Support fund launched by Midlothian Council

Support is now available from Midlothian Council for local people in financial difficulty who are struggling to buy food, fuel or other essentials.

Cllr Derek Milligan.

The Midlothian Food and Key Essentials Fund has been launched to help support those facing severe financial hardship as a result of Covid-19 or other exceptional circumstances. It is available for local people of all ages (16 and over), living alone or within a family setting.

The fund works by distributing vouchers for food and other essentials. Local people can apply for vouchers for some local supermarkets. Support is also available to help cover emergency fuel costs.

The scheme will work alongside existing food providers in the area. Those applying for assistance will also be offered advice on money matters through a call back service, operated in partnership with Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB) and Midlothian Financial Inclusion Network.

“There are many reasons why people find themselves suffering severe financial difficulties at the moment,” said Midlothian Council Leader, Councillor Derek Milligan.

“This could be due to redundancy, a change in individual or family circumstances, domestic violence or other household emergency.

“The pandemic could have resulted in someone’s income being greatly reduced or them losing their job, which in turn has resulted in them having difficulty buying food, fuel and other basics items.

“We understand that many people may not have faced circumstances like this before and that they might be reluctant to ask for help.

“However, we would urge people to get in touch and can reassure them that their application will be treated in the strictest confidence, with support provided in a dignified and discreet manner.”

To find out more, and to apply for the vouchers online, go to midlothian.gov.uk/food-fund.

If you are unable to access the online system or need additional support to complete the form, contact the council’s dedicated helpline on 0131 270 8898.