Useful information for clients
The purpose of this guide is to:
- give clients information about where they can find useful services and
- tell clients the advice that Social Security Scotland cannot give.
You can direct the client to these websites, if you need to:
Support services
This provides provide free, independent, confidential advice and is available to everyone.
ALISS
ALISS (A Local Information System for Scotland) aims to help disabled people, unpaid carer and those with long-term illnesses to access the information they need to improve their lives.
It also helps support people, communities, professionals and organisations that have information to share for those in need.
Find out more about ALISS
Organisations for Young People
Prince’s Trust
This is a charity that helps young people aged between 11 and 30 who are homeless, have mental health issues, or are struggling at school or in care.
Young people can get practical and financial support to help them achieve in life.
Find out more about The Prince’s Trust.
Barnardo's
This site offers practical and emotional support for young people, so they can enter adulthood with confidence to achieve their full potential.
Barnardo's can help and support young people who are having issues with:
- homelessness
- leaving care
- looking for a job
- LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning) identity
Find out more about Barnardo's.
Housing organisations
Local city council – council tax
This site gives information about council tax discounts and exemptions (not having to pay it) for low-income households, disabled people and care leavers.
Read more about council tax exemptions and discounts.
Shelter Scotland
Provides information for homeless people and care leavers about the benefits, grants and support available to them.
Read more about Shelter Scotland.
Rock Trust
This aims to support young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The Trust also works with ‘A Way Home Scotland Coalition’ - a large group of stakeholders across Scotland who help young homeless people.
Read more about Rock Trust.
Help with money and travel costs
Help with money
If a client needs advice on money matters, they can contact the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Clients can ask about things like:
- benefits
- council tax
- free school meals
- lowering the costs of their household bills
This is available through a free telephone number (0800 085 7145) or in person at a Citizens Advice Bureau across the country.
Find out more about Citizens Advice Scotland.
GOV.UK - help with travel costs
Information about schemes and organisations who can help with travel costs.
Read more about help with travel costs.
Prince’s Trust Development Awards
This gives funding to young people to help them train and learn. The trust can cover the costs of:
- course fees
- tools
- equipment
Read more about the Prince’s Trust Development Awards.
Scottish Welfare Fund
This organisation helps families and people in Scotland on low incomes who are going through a crisis, like losing a job or suffering a house fire.
Scottish Welfare Fund can help with things like heating and food costs.
Find out more about the Scottish Welfare Fund.
Organisations and links for care leavers
Who Cares Scotland
Voluntary organisation who support care-experienced people by giving them a voice. This is one of the most well-known stakeholders for care leavers.
Find out more about Who Cares Scotland.
CELCIS
The Centre for Excellence for Children's Care and Protection helps support young care leavers after they’ve left care to give them the same opportunities as their peers.
CELCIS work closely with people, organisations and systems who are involved in the lives of vulnerable children.
Visit the CELCIS website.
Staf
Works to support young care leavers by giving them a voice to create a system that works for them. They do this by listening to the needs of care-experienced people and reflecting this back to policy makers.
Find out more about Staf.
Organisations for Disabled People
Inclusion Scotland
Inclusion Scotland aims to achieve equality and increase opportunities for disabled people. They do this by influencing decision makers and assisting disabled people to be decision makers themselves.
Visit Inclusion Scotland’s website.
ENABLE Scotland
Largest member-led charity of its kind, working for an equal society for those with learning disabilities.
Visit the ENABLE Scotland website.
Disability Information Scotland
A Scottish charity who help disabled people, their families and carers to find information about disabilities when and how they need it.
The charity provide a helpline, a disability information directory and information guides.
Visit the Disability Information Scotland website.
GOV.UK - Supporting disabled children, young people and their families
This site provides guidance to help improve the experiences of disabled children, young people and their families.
Read more about supporting disabled young people and their families.
Survivor Organisations
Scottish Women’s Aid
Leading Scottish charity that supports women and children affected by domestic abuse.
Visit the Scottish Women’s Aid website.
Women’s Aid
For victims of domestic abuse and violence. The site also has a ‘Survivor’s forum’ where women can talk to other women who may be experiencing a similar situation.
Visit the Women’s Aid website.
Rape Crisis Scotland
Rape Crisis Scotland provides a national rape crisis helpline and email support for anyone affected by sexual violence.
The helpline is open from 5pm to midnight, seven days a week, and offers free and confidential initial crisis support and information.
The helpline can also put you or others you know in touch with local rape crisis centres or other services for on-going support.
Clients can call 0808 801 0302 for more information.
Visit the Rape Crisis Scotland website.
CEDAR
The CEDAR (Children Experiencing Domestic Abuse Recovery) project is run by Glasgow Women’s Aid and supports children and young people who have experienced trauma through domestic abuse.
The CEDAR programme runs group help sessions and provides a safe place for children, young people and their mothers.
Clients can contact Glasgow Women’s Aid by emailing cedar@glasgowwomensaid.org.uk.