Govan Law Centre is pleased to see that our free drop-in advice sessions at the food larders around Glasgow continue to grow in demand. These sessions in partnership with Feeding Britain and Good Food Scotland are proving to be vital for many individuals and families within the community.
Through these outreaches, we have been providing free debt and money advice and legal assistance to those attending the food larders. We have helped people with a wide range of issues, from concerns about managing debt, to housing matters such as rent arrears, property repairs, homelessness including unsuitable accommodation, amongst other legal issues.
By offering these services directly within community food larders, we are ensuring that support is accessible where it is needed the most. Casework examples are set out below.
Case study 1
Client presented at Threehillls community shop as she cares for her mother who is receiving end of life care and was struggling financially with the cost of items essential to caring for her mother due to reliance on small benefit income. The client’s mother was bed bound and was, at the time, on an old mattress that was no longer comfortable for her care needs. The client also did not have a refrigerator in working order to be able to keep the medication her mother requires cool.
After assessing the client’s circumstances and needs it was advised that the best option was to make an application for the Scottish Welfare Fund Community Care Grant to request the required items as a priority. The client was aided through the application process and was awarded a new single mattress and refrigerator for her mother which would allow for improved continued care and comfortability for the client’s mother.
Case study 2
Client presented at Threehills community shop with her partner and child seeking advice on kinship care. The client’s mother had recently passed away and the client wanted information on getting a kinship care order for her 12-year-old brother and what benefits she would be eligible for under these circumstances.
After reviewing the relevant benefit information and legislation the client was advised that they could make an application for a kinship care order through Glasgow City Council or a solicitor. The client was provided with information and signposted to the Scottish Family Law Centre who would be able to aid the client with a kinship care order for free through legal aid as the client was advised getting a kinship care order could be costly. The client was also advised on what financial support was available to kinship carers. The client was signposted to the Scottish Government website which provided all relevant information on Kinship Care Allowance. The adviser discussed how the client could receive £194.30 in kinship carer allowance and was advised this will increase when the client’s brother turns 16.
The client benefited from this advice as they had stated when presenting with these issues that they did not have any idea where to begin in this situation and due to recent bereavement felt vulnerable at this time. The client was happy to make enquiries regarding what was discussed and appreciated advice given in respect to financial support as this would have the biggest impact on her and her family’s lives.
