Cost of living support

Improving the Cancer Journey (ICJ)

Being diagnosed with cancer can be overwhelming and many people don't know where to go for support.

East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership and Macmillan Cancer Support want to offer everyone affected by cancer, including families and carers, time with a Link Worker to discuss what matters to you in terms of treatment and support.

They can then help direct you to support and advice available regarding money, benefits, or housing worries as well as work, caring responsibilities and physical or emotional concerns.

This service is for anyone over 16 affected by cancer, at any point on their cancer journey.

If you've recently had a diagnosis of cancer, you may have received a letter through the post asking you if you would like to use the service.

You can contact the service direct or be referred by someone who supports you.

Call 0131 537 1500 or email loth.icj@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk

Mental Health Single Point of Contact

If you're looking for support for your mental health, or that of a loved one, you can now self-refer into East Lothian Mental Health Services and talk to trained professionals to receive information and advice.

One telephone call is all it takes. Call 0300 790 6292 Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm.

When you first call, you'll be asked for your contact details, who you are calling on behalf of (yourself or someone else). The team will arrange a same-day call back with a mental health clinician, who after an initial discussion and assessment, will make suggestions and recommendations of available support services. Depending on the nature of your concerns this may range from self-management resources, online tools and applications, or signposting or referrals into one of the East Lothian based community organisations, or Mental Health Support Teams.

Our goal is to ensure that you receive the Right Care in the Right Place.

Find out more 

Maintaining your independence

East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership's Rehabilitation Service aims to support residents to manage their health and wellbeing, and those caring for others through a range of self-guided solutions as well as professional advice to keep people as independent and safe as possible.

The Rehabilitation Service can support you with:

• aches and pains in your muscles and joints
• support with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation
• mobility or balance concerns
• advice on using daily living support equipment and technology solutions in your home
• advice on organising minor adaptations within your home to support independent living

Visit www.eastlothian.gov.uk/elrs or contact the Rehabilitation Service directly on 0300 369 0680 and select:

• option 1 to speak to a physiotherapist about a joint or muscle problem (Monday to Friday: 9am - 11:30am)
• option 2 to speak to an occupational therapist about managing daily activities (Monday to Friday from 9am)

Help to apply for a Blue Badge

A Blue Badge allows people with severe mobility issues, who have difficulty using public transport, additional parking rights. This helps people live independent lives by knowing that when they reach their destination, either as a passenger or driver, they will be able to park close to where they need to go.

If you need help to apply for a Blue Badge, our library staff can help you to complete your application form. You will need to make an appointment; please call us on 01620 827827 and ask for Blue Badge or visit www.eastlothian.gov.uk/bluebadge

Funeral Support Payment

Help for those living in Scotland and in receipt of certain benefits to pay some, but not all, of the costs of a funeral. This payment can be claimed up to 6 months after the date of the funeral and can be paid either to you or to the funeral director helping to plan the funeral. 

Find out more about the Funeral Support Payment or apply