Times are hard for a lot of people right now. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone, and there is help nearby. Here are some trusted places to start.

Jump to: Food · Energy and heating · Money and crisis grants · Citizens Advice · Someone to talk to

Food

• MAF food pantry: our own food pantry is starting up. We’ll share more here soon.
• Need food now? Get in touch with us through our Contact page and we’ll do our best to help.
• Best Start Foods: a payment card for healthy food if you’re pregnant or have a child under 3 and get certain benefits. Check and apply on mygov.scot.
• If you can’t afford food or power, the Scottish Welfare Fund (below) may be able to give you a payment, or refer you to a food bank.

Energy and heating help

• Home Energy Scotland: free advice on keeping warm and cutting energy bills. Call 0808 808 2282 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat and bank holidays 9am–5pm). homeenergyscotland.org
• Energy Advice Scotland (Advice Direct Scotland): help with energy bills, suppliers and complaints. Call 0808 196 8660 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). energyadvice.scot
• Struggling to pay your energy supplier? Ofgem explains what your supplier must do to help. Ofgem: get help with your energy bills
• Winter Heating Payment: a yearly payment from Social Security Scotland, paid automatically if you get certain benefits. mygov.scot
• Pension Age Winter Heating Payment: replaces Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland; most people get it automatically. mygov.scot

Money and crisis grants

Scottish Welfare Fund (North Lanarkshire Council) helps people aged 16+ on a low income. You don’t have to be on benefits.

• Crisis Grant: help in an emergency, mainly with food and pre-payment meter top-ups. Usually decided by the end of the next working day.
• Community Care Grant: help to set up or stay in your home, mainly with household goods like beds or a washing machine. Decided within 15 working days.
• How to apply: apply online, call 0300 555 0405, or email swf@northlan.gov.uk.

More money help

• Benefits and debt advice (North Lanarkshire Council): free, confidential benefit checks, help with forms, and debt advice. Call 01698 332551 or email TPteam@northlan.gov.uk.
• Council Tax Reduction: help with your council tax bill if you’re on a low income. Apply via North Lanarkshire Council or call 01698 403210.
• Scottish Child Payment: a weekly payment for each child under 16 if you get certain benefits. mygov.scot
• Social Security Scotland: free helpline 0800 182 2222.
• Pension Credit: extra money if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Check what you could get on GOV.UK.

Free advice: Citizens Advice

• Motherwell & Wishaw Citizens Advice Bureau, 90 Brandon Parade East, Motherwell ML1 1LY. Freephone 0808 196 9180. Drop-in Mon–Thu 9:30am–1:30pm; Fri phone advice only 9:30am–4:30pm. motherwellwishawcab.org.uk
• Scottish Citizens Advice Helpline: 0800 028 1456. cas.org.uk

Someone to talk to

• Samaritans: free, day or night, on 116 123.
• Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87. Mon–Thu 6pm–2am; Friday 6pm to Monday 6am.
• NHS 24: call 111 if you need urgent care, or support with mental health distress.
• The Silver Line (for older people): free, 24 hours a day, every day. Call 0800 4 70 80 90.
• Shout: free, 24/7 text support. Text SHOUT to 85258.
• Childline (for children and young people): free, 24 hours a day. Call 0800 1111.
• Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline: 24/7. Call 0800 027 1234.
• Switchboard LGBT+: support from LGBTQIA+ volunteers. Call 0800 0119 100.
• SAMH Information Service (not a crisis line): email info@samh.org.uk, Mon–Fri 10am–4pm.

If someone’s life is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E.

We check these details carefully, but services can change. Last checked October 2026.