Holistic Advice for families delivered through Sure Start
The Access to Improved opportunities in Midlothian for long term Health Improvement Project.
The AIM HI Project is a partnership project between Penicuik Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), Changeworks and Sure Start Midlothian.
Partners hold complimentary expertise / experience in tackling child, fuel and food poverty.
Based in Midlothian, and well networked with local organisations, our activity will contribute to improve health and well-being for parents to be, families with children under 18 and young people in transition, who are most in need.
The focus of the project is income maximisation, welfare rights and budgeting advice.
Due to covid restrictions most advice is given over the telephone but appointments can be made with a Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) adviser who will hold surgeries in each Sure Start Centre every fortnight.
Advice sessions at the Sure Start Centres are normally 1 hour appointments but 2 hours are made available for form filling such as Child Disability Payment or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) forms.
How can we help?
Everyone can receive a financial health check.
This includes a benefit check to ensure you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to. If you are on a low income you could receive help:
• For essential things
• If you are pregnant or have had a baby
• If you have school aged children
• If you are ill, injured or disabled
• Home and housing support
We can give you a budget planner to show you a detailed breakdown of your spending against your income and suggest ways of saving money.
Planning and budgeting helps you to take control of your finances by saving money.
• Cut the waste
• Break bad money habits
• Tackle your debt
• Put your money to good use
You can receive help on issues that may be causing you difficulty or hardship such as:
• Benefit applications & Appeals
• Debt issues
• Relationship/family issues
• Housing
• Consumer
• Employment
• Utilities
Health & Disability forms
Forms such as PIP, DLA or the Scottish Child Disability Payment can be daunting; they are complex and lengthy asking lots of questions and you need to write down lots of information.
We can give you a double appointment (2hrs) to help you complete a form.
Challenging benefit decisions
We can help you with a Mandatory Reconsideration Request and Appeal and may be able to represent you at an Independent Appeal Hearing.
For an appointment
please speak to staff at your Sure Start Centre in person or call the centre on the numbers listed.
If you are unable to attend a sure start centre due to a health condition please call
Tel: 01968 675259
e-mail: viv.thomson@penicuikcab.org.uk
Project adviser
Fuel Advice
For help with utility enquiries, including fuel debt, we can make an appointment with an adviser from ‘Change Works’ who can help with all electricity and gas issues including , high bills, fuel efficiency and changing supplier.
Appointments held at:
Penicuik Family Learning Centre
60 Queensway, Penicuik EH26 0HE
Every 2nd Thursday 9am, 10am & 11am
Tel: 01968 679215
Paradykes Family Learning Centre
Mayburn Avenue, Loanhead EH20 9HB
Every 2nd Thursday 9am, 10am & 11am
Tel: 0131 271 4653 (opt 4)
Mount Esk Family Learning Centre
Bonnyrigg, EH19 2LS
Every 2nd Wednesday 9am, 10am & 11am
Tel: 0131 660 1749
Gorebridge Family Learning Centre
Barleyknowe Lane, Gorebridge EH23 4XA
Every 2nd Tuesday 9am, 10am & 11am
Tel: 01875 822428
Mayfield Family Learning Centre
Stone Avenue, Mayfield EH22 5PB
Every 2nd Wednesday 9am, 10am & 11am
Tel: 0131 660 6644
Woodburn Family Learning Centre
Cousland Road, Dalkeith EH22 2PS
Every 2nd Tuesday 9am, 10am & 11am
Tel: 0131 270 6741
Appointments can also be held at Midlothian Sure Start
McSense Business Park
32 Sycamore Road, Mayfield EH22 5TA