Sources of help and advice
East Lothian Council’s Financial Inclusion team
Our team will help you work out what benefits you’re entitled to. There is a lot of information around and it can be difficult to work out what it means for you. In some circumstances we can help you over the phone with your application. There is a lot of information online at or you can call us on 01620 827827. Demand for our free, confidential service is high just now but we will reply to all messages.
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
Citizens Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice to local residents on a range of matters including benefits, debt and housing advice. Contact details for your local CAB are listed in useful contacts.
Haddington CAB: email cab@haddingtoncab.org.uk or phone 01620 824 471
Musselburgh CAB: visit www.musselburghcab.org.uk or phone 0131 653 2748
The Scottish Citizens Advice Network
The Scottish Citizens Advice Network, in partnership with the Scottish Government, has launched a new Scottish Citizens Advice Helpline to support people across Scotland.
Many people need personal, one-to-one advice and callers to the helpline can expect to speak to the same friendly, trained advisers they would usually get help from face-to-face at their local Citizens Advice Bureau.
You can get help with queries about employment, housing, debt, benefits and consumer issues like energy bills as well as many other topics.
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Phone 0800 028 1456 |
East Lothian Debt Helpline
Citizens Advice Bureau East Lothian have launched an East Lothian Debt Helpline - a dedicated team of Specialist Money Advisers - to provide local residents with money worries free, impartial and confidential advice.
These advisers can work with you to address your money concerns and to relieve the stress and burden that debt can bring with it.
For help, phone 01620 824 471 Monday to Friday: 9am to 4pm - this is a temporary helpline, available until 31 March 2023.
The Department for Work & Pensions
There’s lots of helpful information on the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) website including more information about recent Government changes which have been introduced to help during this challenging time.
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 think about what matters to them, and access to the support they need.
This service is for anyone over 16 affected by cancer at any point on their cancer journey. Support is available to help with money, benefits or housing worries as well as work, caring responsibilities and physical or emotional concerns.
Anyone affected by cancer can contact the service directly or can be referred by someone who supports them. 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.
If you have cancer, or if you support someone with cancer, please get in touch.
Phone 07929 784315 Email: loth.icj@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Access to a Better Life in East Lothian
East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership’s Rehabilitation Service aims to help residents manage their health and wellbeing, and those with caring responsibilities for others.
Access to a Better Life in East Lothian is an online resource set up by the service providing tools and information to help you remain as active and independent as possible, for as long as possible at a time suits you.
For example:
- if you have a muscle or joint problem
- if you struggle with activities of daily living i.e., bathing
- if you have falls or mobility problems
- if you would like to explore Smart technology to keep you safe and independent at home
For more information visit: abetterlife.eastlothian.gov.uk
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 would like to apply for a Blue Badge, but need help to do so, our library staff can help you to complete your application form. You will need to make an appointment; please phone 01620 827827 and ask for Blue Badge.
Mental Health care when it counts (CWIC)
Struggling with your mental health? There is now a quicker way to access a wide range of Mental Health Specialists.
Our team
The CWIC Team are administrators, Mental Health Occupational Therapists and Mental Health Nurses.
What we do
We will listen and work with you to help you find better ways to manage your mental health. We work closely with GPs, NHS Services and other community organisations to support you better. Phone 0300 790 6292 Monday to Friday: 9am to 4pm
Muscle or joint pain?
If you have musculoskeletal (MSK) problem and are over 16, use the East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership MSK support line. Telephone 0300 369 0680 open Monday, Tuesday and Friday 9-11:30am.