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Festive and Winter Supports in East Renfrewshire

We know that winter, and the festive season in particular, 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, especially when many services and activities pause for the festive break.

The Community Hub phoneline and Talking Points will be closed over the festive period. However, several local and national organisations will continue to offer support to local residents.

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]

Local Authority and Health Services during Festive Season

East Renfrewshire Council (ERC) Festive Opening Hours:

  • Close at 2pm on Christmas Eve (24th) and then reopen on Friday 27th December at 8.45am
  • Open as normal on Monday 30th December then close at 2pm on Tuesday 31st December
  • Reopen at 8.45am on Friday 3rd January
  • Council HQ in Giffnock is closed between Christmas and New Year and opens again on 3rd January

East Renfrewshire Council Customer First

If you need to enquire about services from bin collections to council tax, please contact: 0141 577 3000 / 3001 or visit the East Renfrewshire Council Contact Us webpage for other useful telephone numbers.

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.

NHS Right Care, Right Place

Find information to help you access the most appropriate healthcare services for your and your family needs.
The webpage also provides information on Health Services over Christmas and New Year and Pharmacy Festive Opening Hours in Grater Glasgow and Clyde area. Visit the NHS 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

Food, Essentials and Financial Supports

Food and Essentials Supports

Local food banks, food larders and food shares may have adjusted hours during the festive season. We have updated our Food Supports directory with Festive Opening Times. Most local food supports do not require referral so do not hesitate to reach out for help if you need emergency access to food or essentials for you and your family. 

Festive Opening Hours:

Barrhead East Renfrewshire Foodbank
Address: 14 Lowndes Street, Barrhead, G78 2QX

  • Tuesday, 17th of Dec: 12pm-2pm,
  • Friday, 20th and 27th of Dec: 2pm-4pm
  • Friday, 3rd of Jan: 2pm-4pm 
  • Closed 24th and 31st of Dec

Busby Foodbank
Address: Busby Parish Church, 20 Church Rd G76 8EB

  • Open as usual on Tuesdays: 1pm-3pm; including Christmas Eve (24th of Dec) and the 31st of December. 

Dunterlie Foodshare
Food Share – collect a bag of food; contents of bag vary each week. Address: Stewart Street, Barrhead, G78 1AL

  • Open as usual on Fridays, 20th, 27th of Dec and 3rd of Jan from 11am

Eaglesham Food Larder
A trolley with food and essentials for local residents.
Address: Car Park at the back of the Montgomerie Hall in Eaglesham

  • Open on the 21st Dec and 11th Jan

For food and essential supports outside of festive period, visits our Food and Essentials Supports in East Renfrewshire directory.

Blether, Neilston
A community fridge and a community shop, which distributes food to the local community which would otherwise be sent to landfill.
Address: 103 Main St, Neilston 
Facebook Page

Normal opening hours, except for Christmas Day.

  • Monday – Friday: 2pm-4pm
  • Sunday – Friday: 9pm-9:30pm
  • Saturdays: 11am-3pm 

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.

Wellbeing and Mental Health Supports

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.
Call: 116 123
Email: [email protected]

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]; Helpline is open throughout the festive period Mon-Fri (12pm -4pm) including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Visit Who Cares? Scotland website

Choose Kindness This Winter

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: 

  • Call or visit someone who might be feeling lonely – a friendly chat can mean so much. 
  • Offer to pick up groceries or run errands for a neighbour who needs a little extra help. 
  • Check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours, especially during cold or extreme weather. 
  • Share the information on this page with anyone who may need it.