East Renfrewshire residents are being reminded of the support available for anyone struggling with the rising cost of living.

No matter your circumstances, staff and volunteers at East Renfrewshire Council are ready to help in a number of ways.

A Cost-of-Living support booklet has been produced and is now available from Council offices, libraries and community centres, Citizens Advice and the Community Hub. It includes information on all the help you may be entitled to and how to access it, so pop in and take a look.

The information in the booklet is also included on the East Renfrewshire Council website, providing practical steps residents can take to support themselves and their families. Visit eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support.

You can access free, expert and confidential advice from the Council’s Money Advice and Rights team to help you find out what benefits you're entitled to, assist in making a claim and maximise your income. They can also help deal with all types of debts. For more information call 0141 577 8420 or email mart@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk.

Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire operate a Community Hub phone line for local people and organisations looking for support, signposting and community information. They can connect you with groups, organisations and services that can provide the support you need and tell you about activities, groups and clubs in your area, and how to get involved in your local community. It is open Monday to Friday 10am-3pm and you can get in touch by calling 0141 876 9555 or emailing hello@va-er.org.uk.

Citizens Advice Bureau East Renfrewshire can also offer free, impartial and confidential advice on various issues relating to benefits, debt, money, housing and employment. You can speak to an advisor by calling 0141 881 2032, emailing bureau@eastrenfrewshirecab.casonline.org.uk or visiting their Barrhead Main Street office.

If you’re struggling with the cost of heating your home, there are Warm and Welcome spaces available across East Renfrewshire. These are free, friendly, safe spaces where you can connect with others, join in hobby activities, access support services or get information. Many offer free internet access, computers or charging points for those needing a warm and welcoming workplace space. You can find your nearest space by calling the Community Hub on 0141 876 9555 or visiting eastrencommunityhub.org.uk/warm-and-welcome-spaces/.

East Renfrewshire Council Leader Owen O’Donnell said: “We know that the ongoing rise in living costs continue to impact many of you, so we’re reminding residents that, no matter your situation, help and support is available. Whether you need assistance in submitting a benefits claim, advice in tackling rising energy costs or to find out where you nearest warm space is, the Council and our partners in the community have staff and volunteers in place, ready to offer advice, so I’d urge anyone struggling to get in touch.”