a dependant of someone who has. Or are members of the Merchant Navy who served in a commercial vessel in support of legally defined UK military operations, or a dependant. Our advice covers a range of areas, including benefits, debt, employment, relationships and housing.
The service is provided by the Citizens Advice Bureaux network in Scotland, and the funding group is led by Poppyscotland. We work closely with many organisations, both Service related and others, to provide support to the people who contact us.
Get in touch with the Armed Services Advice Project
- Ask us to call you. You can use the Get Advice from ASAP form to send us your contact details, and a trained adviser will phone you
- Visit www.asapadvice.org.uk for more information about the service
- Local contact details – www.adviceasap.org.uk/local-advice
RAF Benevolent Fund
The RAF Benevolent Fund supports current serving and former members of the RAF and their families, through practical, emotional and financial help.
- Please contact us today if you know someone who is in need of support or to request help for yourself.
- Telephone: 0300 102 1919. Our Welfare Navigators can be contacted Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday 9am to 4pm.
- Email: welfarenavigators@rafbf.org.uk
- Website: rafbf.org/help
SSAFA The Armed Forces Charity
Get Help:
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of practical, emotional, and financial support for serving personnel, veterans and their families in their time of need.
If you are a member of the Armed Forces community and you need help, support or advice from SSAFA then please phone Forcesline:
- Telephone: 0800 260 6767
- or send them a message using the form on their webpage.
- Alternatively, you can contact your local branch directly using our branch finder.
- Website: www.ssafa.org.uk/contact-us