Practical support during Covid-19
Covid-19 has caused a lot of disruption in our day-to-day lives, which can impact our mental health and wellbeing. Some of us are experiencing worries about money, work, accessing food and housing.
We have collected information, tools and links to local organisations that can give you practical support during this time.
Food
The pandemic has caused food insecurity for many of us in Edinburgh.
Here’s a range of information and support available to help you access food when you need it, make healthy and affordable meals, and understand the connection between food and our mental health and wellbeing.
Local organisations
Edinburgh Community Food aims to help people enjoy delicious, fresh, healthy food and making sure Edinburgh’s citizens have access to an affordable and healthy diet.
Bridgened Farmhouse Community is a diverse community of people from all walks of life. During COVID-19, it has been providing meals for the local community and promoting healthy eating ideas and skills.
Edinburgh Food Project provides emergency food and support to Edinburgh’s citizens.
The Edinburgh City Mission‘s Care van provides food, hot drinks and advice for homeless and vulnerable people,
Food Train Meal Makers provides older people (55 years old and over) with home cooked meals and some company once a week.
Find your local foodbank on the Trussell Trust website – www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank
Guides and information
Volunteer Edinburgh has created a guide on Google Maps that marks out organisations providing food support and deliveries.
Access the map here – Food deliveries and support map
Eat Well Age Well aims to tackle malnutrition in older people. It has a range of resources on how to keep healthy and well during COVID-19.
Change 4 Life has lots of recipes and ideas to help parents and guardians so you can make healthier choices for your families.
Parent Club has a wide range of recipes, food planners and healthy tips.
Cooking on a bootstrap is a blog from Jack Monroe and has lots of ideas and recipes to help you eat well on a low income.
The mental health charity Mind has a guide on ‘Food and mood‘ which looks at the connection between food and our wellbeing. It also includes information on how you can eat more healthily.
Food Standards Scotland answers your questions about food and Covid-19,
Housing
Shelter has a dedicated Covid-19 section on its website which includes information about:
- eviction
- moving and leaving home
- paying rent
- claiming benefits
- domestic abuse
- repairs and landlord access
- mortgage arrears
- gas and electricity bills
- land and Buildings Transaction Tax
Learn more here – www.scotland.shelter.org.uk
Money
As a result of Covid-19, some people are furloughed, have been made redundant, are struggling to find employment and at times unable to work due to health and/or family situations.
This section has information that can help you manage your finances and understand what support you are entitled to.
Citizens Advice Scotland’s Money Map will help you find sources of online support to:
- Increase your income
- Reduce your bills
- Ease the costs of daily living
This includes information on benefits, council tax, grants, budgeting, utilities, food, clothing and enegry costs.
Learn more here – moneymap.scot
Local organisations
The Turn2us Edinburgh Trust provides grants to people struggling financially living in the City of Edinburgh. In response to Covid-19, it launched the Edinburgh Trust Response Fund. This fund provides financial support for people living in Edinburgh who have lost their income as a result of the pandemic.
The Advice Shop provides information, advice and advocacy for welfare benefits and personal debt. The team can also help you with benefits.
CHAI (Community Health and Advice Initiative) support people and communities throughout Edinburgh with housing, money difficulties, employability and benefits. Find out what you can claim during Covid-19 on the CHAI website – www.chaiedinburgh.org.uk
CAP (Christians Against Poverty) provides free support to help you get out of debt. You can book an appoitnment with a local advisor by calling 0800 328 006.
Granton Information Centre (GIC) provides free, impartial and confidential advice, and information on topics such as benefits, housing, rent arrears and debt.
Work
Covid-19 has massively impacted the way we work. Some of us are working from home, others are having to adjust to new health and safety measures and, unfortunately, others may have lost their jobs. There is a higher level of uncertainty for people which can have a negative impact on our mental health and wellbeing.
In this section, you will find resources and guides on how to keep well while working during the pandemic and different ways to support one another.
Tips and information
Mental health and wellbeing tips for managing stress during Covid-19 from the staff at Mind
Some tips from Health in Mind to help you switch off when working from home
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations guides for staff and employers on remote working
A blog from Out of the Box on making space for self-care and wellbeing at work
Useful pages on iThrive
This page has factsheets, tips and information, activities and services available in Edinburgh to help you understand what causes stress in a workplace, how to recognise it and find ways to manage it so you can thrive in all areas of your life.