Anti-Poverty Team

The Advice Shop provide support to families with money worries. Referrals can be made by any WFWF partners who are working with families who would benefit from some money advice.

Advisors can provide support with:

• Benefit checks to make sure families are getting all the financial support they are entitled to
• Help to claim social security benefits or resolve any issues with benefits.
• Support to access any other financial support to help with high costs of living
• Help with problem debt and help with a range of debt solutions
• Support to get back on track if families have fallen behind with essential payments such as rent, mortgage, council tax or energy bills A dedicated project worker is also in post to work with
• Care experienced children and young people,
• Kinship Care Families and
• Families who have experienced domestic abuse.

The project aim is to work with families on a one on one basis, to carry out income maximisation checks and assist with claiming any benefits identified as well as helping with debt management, budgeting and money skills, housing or energy issues and onward referrals to other services.

Referrals should be made through the FORT referral system where possible.

Partners not currently using the FORT system can send a referral using the public online self-referral form: Families and Young Peoples Advice Service - Advice Shop WL Council (opens new window)

Contact Details

Email: fypas@westlothian.gov.uk (opens new window) 

Phone: 01506 283000 (option 4)