7 October 2024

Money worries can have a significant impact on our mental and physical health and wellbeing. It is important to remember that there is help available.

NHS Borders Money Worries App contains a digital directory with information about support services available locally in the Scottish Borders and nationally. There is also useful information on a variety of issues ranging from advice on energy saving, debt, health problems and disabilities at work; to more urgent help with emotional distress and social care services. The app can be downloaded on the App Store or the Google Play Store.

Citizens Advice Scotland has a wealth of information available from help with cost of living to pension advice. If you have looked at the website but would like to talk to an advisor, you can get in touch by calling Scotland’s Citizens Advice Helpline free on 0800 028 1456. You’ll reach an interactive service which will connect you to your local Citizens Advice Bureau or one of their other advice services.

Information about the support provided by Scottish Borders Council can be found at: www.scotborders.gov.uk/costoflivingsupport or by calling Customer Advice and Support Services on 0300 100 1800.

You can also pop into your local What Matter Hub. At the Hubs you can:

  • talk with staff such as social workers and occupational therapists
  • talk with people from community groups and voluntary organisations across the Scottish Borders

Find out where your local What Matters Hub is here.

Dr Sohail Bhatti, our Director of Public Health said: “This week is Challenge Poverty Week which is a great opportunity to acknowledge the impact that financial inequalities can have on our health and offer support that might help address some of those inequalities.

“Winter can be a really challenging time. If you are having money worries please access support, help is available.”

You can find more information about financial wellbeing here https://www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/our-services/children-young-peoples-services-directory/health-improvement-team/money-worries-app/