My office will close to take a short break over the festive period so that my small team of staff can have an opportunity to rest after another incredibly busy year.

I will periodically check my email inbox for very urgent casework, however all other enquiries will be dealt with in the new year.

My office will close on Friday 23rd December 2022 and reopen on Wednesday 4th January 2023.

Below is some helpful information and emergency contacts which may be of use to you over the holidays.

Financial Support

Help with the cost of living

Rising food, energy and fuel costs are making life difficult for many people in Angus.

This page contains links to sources of help and advice from Angus Council, our community partners and external organisations and websites: Help with the cost of living | Angus Council

Fuel Bank Heat Fund

A fund is now available for financially vulnerable households who live off the gas grid and rely on bulk fuel deliveries in order and to keep warm this winter: Fuel Bank Heat Fund – Rural Services Network (rsnonline.org.uk)

SCARF

Scarf delivers energy efficiency advice and services to households and businesses across Scotland: Scarf

Home Energy Scotland

Advice on reducing your bills, and getting energy saving home improvements funded by the Scottish Government: Home Energy Scotland

DWP benefits helpline

Some benefit payments will be made earlier if they’re due between 26 December 2021 and 3 January 2022. Further details and information can be found on the DWP website.

Universal Credit helpline

• Telephone: 0800 328 5644
• Textphone: 0800 328 1344
• Online: gov.uk

Social Security Scotland

Some benefit payments will be made earlier if they’re due between 24 December 2021 and 6 January 2022. If you are affected, you should receive a text message closer to the time advising you of when you will receive your payment. Further details and information can be found on the Social Security Scotland website.

Helpline

• Telephone: 0800 182 2222
• Webchat: socialsecurity.gov.scot

Crisis grants

Angus Council administers grants from the Scottish Welfare Fund in order to support people who need assistance: Crisis grants and community care grants | Angus Council

Benefits calculator

Angus Council’s benefits calculator will help you find out what benefits you can claim.

The calculator is free to use, and the details you provide are anonymous: Benefit calculator (entitledto.co.uk)

Winter Information

Festive waste arrangements

With Christmas round the corner, you’ll need to know how the festivities affects your bin collections: Festive waste arrangements | Angus Council

Winter gritting and snow clearing

Winter can bring severe weather, including snow and ice. Please see information here about gritting routes: Winter gritting and snow clearing | Angus Council

ACCESSLine

You can contact Angus Council via the ACCESSLine in an emergency situation, if you are seeking support for a vulnerable person, or you are unable to submit your enquiry online.

The number is: 03452 777 778

BEAR Scotland gritting

BEAR Scotland delivers winter maintenance as part of the North West, North East and South East Trunk Road Units for on behalf of Transport Scotland. Their Winter portal is here: Winter Portal – Bear Scotland

Emergency Support and Advice

Dundee and Angus Food Bank

You can find out how to get help from Dundee and Angus Food Bank here: How to get help | Dundee and Angus Foodbank

NHS Inform

Health information in Scotland. Check symptoms, see self-help advice, access latest COVID advice and book booster vaccinations: NHS inform – Scottish health information you can trust | NHS inform

Homelessness

Simon Community Homeless Team (24hr line)

• Telephone: 0800 027 7466
• Online: simonscotland.org

Angus Council emergency homelessness support: Homelessness | Angus Council

Samaritans

If you feel that your circumstances are overwhelming and you are in need of emotional support, you can contact Samaritans for free in confidence any time. Samaritans’ service is provided by volunteers – they can’t take action or fix issues on your behalf, but they are there round the clock to listen to anyone dealing with difficult thoughts and feelings.

• Telephone: 116 123
• Online: samaritans.org
• Email: jo@samaritans.org

Breathing Space

Breathing Space is a free, confidential, phone and webchat service for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.

• Telephone (Mon-Thurs, 6pm-2am, Fri-Mon, 24 hrs): 0800 838 587

Domestic Abuse

Angus Women’s Aid

• Website: Angus Women’s Aid (anguswomensaid.co.uk)
• Telephone (Mon-Thurs, 10am-4.30pm, Fri, 10am-2pm):  01241 439437
• 24 Hour National Helpline: 0800 027 1234
• Email: info@anguswomensaid.co.uk

Scotland’s domestic abuse and forced marriage helpline

• Telephone: 0800 027 1234
• Online: sdafmh.org.uk
• Email: helpline@sdafmh.org.uk

Men’s Advice Line

Support for male domestic abuse survivors: 0808 801 0327   

The Mix

Free information and support for under 25s: 0808 808 4994  

National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline

Support and advice for LGBT+ people who experience domestic abuse: 0800 999 5428  

Emergency Contact Numbers

• Emergency police, fire or ambulance: 999
• Angus Council ACCESSLine: 03452 777 778
• Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111
• Floodline: 0345 988 1188
• Power cut: 105
• Gas leaks/cut: 0800 111 999
• SGN (distributes gas across Scotland): 0800 912 1700
• SSEN (emergency number): 0800 300 999  
• NHS24: 111
• Scottish Water: 0800 0778 778
• Traveline Scotland: 0800 200 2233
• Traffic Scotland: 0800 028 1414
• Foreign Office travel help: 0845 850 2829