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Winter Supports in East Renfrewshire

We know that the 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: communications@va-er.org.uk

Choose Kindness This Winter

Here at the Community Hub, we are all about kindness and community. We know how important it is 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. 

Get Ready for Winter

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 families needs.
Visit the 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


Pharmacy Festive Opening Hours

For pharmacy opening hours during the festive period, please visit the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde website.

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.

East Renfrewshire Council Out of Hours Emergency Contacts:

If you need an emergency council service out of hours or during public holidays, contact the following services:

Housing repairs – 0808 003 1601

Homelessness – 0800 052 0180

Roads and lighting – 0800 373 635

Dangerous buildings or structures – 0141 577 3556

Registration services – 07798 875 297 or contact Giffnock or Barrhead Police station

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.

Food, Essentials and Financial Supports

Food and Essentials Supports in East Renfrewshire

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.
**We’ve updated all the local food support information we could find for the festive season. Check back regularly as we update it whenever new details become available.**

If you or anyone you know is in urgent need of food they can contact East Renfrewshire Council’s Ring and Report helpline on 0800 013 0076.

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.

Advice Direct Scotland Phoneline and Chat

Money Advice provide free information and support on a wide range of debt-related issues.

Phone: 0808 196 2316

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

For more debt help, to chat or to book a call back visit the website

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

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
Visit the Breathing Space website for resources, information and support

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: jo@samaritans.org

Women’s Aid East Renfrewshire

24/7 Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage helpline: 0800 027 1234

Festive opening hours:

22nd & 23rd Dec, 9am – 5pm: Helpline and drop-in (Barrhead Foundry)

24th Dec, 9am – 2.30pm: Helpline only

25th-28th Dec: Closed

29th, 30th, 9am – 5pm: Helpline only

31st, 9am – 2.30: Helpline only

Out with these times contact the Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage helpline. 

The Purple Helpline: Economic Abuse Helpline

Free advice, emotional support & financial guidance

The helpline will close from 19 Dec and reopen on 5 Jan.

Purple Phone Helpline: 0343 841 0132

Regular Opening hours:
Mon: 16:30–19:30
Wed: 10:00–13:00
Thu: 13:30–16:30

Translators available on request

Cruise Scotland – Bereavement Support

Helpline: 0808 802 6161

Opening hours between 22nd December and 2nd of January@
10am – 2pm

LGBT Health and Wellbeing

Helpline: 0800 464 7000

Opening hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 12pm- 9pm
Sunday: 1pm- 6pm
(closed on 25th and 26th of December and 1st and 2nd of January)

Childline

A free, private and confidential service where children and young people under 19 years old can talk about anything. Open 24h a day, everyday of the year.

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.

PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide

The suicide prevention helpline, HOPELINE247, is a free, confidential, non-judgmental space for young people under 35, concerned others and professionals. 

Lines are open 24 hours every day of the year (Weekends and Bank Holidays included)

Call: 0800 068 4141

Text: 88247

Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

Who Cares? Scotland

If you’re a Care Experienced person and you need someone to talk to, phone 0330 107 7540 or email help@whocaresscotland.org;