Community Welfare

Please click on the links below to access information from the various agencies in the area:

Connected Communities Information

East Lothian Council - Boost Your Income Programme

Whatever your circumstances, it’s worth a quick check to see if you’re entitled to extra financial support. We have lots of information online or you can chat to us orlo.uk/OxCjr pic.twitter.com/xC4CB1OGw7

 

You can access the same information directly on the web at :
Cost of Living Support Toolkit

The cost of living crisis presents an ongoing challenge to people and families across Scotland, with many struggling to make ends meet. As part of its response to this situation, the Scottish Government has launched a marketing campaign promoting a new website that brings together in one place information on support, grants, benefits and advice, in order to help people find what support they may be entitled to.

The campaign will run from 28 September to 22 November across various media channels, including TV, out-of-home, radio and digital. Additionally the campaign will work to amplify campaign messages through PR and partnership activity.

Key messages

  • Household expenses, rents and travel costs are increasing and many people are finding it difficult to pay their bills. In some cases you may be eligible for benefits or schemes that could help.
  • Energy bills are rising, but in many cases help and financial support may be available to help heat homes more efficiently and reduce heating bills. It’s important to reach out for support if it’s needed.
  • Many people are worried about money just now. There are benefits, grants, and free services available which may help you increase your income.
  • Parenting is hard at the best of times, but when money worries hit it can be overwhelming. From free school meals or help with day-to-day costs, you could be eligible for support.
  • If you’re worried about money or how to deal with debt, you’re not alone. Anyone can find themselves overwhelmed by financial worries, but there’s support and advice available to help you.
  • Rising costs can have a bigger impact on some people including older people, disabled people and those who care for them. Make sure you’re getting all the assistance you’re entitled to.
  • If you rent your home, you have rights such as being protected from unfair evictions or rent increases.

Visit gov.scot/costoflivingsupport for more information.

£1m Energy Fund for Vulnerable persons in East Lothian

A new £1 million energy fund to help residents in East Lothian heat their homes this winter has opened for applications.

The partnership between Community Windpower, Advice Direct Scotland and East Lothian Council is open to people in the county struggling with their bills.

This specific fund is supported directly from Community Windpower’s onshore wind farms near Aikengall.

Grant applications can be made by individuals through a new dedicated website, www.communityadvice.scot, while ‘referral partners’ such as the council, charities and local housing associations can apply on behalf of vulnerable people.

Anyone on means-tested benefits can apply directly, while referral partners can also act on behalf of anyone on a low income or facing financial hardship.

National charity Advice Direct Scotland, which also runs the Scottish Government’s Home Heating Support Fund, will make payments for electricity usage by issuing PayPoint or Post Office vouchers or send the money direct to the supplier for those with a credit meter.

Only one application can be made by, or on behalf of, a household – and in most cases a grant will be awarded for two months’ electricity use.

However, additional payments can be made based on individual circumstances, such as the number of children in a household or evidence of illness or disability.

The fund is not for historical debt and is due to run until the end of March 2023.

It is over and above all existing national support available, including the UK Government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme.

Full details are available at www.communityadvice.scot.

Rod Wood, Community Windpower’s Managing Director, said:

“We are delighted to open this energy funding scheme and contribute £1million for local communities in East Lothian just when help is most needed, before the winter period.

“Scotland’s renewable energy future is bright with potentially 30-40 GW to be built to deliver energy security and the green hydrogen revolution and we would urge the Scottish renewables industry to follow our lead and commit to to support vulnerable families across the whole of Scotland. 

“This will deliver an additional £200million per annum into the Scottish economy as well as supporting the Scottish Government to insulate homes, provide low carbon heating systems, and create new jobs in the green energy sector.”

Pamela Stewart, Deputy Chief Executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said:

“This fund will provide thousands of households in East Lothian with hundreds of pounds towards their energy bills this winter.

“For many people, it will prevent them being forced to choose between heating and eating.

“We are proud to be administering this fund on behalf of Community Windpower, and our teams are ready to ensure people swiftly get the financial help being made available.”

East Lothian Council Leader Norman Hampshire said:

“The rising cost of living is having a real impact on people in communities around the country.

“The launch of the new energy fund is undoubtedly a welcome addition to the support available and very timely given the colder weather expected throughout the winter months.

“It complements the range of initiatives established by the council to help individuals and families in the county who are financially vulnerable at this challenging time.”

Paul McLennan, MSP for East Lothian, said:

“After months of discussion with Community Windpower and East Lothian Council, I am extremely pleased to see applications for the East Lothian Energy Fund open. 

“The fund comes at a time when those most affected by rising energy costs in East Lothian are most vulnerable.

“The support will make a huge difference this winter. It really is a game changer that I hope will go some way in preventing families from having to make a choice between a hot meal or heating their home.

“I commend Community Windpower and Advice Direct Scotland for their recognition of the need to go further to support people in the cost-of-living crisis and I hope to see similar schemes rolled out across Scotland.”

Community Groups Information

Peer Connecting - Ukrainian Support Group

Peer Connecting are setting up a support group in Tranent for Ukrainian families.

The first block of eight weeks is due to start on Tuesday the 24th of January 5pm-6.30pm

This group is going to support Ukrainian families who have fled to East Lothian, they were forced to leave her country, with family, due to the devastating ongoing war. The group will be taking place at Volunteer Centre East Lothian in Tranent.

All comer’s welcome.

Ukrainian Group Poster (Ukrainian)

Ukrainian Group Poster (English)

Can you spread this news please. 🙂

Many thanks,

Agata Zurawicz

Peer Support Worker

Peer Connecting, Black and Minority Ethnic Community Focus, East Lothian

a: Unit 40/4, Hardengreen Business Park 1, Dalhousie Road, Eskbank EH22 3NX.

e: agata.zurawicz@health-in-mind.org.uk

t:  07741744074

w: health-in-mind.org.uk 

Village Safety Items

Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch has been active in Dirleton for a number of years.
Membership is for the village as a whole, not for individual residents.
Currently, the coordinator for Dirleton is Fred McClintock. His email address is: mcclintockf@hotmail.com

To See the latest bulletins from Neighbourhood watch Please click here

Dirleton Village Defibrillators

Two defibrillators are available for use within the village in the event of a suspected heart attack.
Their locations are as follows:
CASTLE INN, on the outside wall to the right of the main entrance.
AT THE TOP END OF WARE ROAD, behind the front wall of the house immediately facing you (Bakersfield”, No. 10 Harpenside Crescent).
There is a small plaque on the wall, indicating that the defibrillator is behind the wall
Note: The boxes holding both defibrillators are unlocked, for ease of access.”

Click here for a location Map

Archerfield and Drem Defibrillators

Two defibrillators are available for use within the village in the event of a suspected heart attack.
Their locations are as follows:
Archerfield Walled Garden, on the outside wall – 24hr access.
Drem, The Chesters (under Arch in Barn) – Outside 24hr access.

Click here for a location Map

Aberlady Defibrillators

Siz defibrillators are available for use within the village in the event of a suspected heart attack.
Their locations are as follows:

1. Ducks Hotel – Outside 24hr Access
2. House Number 4, Tranter Road – Outside 24hr Access
3. Aberlady Village Hall, Sea Wynd – Outside 24hr Access
4. Craigielaw Golf Clubhouse – Inside 24hr Access (At entrance Stairwell)
5. Kilspindie Golf Course – Outside 24hr Access (Toilet block between Kilspindie & Craigielaw)
6. Kilspindie Golf Clubhouse – Outside 24hr Access

 

Click here for a location Map

Gullane Defibrillators

Eight defibrillators are available for use within the village in the event of a suspected heart attack.
Their locations are as follows:
1. Gullane Golf Club Members Clubhouse – Inside
2. Dentist Main Street – Inside
3. Gullane Golf Club Visitors Clubhouse – Outside 24hr Access
4. Gullane Village Hall – Outside 24hr Access
5. Medical Center Hamilton Road – Inside
6. Gullane Sports Hub (Astro Turf) – Outside 24hr Access
7. Muirfield Golf Club – Inside
8. Gullane Golf Club Green Keepers Complex (Between #2 and #3 Courses)

Click here for a location Map

Health Matters

Local GP Practices and Community Health Care

Gullane Medical Practice
Gullane Medical Centre, Hamilton Road, Gullane EH31 2HP
reception: 8 – 6 weekdays, except Wednesday 8 – 5
phone: 01620 842 171 (repeat prescriptions 9 – 5 only)
website: www.gullanemedicalpractice.co.uk
Prescriptions can be collected from Gullane Pharmacy

 

North Berwick Health Centre
North Berwick Group Practice, 54 St. Baldred’s Road, North Berwick EH39 4PU
reception: 8am to 6pm weekdays
phone: appointments 01620 893 263 (8.30 onwards)
phone: repeat prescriptions 01620 897 007 (10.30 – 11.30 and 2 – 3 only)
phone: visits 01620 892 169
website: www.northberwickhealthcentre.scot.nhs.uk
repeat prescriptions from:
Boots Pharmacy, North Berwick
Fergusons Pharmacy, North Berwick

 

Contacts with Medical Services outside GP Reception Hours
NHS24 dial 111
If you have a problem reaching 111, dial 100 (operator) 6.30pm – 8am.
Serious Emergencies dial 999 for ambulance

 

East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership (ELSCHP)
Information on the various services currently offered by the National Health Service in East Lothian can be found on the website: NHS Lothian
The new body integrating health and community care is now in place, and will be called the East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership.
Further information at: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/ELHSCP
and East Lothian Council website.

One of the core aims of this partnership is to prevent avoidable emergency admissions of older people to hospital, and to prevent unnecessary delays in discharge from hospital, by integrating health and social care services.

Chiropodists and Podiatrists in East Lothian

NHS Podiatry Services in Lothian Region
Website: NHS Lothian Podiatry

Podiatry Plus Scotland
Website: Podiatry Plus Scotland
Edingburgh Clinic – Telephone: 0131 629 2029
Haddington Clinic – Telephone: 01620 825570
Email: info@podiatryplusscotland.co.uk

Haddington Podiatry
Website: Haddington Podiatry
Contact: Angela Carter
Telephone: 07798 646999

Claire Millar Podiatry
Telephone: 07791 551552
email: Clairemillar_211@hotmail.com
(Claire also has a clinic at the MacDonald Marine Hotel, Cromwell Road, North Berwick EH39 4LZ)

East Lothian Mobile Foot Clinic
Foot treatment in the comfort of your own home.
Contact: Nikkie Butters
Phone Nikkie 07963 423837

Day Centres

There are a number of these facilities throughout East Lothian, of which the nearest day centres to Dirleton are in Gullane and North Berwick. The advice from East Lothian Council is that because the services offered vary, the best approach is to contact them directly with enquiries.

Gullane Day Centre
Hamilton Road
Gullane, EH31 2HP
phone: 01620 843 084
Coordinator: Joan Hogg, Manager
E-mail: gullane.dc@btconnect.com

North Berwick Day Care Association
St Regulas, 6 St Andrews Street
North Berwick, EH39 4NU
phone: 01620 890 906
Coordinator: Carol Wicker
email: carol@nbdc.wanadoo.co.uk
website: www.nbdaycentre.org.uk

Dirleton Lunch Hub
This is held on the first Wednesday in the month.
Dirleton Kirk Hall 12 to 2 p.m.
Delicious home made soup and cakes served by volunteers
£5, concessions £4, children £2.
Everyone welcome – residents and visitors, young and old.
Coordinator: Anne Orr (Dirleton Good Neighbours)

Dementia Awareness

There is considerable internet information available on dementia issues, and a growing awareness in local communities. North Berwick, for example, is now a designated ‘dementia friendly town’, and has recently launched a new club to which Dirleton residents are welcome.

 

Dementia Friendlly North Berwick joined with the North Berwick Coastal Partnership to become NB! The Club! late in 2016. The Club holds regular meetings on the first Tuesday of the month in the Hope Rooms, North Berwick to which everyone is welcome, and in particular a warm welcome to those with dementia.

Website: https://dfel.org.uk/
Coordinator Contact: sue@dfel.org.uk

Alzheimer Scotland is a nationwide organisation and their Edinburgh office can be reached by phone for information covering wider dementia queries.
Phone: 0131 654 1114 office hours weekdays 10 – 3
There is also a 24-hour Dementia Helpline Service which is run by volunteers for Alzheimer Scotland:
phone: 0808 808 3000
email: alzheimer@alzscot.org
website: www.alzscot.org

Allzheimer Scotland offers the following services for East Lothian:
East Lothian Dementia Link Worker – Sally Purves 07468 708 816
East Lothian Dementia Cafe held on the first Wednesday of each month from 11 – 2 in St. Andrew’s Church, High Street, Musselburgh EH21 7EA (entrance at rear of church in Mill Hill) £4
Referrals to other agencies
Advice and information
Short breaks for carers

Let’s Sing is a singing group held on Tuesdays at the Brunton, Musselburgh from 11am – 12.30pm. For more information ring 0131 669 2888.

Carers of East Lothian

Support for unpaid carers throughout East Lothian
CoEL can offer support on the phone at the moment (during pandemic).
There is a an available care support worker on duty Monday to Friday 10 – 4
Phone: 0131 665 0135
Also see the CoEL website: http://www.coel.org.uk/

Women's Aid East and Mid Lothian

This group works across the area to provide help, support and temporary accommodation to women (including trans-women), children and young people, regardless of age, religion, race or sexuality.
To find out more:
Website:  http://www.womensaideml.org/

Email: info@womensaideml.org

Phone:  0131 561 5800

Council(s) and Volunteer Services

Gullane Area Community Council

Website can be found at https://gaddabout.org.uk

 

ELC Housing Information

From Anne Krippler :

I am a Housing Strategy Officer and alongside Care and Repair East Lothian we are currently organising an Independent Living event for homeowners and private renters.

East Lothian Council Housing Services and East Lothian Care and Repair are inviting homeowners and private renters to an information session on accessible housing and living independently.

Are you?

  • Aged over 50
  • Living with a disability
  • Thinking about the future
  • Taking care of another person

Come and join us to learn about

  • Living independently
  • Home adaptations
  • Finding the right home for you
  • Care at home

 

Drop in

Saturday March 2nd 10am – 2pm at Blackadder Church North Berwick

With speakers from 10am – 12pm

Wednesday March 6th 2-7pm at Prestonpans Legion

With speakers from 3pm-5pm

 

Speakers will include

  • Care and Repair East Lothian
  • Housing Options Scotland
  • Health and Social Care
  • Carers of East Lothian

 

Information stalls will include

  • Changeworks
  • Citizens Advice Bureau
  • Sight Scotland & Sight Scotland Veterans
  • Age Scotland

 

Speakers will also have stalls during drop in sessions. Please note, speakers and stalls may not be present at both days. For further information about the event please email lhs@eastlothian.gov.uk

Thank you,

Anne

Anne Krippler (she/her)

Housing Strategy Officer – Housing Strategy 

Email. akrippler1@eastlothian.gov.uk | Tel. 1620 82 8784 | Mobile. 07773130627 | Ext. 6784

Office: Housing Strategy & Development, Penston House,  East Lothian Council