Support for all during COVID-19

Help during the pandemic

Food

If you can afford food but need help to get it

  • Local businesses might be able to deliver.
  • Red Cross 0131 654 0340
  • Call the council between 8am and 6pm weekdays: 0131 270 7500
  • Email [email protected] (8am-6pm weekdays)
  • Twitter: @MidHelp (8am-6pm weekdays)

If you cannot afford food: 16+ 

If you cannot afford food: all ages (food banks)

  • Gorebridge (Trussel Trust) – You must be referred, call - 0131 270 7500
     
  • Gorebridge Church, Hunterfield Road.  Monday – Friday 10.00am-2.00pm
    07789 173 276 or 07597 359 910 (referrers only)
     
  • Penicuik (Food Fact Friends) - You must be referred, call - 0131 270 7500
    Community Hub, 42 John Street, Penicuik. Monday and Friday 10.30am - 3.00pm
    07507 697109 [email protected] (referrers only)

If you are over 65 and need food advice.

  • Food Train – (age 65+) 0800 13 88 220 (Free)
    information and advice to stay well nourished 

Top of page

£  Money

Emergency grants

  • Scottish Welfare Fund – 0131 270 5600
    Crisis Grants - for emergencies when you have no other means.
    Community Care Grant - to provide a safe + secure home when you have no other means.
    Self-isolation Support Grant - if you have been asked to self-isolate by test and trace

Advice on benefits, housing, employment

Top of page

Fuel

  • Changeworks - 0131 555 4010
    Grants and advice to keep your home affordably warm
     
  • Home Energy Scotland 0808 808 2282 (FREE)
    help to reduce energy bills and create warmer homes
     
  • Ofgem
    Advice on energy supply and bills

Top of page

Essential transport

  • Handicabs Lothian (HCL) 0131 447 9953

Medicines and seeing your GP

If you are picking up someone else's prescription for them, you may be asked to show ID. 

If your pharmacy cannot deliver and you have no way of collecting your prescription because you are self-isolating contact us on 0131 270 7500 or [email protected] 

In Scotland you can turn to NHSinform.scot day and night for information on health conditions, what you should do, and when you should get in touch with professionals.

Top of page

Staying connected

Chatting with someone

  • Red Cross - 0131 654 0340
    Friendship calls
  • Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland - 0808 801 0899

Friendship calls and advice about conditions

  • The Silverline - (age 55 +) 0800 470 8090 (Free)
    Friendship calls and advice. 24 hours a day, every day.
     
  • Volunteer Midlothian – You must be referred, call  0131 270 7500
    0131 660 1216 or [email protected] (referrers only)

Staying connected in other ways

Top of page

Mental health

  • Breathing Space – 0800 83 85 87 (Free)
    Confidential support if you are feeling low, anxious, low or depressed.
     
  • Samaritans – 116 123 (Free)
    Confidential listening line if you need someone to talk to.
     
  • Health In Mind Crisis line - 0131 663 5533
    Monday to Friday 4pm-10pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm

Top of page

Sensory impairment

Practical and emotional support and help to stay connected

Learning disability

  • Artlink
    Ideas for staying at home
  • SCLD
    Easy read information including Covid-19 and lockdown guides

Top of page

Dementia

  • Alzheimer Scotland - 0808 808 3000
    information, advice and support 24 hours a day, every day.

Carers

  • Support for unpaid carers
    Information about local supports, PPE and testing
     
  • VOCAL Midlothian - 0131 663 6869 
    information, advice and one to one support

Top of page

LGBT+ community

All ages

Young people 

Adults

Top of page

Domestic abuse + sexual violence

  • Women's Aid East and Midlothian - 0131 561 5800 [email protected]
    Facebook: Womens Aid East and Midlothian 
    Twitter: @WomensAidEML
     
  • Shakti Women's Aid - 0131 475 2399 www.shaktiedinburgh.co.uk 
    Support to BME women, children, and young people.
     
  • FearFree - 0131 624 7266
    Domestic abuse service for men and any LGBT+ person - support by phone, text, WhatsApp
     
  • National Rape Crisis Helpline
    08088 01 03 02 or textline: 07537 410 027
    Every night 6pm to midnight
     
  • ERCC - [email protected]
    If you have experienced rape or sexual assault in the last 7 days.
     
  • AMIS (Abused Men In Scotland) - 0808 800 0024

Top of page

Bereavement

If all other options have been exhausted, or if you think someone is at risk of harm:

  • Children & Families on 0131 271 3414 (Emergency Out of Hours: 0800 731 6969)
  • Adult Social Care on 0131 271 3900 (Emergency Out of Hours: 0800 731 6969)

This document can be made available in a variety of alternate formats and community languages on request.  If you would like more information about this or would like to request an alternative format or language, please contact: [email protected].

Top of page

For all health advice

Go to nhsinform.scot.

Related pages