We know that winter season can be challenging for many people. Our team has been gathering up-to-date information and resources to help local residents and those supporting them access essential services during this time.
We will be updating this section with more resources, guides, and information that may be useful to the community. Please feel free to share it with anyone who may benefit, and let us know if you would like to suggest additional information for this page.
Email: [email protected]
Here at the Community Hub, we are all about kindness and community. We know how important to look out for one another, especially those who may be more vulnerable—whether they’re family members, neighbours, or others in the community. A small gesture can make the biggest difference.
Here are a few simple ideas:
Ready Scotland
The Scottish Government’s Ready Scotland website provides a wealth of information about preparing for and responding to emergencies, including severe weather, loss of utilities and travel disruptions.
Visit Read Scotland website
Priority Services Register
If you have a disability, medical condition or any other need for additional support, you can register your details on the Priority Services Register to ensure you receive the help you may need during utility service disruptions. Ready Scotland has gathered the key resources to guide you through registering with Priority Services Registers for water, power, gas, and heating oil services.
Visit the Get an Offer Support page
NHS Right Care, Right Place
Find information to help you access the most appropriate healthcare services for your and your family needs.
Visit NHS Inform website
NHS Inform
NHS Inform has shared some useful health and wellbeing tips to help you and your family stay well this winter.
Visit Prepare for Winter page
All Things Grit and more
The East Renfrewshire Council website provides helpful advice on how to keep your paths and pavements clear and safe this winter, not just for yourself but for others in your community too. You will find safety tips, information on when and how to grit, locate your nearest grit bin, or report an empty one.
Visit ERC Winter Roads page.
HSCP Initial Contact Team
If you need urgent support and are already engaged with social work, please call your key worker. If you need a service outwith office hours, you can contact Glasgow and Partners Emergency Social Work Services on 0300 343 1505.
Food and Essentials Supports
If you find yourself in crisis and need access to food or essentials for you and your family, do not hesitate to reach out for help.
For food and essential supports, visits our Food and Essentials Supports in East Renfrewshire directory.
Scottish Welfare Fund
If you’re struggling financially this winter, help may be available for food and heating costs from the Scottish Welfare Fund. You can apply if you are on a low income or receive certain benefits. Visit East Refrewshire Council website to find out more and to apply.
Cost of Living Supports Directory
We know that the rising cost of living is a real worry for many people and families, and it can feel even more challenging during the colder winter months. Our Cost of Living Supports directory provides information on local supports with money management, benefits, heating costs and energy support, employment guidance, and more.
Visit the Cost of Living Supports Directory
Urgent Health & Mental Health Support
If you need urgent health or mental health support, please contact your GP or if you cannot wait, call 111.
Breathing Space
A FREE and confidential phoneline providing listening, information and advice for people in Scotland feeling low, stressed or anxious.
Call Free on: 0800 83 85 87
Opening hours: Weekdays: Monday-Thursday 6pm to 2am; Weekend: Friday 6pm-Monday 6am
Samaritans
If you’re feeling worried or overwhelmed about everything that’s going on right now, you don’t have to face things alone. Samaritans are here to listen, any time, from any phone for FREE. Open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Call: 116 123
Email: [email protected]
Refuge – National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Call: 0808 2000 247
Open 24 hours a day, every day of the year
Childline
A free, private and confidential service where children and young people under 19 years old can talk about anything.
Call free on 0800 1111 (it will not show on the bill) or sign up for a free Childline locker (real name or email address not needed) to use their free 1-2-1 counsellor chat and email support service. Visit Childline website to sign up.
Shout 85258
24/7 text support for young person struggling to cope. For help, text SHOUT to 85258.
Who Cares? Scotland
If you’re a Care Experienced person and you need someone to talk to, phone 0330 107 7540 or email [email protected];