Cost of living support in Midlothian

Community Support

In this section you will find:

Libraries

Midlothian’s Libraries are free to use and open to everyone. Each library provides a range of everyday supports including cost of living support information, free activities and groups to get involved with, tools and instruments to borrow, plus free access to wifi and computers.

Support from libraries

Find information with Citizen Advice Digital Touchscreens

The digital touchscreens, known as VERA (Virtual, Expert, Remote Advice) provide confidential, up‑to‑date guidance on cost of living support.

They connect you with help from organisations including Midlothian Council, the Scottish Welfare Fund, Women’s Aid, VOCAL and Dalkeith Citizens Advice Bureau. 

VERAs are available in Danderhall, Gorebridge, Lasswade, Loanhead and Penicuik Libraries. A portable VERA unit is available on Midlothian’s Mobile Library.

Borrow books, musical instruments and tools

You can borrow books, audiobooks, CDs and DVDs at all libraries. Plus, you can reserve and collect musical instruments, plus tools and equipment at all of our libraries too.

Lend+Mend Hubs, which are dedicated spaces for making or repairing clothes and household items are available at Gorebridge, Loanhead and Danderhall libraries.  Items such as sewing machines, power drills, pressure washers and cake tins can be borrowed for free using your library card.

Find activities

Find groups and community through a range of free activities for babies and toddlers, children and young people, and adults.

Cafés

Our Libraries in Danderhall, Lasswade, Loanhead and Newbattle include cafes, which serve hot and cold drinks, plus breakfast, lunch and snack options.

Library members get 10% off at the cafes. From September to June, free soup and a hot drink are available to everyone. 

Coat collections

Coat collections are open at Dalkeith, Loanhead and Penicuik libraries from October to June.

There are coat sizes for adults and children. Anyone can take one for free if needed. Good quality donations are also welcome too.

Community Diners

Community diners bring families and young people together regularly to enjoy nutritious food, meet others and access practical advice and support from services including Citizens Advice, Changeworks, and Communities, Lifelong Learning and Employability (CLLE). The meals are affordably priced and served in welcoming community spaces across Midlothian. 

Contact your nearest community diner for more details:

Community Organisations

You can get support from community organisations across Midlothian. Whether you need help with food costs, advice, affordable activities, training opportunities or simply a friendly place to meet others, local community organisations can offer practical support and a warm welcome. Many also run community cafés, coffee mornings, wellbeing activities and volunteering opportunities.

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