Renfrewshire families are being encouraged to use local advice services provided in local schools.
The Family Advice service provided by the Council’s Advice Works team and the Schools Support Service provided by Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau both make it easy for families to get advice locally.
Ahead of winter and the festive period, families are being encouraged to make the use of these services to ensure they are getting everything they are entitled to, such as benefits, school clothing grants and free school meals.
Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, depute leader of Renfrewshire Council and chair of the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee, said the best thing families can do is get advice on their finances. She explained: “With costs for everyday life continuing to remain high and impacting on family life, it is important that people know they can get advice that’s free, confidential and impartial.
“The cost-of-living crisis has not gone away and continues to affect people, regardless of incomes. As a council, we remain committed to ensuring Renfrewshire is a fair place for all our residents and that everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.
“With another winter approaching, where everyone expects to put on their heating as well as buy food and gifts for the festive period, now is the time to talk about money with an adviser. Both Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau and the Council’s Advice Works team can offer tailored advice and support that will help with managing household budgets and ensuring families are getting everything they’re entitled to.”
Primary or pre-school parents and carers can make an appointment with the Family Advice service by emailing adviceworks@renfrewshire.gov.uk or calling 0300 300 1238. Advice can be given over the phone to remove the need to travel.
Secondary and ASN school parents and carers can make an appointment with the Schools Support Service using an online form or by calling 0141 889 2121.
People whose children have left school or do not have children can also contact both services for help and advice on a wide range of things, including housing, employment, budgeting and money.
Information on where to get money and benefits advice is available on Renfrewshire Council’s website, here: https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/2103/Where-to-get-money-and-benefits-advice.