A sanctions survival guide for

2014

How to avoid sanctions and how to cope if your benefit is cut

Version 1 September 2014

Contents What is this guide for? ...... 3 What is a sanction? ...... 3 What does disallowed mean? ...... 4 Who can be sanctioned? ...... 4 What’s changed? ...... 4 How can I avoid sanctions? ...... 5 Can I get help with my job search? ...... 6 How will I know if I’ve been sanctioned? ...... 6 Why will I have been sanctioned? ...... 6 How long will the sanction last? ...... 7 What about Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and Income Support sanctions? ...... 7 What will happen to my other benefits? ...... 8 Should I still sign on? ...... 8 What if they’ve made a mistake? ...... 8 What should I do if I want to appeal? ...... 9 How do I make a formal appeal? ...... 9 What should I do if I think I’ve been treated unfairly? ...... 9 Help in a crisis ...... 10 Hardship Payments ...... 10 Short term advances of benefits ...... 10 Crisis grants and Community Care grants ...... 11 Food banks and hot food ...... 11 Key things to think about doing and to get ready for Universal Credit ...... 12 and ...... 13 Useful contacts ...... 13 Food Bank Referral Agencies ...... 14 Hot Food Drop-Ins ...... 15 Access to computers, computer training and support ...... 15 ...... 16 Useful contacts ...... 16 Useful contacts ...... 17 Food Bank Referral Agencies ...... 18 Hot Food Drop-Ins ...... 20 Access to computers, computer training and support ...... 21 ...... 22 Useful contacts ...... 22 Food Bank Referral Agencies ...... 23 Access to computers, computer training and support ...... 24 ...... 25 Useful contacts ...... 25 Food Bank Referral Agencies ...... 26 Access to computers, computer training and support ...... 27

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What is this guide for?

There have been about 2,000 cases, in Dumfries and Galloway in the last year, where people had sanctions applied to their benefit claim. This guide has been produced to give you advice on where to get help if your Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or other benefits including Income Support, Employment Support Allowance (ESA), Incapacity Benefit, Carer’s Allowance or Severe Disablement Allowance have been cut. It explains what sanctions are, how to avoid them and where to find help in a crisis. The important thing to remember is there are lots of organisations out there that can help - you just have to ask.

Anyone who is on one of the benefits that are listed above can be sanctioned. Follow the ‘top tips’ in this booklet to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.

What is a sanction?

When you apply for Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) you have to follow certain rules, such as applying for jobs or going to interviews. If you don’t follow the rules, Jobcentre Plus can temporarily stop or reduce your benefits. You may receive a sanction if you  have not met the actions of your claimant commitment  have not done something their Jobcentre adviser told you to  are deemed to not be actively seeking work or not available for work But you must have provided a reason within 5 days, which is deemed to be ‘not acceptable’. This is known as a sanction.

If you have been sanctioned, your claim will still be “active” so any claims you have for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction should not be affected.

However, it would be best to confirm this is the case with Dumfries and Galloway Council.

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What does disallowed mean?

You may be disallowed if you have failed to meet the basic requirements for the benefit – for example for Jobseekers Allowance (JSA):  if you have not signed on for JSA  if you are found not to be available for work or not actively seeking work  if you have not given good reason within 5 days. This is sometimes called “disentitlement” It means you no longer have a benefit claim with the Department for Work and Pensions (the Jobcentre Plus).

If you have been disallowed, this will also affect any claim you have for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. You must notify Dumfries and Galloway Council about what’s changed and provide details of any income you have earned.

If you go on to make another claim for JSA, it will only be allowed if you can show that you are now available for and actively seeking work.

Who can be sanctioned?

Anyone who is receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Income Support, Employment Support Allowance (ESA), Incapacity Benefit, Carer’s Allowance or Severe Disablement Allowance can be sanctioned. Each benefit has different sanctions. The rules for JSA are stricter than some of the others. JSA isn’t usually paid to 16 or 17 year-olds except in special circumstances. If you are 16 or 17 and you have your JSA sanctioned, contact Citizens Advice or Welfare Rights to find out what you should do. The people who are most commonly sanctioned across the UK are:  Jobseekers  Lone parents  Young people aged 18-24

What’s changed?

A new ‘Claimant Commitment’ has been rolled out to anyone in Dumfries and Galloway receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA). Now, when someone makes a new claim for JSA or returns to JSA from the Work Programme, they will attend an interview with a work coach adviser to agree a personal plan saying what they will do in exchange for receiving the benefit.

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This could include regular specific tasks and training opportunities to help them find work. The work coach advisor will explain what could happen if the tasks in the Claimant Commitment are not met, and the plan will be reviewed regularly.

How can I avoid sanctions?

You can reduce the risk of sanctions by making sure you follow all the rules in your Claimant Commitment.

Always:

 Make sure you understand what you’re signing. Ask your work coach adviser if you’re unsure about anything.

 Let your work coach adviser know as soon as possible if you’re worried you won’t be able to meet all the rules in your agreement, and explain why.

 If you have an interview at the same time as a meeting with your work coach advisor, make sure they know you won’t be able to go to their meeting.

 Keep a record of everything you do to look for work, such as how much time you have spent, reference numbers for jobs you have applied for and when you applied. Many people keep a job searching activity book with all these details in it. For help with this, go to your nearest Job Club.

 Keep a diary of when you have been to meetings at the Jobcentre Plus and any other work or training sessions.

 Read all letters and emails from the Jobcentre Plus and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and keep them for future reference.

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Can I get help with my job search?

If you need help with your job search there are several places you can go. First stop should be your work coach advisor at Jobcentre Plus, to get you started. Dumfries and Galloway Council also runs work clubs which are open to everyone looking to get back into work or learning. They take place at venues across Dumfries and Galloway and are run by trained advisors who can tell you what employers are looking for, how to access the internet, how to complete application forms and what funding and childcare is available. For a full list of venues and times, go to www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=12720 If you are fairly confident using a computer but don’t have online access, pop down to your local library where you can access the internet, email and online learning for free. To see a list of some of the places who can provide help with computers, see the list at the end of this guide.

Visit www.dumgal.gov.uk/welfarereform or follow Dumfries and Galloway Council on Facebook or Twitter for the latest news on benefit changes.

How will I know if I’ve been sanctioned?

If you are sanctioned, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) will send you a letter explaining why your Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) has been cut. Unfortunately people often don’t receive these letters until after their benefit is due, so they first find out they have been sanctioned when their JSA is not paid into their account.

Why will I have been sanctioned?

The most common reasons for Jobseeker’s Allowance being sanctioned are:  not taking part in a work or training scheme.  not doing enough to find work.  missing (or being late for) a meeting at the Jobcentre Plus.

If you don’t yet know why you have been sanctioned you should request a written statement to explain this.

If you think the sanction is unfair or is based on wrong information you can challenge it. For more information go to page 7.

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How long will the sanction last?

Sanctions usually last for either 4, 13 or 26 weeks, but in extreme cases can be for up to 3 years. The length will be determined by the reason for your sanction. The table below lists the reasons your JSA can be sanctioned and how long your benefits would be cut for. The rules for other benefits are different. What happens if you… Sanction Level 1st time 2nd time 3rd time

Lose a job voluntarily

Lose a job because of High 156 misconduct 13 weeks 26 weeks Your JSA is reduced to £0 weeks Refuse a job and this can lead to (3 months) (6 months) (3 years) disallowance Refuse to take part in a work activity

Medium Are not available for work 4 weeks 13 weeks Your JSA is reduced to £0 Are not actively seeking and this can lead (1 month) (3 months) work to disallowance

Miss an adviser interview

Do not take part in a work programme or training Low 4 weeks 13 weeks scheme Your JSA is reduced to £0 (1 month) (3 months) Not following Jobseeker’s agreement

ESA Income Support What about Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and Income Support sanctions?

ESA or Income Support sanctions are different. ESA is reduced by £72.40 a week and Income Support is reduced by £14.48 a week until you take part in the interview or comply with the work-related activity. For ESA, an additional fixed period of 1, 2 or 4 weeks is added, depending on whether this is the 1st, 2nd or 3rd sanction.

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What will happen to my other benefits?

If you are allowed to claim benefits, you may be entitled to other benefits such as free school meals. These will not be stopped if you are sanctioned but you may not be entitled to them if you are disallowed.

If you have any problems with your Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction, contact Dumfries and Galloway Council. If there are other benefits you are concerned about, Citizens Advice or Welfare Rights can help you.

Should I still sign on?

Yes! It is very important to keep meeting the conditions of your Claimant Commitment by looking for work and signing on at the Jobcentre Plus. If you don’t do this, your benefits may be stopped for even longer. It’s important to continue signing on even if you decide to challenge your sanction.

What if they’ve made a mistake?

If you think the Jobcentre Plus have made a mistake, or there was a genuine reason you could not meet the claimant commitment, you can challenge the sanction. For example, if you didn’t apply for a job because it was too far to travel (more than an hour and a half away), then you can challenge to have the sanction removed. Other acceptable reasons are:  if your health or disability prevented you from attending  if you have language or learning difficulties  if you have had a bereavement  if you had a medical appointment that would be unreasonable to rearrange, or  if you were at another interview. To challenge a sanction, ask the Jobcentre Plus for a letter explaining the reason for the sanction. You should then reply (in writing) giving the reasons you couldn’t meet this condition. Include any evidence you have, such as a letter from your doctor, a sick line or interview letters and ask them to review their decision.

Citizens Advice or Welfare Rights can help you with challenging a sanction.

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What should I do if I want to appeal?

If you want to challenge a decision, you need to do this as soon as possible. The Jobcentre Plus will only review a decision if they receive your letter within ONE MONTH of the date of their notification letter to you. This process is called ‘mandatory reconsideration’. It means the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will look at the sanction again to make sure it’s fair and correct. You can request the mandatory reconsideration verbally or in writing. You should keep a copy of your request, when it was sent or who you spoke to and the time.

Be aware, if you are offered a ‘detailed explanation’ this is NOT a mandatory reconsideration. Anyone going through this process should be aware that it can take several weeks and while the decision to sanction you is being reviewed you will stop receiving the benefit. If you are successful, the benefit you missed will be paid back to you, but this could still leave you without an income for some time.

How do I make a formal appeal?

If you have gone through the ‘mandatory reconsideration’ process and have been unsuccessful, you are entitled to make a formal appeal. You must send your appeal directly to HM Courts and Tribunal Service, not to the DWP. This is known as ‘direct lodgement’.

If you want to appeal it’s best to seek help from Citizens Advice or Welfare Rights as soon as you hear the outcome of your ‘mandatory reconsideration’.

What should I do if I think I’ve been treated unfairly?

You have the right to expect a good standard of service. If you are unhappy with the way you have been treated, you have the right to complain. In some cases, if poor service has led to a delay in you receiving your benefit, you may be entitled to receive financial compensation. If the DWP have made a mistake or delay when processing your claim, or it has cost you money such as travel expenses or postage costs, you may be able to claim this back in a ‘special payment’.

For more information on special payments and how to make a complaint contact Citizens Advice or Welfare Rights.

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Help in a crisis

Hardship Payments

If your benefits have been sanctioned and you don’t have any other income for essential living costs (e.g. food and heating) then you may be able to get a hardship payment. These are payments from the DWP to help you with living costs during a sanction.

If your Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) is sanctioned, you can receive hardship payments from the 15th day you have been sanctioned.

However, some people can receive hardship payments right away.

This includes people who have children, are pregnant, or have a disability. There are several other groups of people considered vulnerable.

So, if you think this might apply to you, check with the Jobcentre Plus office or Citizens Advice or Welfare Rights.

To apply for hardship payments pick up an application form (JSA10) at your nearest Jobcentre Plus office. To claim hardship payments for a JSA sanction, you must be available and actively looking for work.

You may have to pay your hardship payments back.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will decide if payments will need to be repaid from your benefits when they restart.

Short term advances of benefits

They must be paid back from future benefit payments - usually within three months. These are usually only available at the start of a claim – but if you have claimed a benefit and are struggling to pay essential living costs while you wait for it to be processed or paid, you may be able to get a benefit advance.

To be eligible, you must be able to show that your family’s health or safety is at risk if you don’t receive the money now.

If you want to apply for a short term advance, contact Citizens Advice or Welfare Rights for help with this process.

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Crisis grants and Community Care grants

They do not need to be repaid. Crisis and Community Care grants are paid through a fund called the Scottish Welfare Fund. There is only a certain amount of money available so priority will be given to those in most need. This is a national scheme delivered in our region by Dumfries and Galloway Council to help people in crisis. Crisis Grants can help pay for the things someone needs to prevent harm to their or their family’s health or safety because of an emergency or disaster. Applications can be made for living expenses and essential items such as food, heating costs, nappies, toiletries, etc. Community Care Grants can help people with the things they need to live independently in the community rather than having to stay in care or move into care. Anyone living in Dumfries and Galloway who is aged 16 or over can apply, even if they don’t claim benefits. Each application is assessed individually and grants are awarded to the people who need them most.

To find out more about the Crisis grants and apply online go to http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=12036

To find out more about Community Care grants and apply online go to http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=13713

Or you can phone 030 33 33 3007.

Food banks and hot food

Several charities have set up food banks in Dumfries and Galloway to provide food parcels to people in crisis.

You will have to be referred to a food bank by an approved agency.

If you are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, there are also drop-in cafes where you can go for hot food.

Hot food drop-ins don’t usually need a referral.

There is a list of referring agencies for food banks and a list of hot food drop-ins at the end of this guide.

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Key things to think about doing and to get ready for Universal Credit

Check you are getting all the money you are entitled to. Talk to Citizens Advice Service, Welfare Rights or our Council’s Financial Inclusion Assessment Team 

If you find it difficult to work with computers either:  ask a friend or relative to help you.   get involved in some computer training.

Book computer time completely free at your local library or from one of the other providers, shown at the end of  this guide.

Keep a note of what things cost. Plan your budget. 

Join a credit union. Open a savings account. 

Open a bank or building society account. Set up monthly direct debits for your rent and other bills. 

A lot of the agencies listed in this guide may be able to help you with getting ready for Universal Credit, talk through any other concerns you have as well and support you in other ways. So make sure to ask if you have any concerns.

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Annandale and Eskdale

Useful contacts

Organisation Address Opening Hours Telephone Website Email

Murray Street, Monday to Friday Jobcentre Plus 0345 604 3719 www.gov.uk/dwp None available Annan DG12 6JJ 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday 19a Bank Street, 9am – 5pm and also Annan DG12 6AA Wednesday 5pm – 7pm and Saturday 10am – 1pm 0300 303 4321 Day Centre, st rd 1 & 3 Monday Telephone advice is www.dagcas.org [email protected] Citizens Advice Charles Street, 3.30pm - 4.30pm available Monday to e.org.uk Friday 9am -7pm Town Hall, Wednesday High Street, 11am – 1.00pm By appointment only Crisis grants Dumfries and Annan Town Hall, http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.a Galloway Council High Street, Monday to Friday spx?articleid=12036 scottishwelfarefund@dumga 030 33 33 3007 (Scottish Welfare Annan DG12 9am – 5pm Community Care grants l.gov.uk Fund) 6AG http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.a spx?articleid=13713 Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction Dumfries and As above or any http://dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?a Galloway Council Council Customer rticleid=1640 Monday to Friday HousingandCouncilTaxBen (Housing Benefit and Service Centre or 030 33 33 3006 Benefits Online 9am – 5pm [email protected] Council Tax Library (except www.dumgal.gov.uk/benefits Reduction) the Ewart Library) Benefit Contact Form (Online) - http://dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?a rticleid=11165

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Annandale and Eskdale

Food Bank Referral Agencies

Organisation Address Telephone Website

19a Bank Street, Citizens Advice 0300 303 4321 www.dagcas.org Annan DG12 6AA Dumfries and Galloway Council Annan Town Hall, High Street, http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1 (Financial Inclusion and 030 33 33 3008 Annan DG12 6AG 633 Assessment Team) http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1 Dumfries and Galloway Council Annan Town Hall, High Street, 030 33 33 3000 613 (Homeless) Annan DG12 6AG

Dumfries and Galloway Council Annan Town Hall, High Street, http://dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2067 030 33 33 3001 (Social Services) Annan DG12 6AG St Andrew's Church Hall, Downies Wynd, http://kateskitchen.org/ Kate's Kitchen 07787 040085 Annan DG12 6AA and Stewartry 12 Whitesands, www.dumfriesshireandstewartrywomensaid.co.u 01387 263052 Women’s Aid Dumfries DG1 2RR k Dumfries and Galloway 44 High Street 0800 011 3447 www.dghp.org.uk Housing Partnership Annan DG12 6AJ Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen’s Not available 01387 266840 https://www.ssafa.org.uk/ Families Association (SSAFA) South West Rape Crisis and 9 George Street Meuse, 01387 240077 www.southwestrapecrisis.org Sexual Abuse Centre Dumfries DG1 1HH Churches and Faiths See individual organisations http://info.dumgal.gov.uk/clubsandorganisations Dumfries and Galloway Council See individual schools http://dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1462 Primary Schools) Dumfries and Galloway Council See individual schools http://dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=3911 (Secondary Schools) http://www.nhsdg.scot.nhs.uk/Departments_and_ NHS General Practitioners See individual practices Services/Community_Services/Community_Servi NHS Health Visitors ces_in_Dumfries_and_Galloway

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Annandale and Eskdale

Hot Food Drop-Ins

Organisation Address Opening Hours Telephone Website Email

St Andrew's Church Hall, Tuesday 07787 Kate’s Kitchen Downies Wynd, http://kateskitchen.org/ [email protected] 12 noon – 2pm 040085 Annan DG12 6AA

Access to computers, computer training and support

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Open Close Open Close Open Close Open Close Open Close Open Close Open Close Organisation Address 2‐4 Bank Street, Clip ICT Annan 08:30 15:30 08:30 15:30 08:30 15:30 08:30 15:30 Annan DG12 6AA Murray Street, Job Centre ‐ Annan 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 10:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 Annan DG12 6JJ Charles Street, Library ‐ Annan 10:00 19:30 10:00 19:30 10:00 13:00 10:00 19:30 10:00 19:30 10:00 17:00 Annan DG12 5AG Eastriggs Community School 13:30 16:30 Library ‐ Eastriggs 13:30 16:30 18:00 20:00 10:00 12:00 Eastriggs DG12 6PZ 18:00 20:00 Central Avenue, 11:00 13:00 10:00 13:00 10:00 12:00 Library ‐ Gretna (CSC) 15:00 19:00 10:00 13:00 Gretna DG16 5AQ 17:00 19:00 14:00 16:00 13:00 19:00 Charles Street, 14:00 16:45 14:00 16:45 Library ‐ Langholm 17:30 20:00 10:00 13:00 Langholm DG13 0AA 17:30 20:00 17:30 20:00 High Street, Library ‐ 09:00 13:00 14:00 19:00 14:00 17:00 Lochmaben DG11 1NQ 31‐33 High Street, Library ‐ Lockerbie 08:00 15:00 14:00 19:00 10:00 17:00 10:00 17:00 10:00 17:00 10:00 13:00 Lockerbie DG11 2JL Town Hall, High Street, 14:00 17:00 Library ‐ Moffat 10:00 13:00 18:00 20:00 10:00 13:00 13:00 17:00 Moffat DG10 9HF 18:00 20:00

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Nithsdale

Useful contacts

Organisation Address Opening Hours Telephone Website Email

124 Irish Street, Monday to Friday Jobcentre Plus 01387 223200 www.gov.uk/dwp None available Dumfries DG1 2AW 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm 81 – 85 Irish Street, and also Thursday 5pm – 7pm and Dumfries DG1 2PQ Saturday 9.30am – 12.30pm Reception, D&G Royal Infirmary, Bankend Monday 2pm – 5pm (General) Road, Dumfries MacMillan Cancer Information Centre, Wednesday & Friday 10am – 12 noon D&G Royal Infirmary, (Benefits only) Bankend Road, Dumfries Midpark Hospital, Tuesday 10am – 12 noon Bankend Road, By appointment only Dumfries 0300 303 4321 Monday & Wednesday Northwest Resource Telephone advice is www.dagcas.org bureau@dumfriesca Citizens Advice 10am – 12 noon (Debt) Centre, College Drive, available Monday to b.casonline.org.uk Thursday 10am – 12 noon Lincluden, Dumfries Friday 9am -7pm By appointment only Every 2nd Wednesday 2pm – 4pm Milhill Centre, nd Debt advice every 2 week Kelloholm By appointment only Action for Children, nd Every 2 Tuesday Greystone Avenue, 9.30am – 12.30pm Kelloholm Job Club, nd Every 2 Wednesday Main Street, 1.30pm – 3.30pm Kirkconnel Wednesday 9.30am – 12.30pm Council Offices, High Every 2nd Tuesday 9.30am – 12.30pm Street, Sanquhar Debt advice every 2nd week By appointment only

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Nithsdale

Useful contacts

Organisation Address Opening Hours Telephone Website Email

63-65 Friars Vennel, Monday 10am - 4pm & http://www.welfarerights. info@welfarerights. Welfare Rights 01387 266888 Dumfries DG1 2RQ Friday 10am - 2pm net/home.php net Crisis grants http://www.dumgal.gov.u Dumfries and k/index.aspx?articleid=1 Carruthers House, Galloway Council Monday to Friday 2036 scottishwelfarefund English Street, 030 33 33 3007 (Scottish Welfare 9am – 5pm Community Care grants @dumgal.gov.uk Dumfries DG1 2HP Fund) http://www.dumgal.gov.u k/index.aspx?articleid=1 3713 Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction http://dumgal.gov.uk/ind Dumfries and As above or any ex.aspx?articleid=1640 Galloway Council Council Customer Benefits Online HousingandCouncil Monday to Friday (Housing Benefit and Service Centre or 030 33 33 3006 www.dumgal.gov.uk/ben TaxBenefit@dumgal 9am – 5pm Council Tax Library (except the efits .gov.uk Reduction) Ewart Library) Benefit Contact Form (Online) - http://dumgal.gov.uk/ind ex.aspx?articleid=11165

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Nithsdale

Food Bank Referral Agencies

Organisation Address Telephone Website

Kirkfield, Greystone Avenue, Action for Children 01659 66135 http://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/ Kelloholm DG4 6RB 79 Buccleuch Street Addaction 01387 263208 http://www.addaction.org.uk/default.asp Dumfries DG1 2AB Alcohol and Drugs Support 79 Buccleuch St, 01387 259999 http://www.adssws.co.uk/ South West Dumfries DG1 2AB 77-79 Friars Vennel, Apex Scotland 01387 256310 http://www.apexscotland.org.uk/ Dumfries DG1 2RF 36 Whitesands, Bethany Christian Trust 01387 259400 http://www.bethanychristiantrust.com/ Dumfries DG1 2RS 81 – 85 Irish Street, Citizens Advice 0300 303 4321 www.dagcas.org Dumfries DG1 2PQ Dumfries and Galloway Council Carruthers House, English Street, http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1 (Financial Inclusion and 030 33 33 3008 Dumfries DG1 2HP 633 Assessment Team) Dumfries and Galloway Council 52-60 Queensberry Square, http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1 01387 260766/260752 (Homeless) Dumfries DG1 1BF 613 Dumfries and Galloway Council 122-124 Irish Street, 030 33 33 3001 http://dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2067 (Social Services) Dumfries DG1 2PB Dumfriesshire and Stewartry 12 Whitesands, www.dumfriesshireandstewartrywomensaid.co.u 01387 263052 Women’s Aid Dumfries DG1 2RR k 6 Buccleuch St, First Base 01387 279 680 www.first-base.org Dumfries DG1 2AH Dumfries and Galloway 4 Nith Street, 0800 011 3447 www.dghp.org.uk Housing Partnership Dumfries DG1 2PW 24 Nith Place, www.homegroup.org.uk/careandsupport/Pages/h Home Scotland 01387 255133 Dumfries DG1 2PN omesupportscotland.aspx 8 George Street Meuse, Independent Living Support 01387 262226 www.ils-dumfries.co.uk Dumfries, DG1 4HH Community Centre, Steel Avenue, Irvine Housing 0345 112 6600 http://riverside.org.uk/national.aspx Dumfries DG2 0AB 11 Nith Avenue, http://www.keyhousing.org/ Key Housing 01387 251905 Dumfries DG1 1EF

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Nithsdale

Food Bank Referral Agencies

Organisation Address Telephone Website

Huntingdon, 27 Moffat Road, Loreburn Housing 01387 321300 http://www.loreburn.co.uk/ Dumfries DG1 1NN 166 Irish Street, Lowland Care Service Limited 01387 245400 www.lowlandcare.co.uk Dumfries DG1 2NJ SACRO (Safeguarding 1 Cresswell Gardens, Communities – Reducing 01387 260090 www.sacro.org.uk Dumfries DG1 2HH Offending) 95 Irish Street, Shelter Scotland 0344 515 2390 www.shelter.org.uk Dumfries DG1 2NP Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen’s Not available 01387 266840 https://www.ssafa.org.uk/ Families Association (SSAFA) South West Rape Crisis and 9 George Street Meuse, 01387 240077 www.southwestrapecrisis.org Sexual Abuse Centre Dumfries DG1 1HH Newall House, 22 Newall Terrace, Turning Point Scotland 01387 247123 www.turningpointscotland.com Dumfries DG1 1LW 18 Castle St Victim Support 01387 250883 https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/ Dumfries DG1 1DR Churches and Faiths See individual organisations http://info.dumgal.gov.uk/clubsandorganisations Dumfries and Galloway Council See individual schools http://dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1462 Primary Schools) Dumfries and Galloway Council See individual schools http://dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=3911 (Secondary Schools) http://www.nhsdg.scot.nhs.uk/Departments_and_ NHS General Practitioners See individual practices Services/Community_Services/Community_Servi NHS Health Visitors ces_in_Dumfries_and_Galloway

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Nithsdale

Hot Food Drop-Ins

Opening Organisation Address Hours Telephone Website Email

Monday to Northwest Lochside Road, Saturday 01387 http://www.dumfriesnorthwest.org.uk/ [email protected] Church Dumfries DG2 0DZ Lunch 12 noon, 249964 Tea 4.30pm Tuesday, 36 Whitesands, Thursday & 01387 Bethany Trust http://www.bethanychristiantrust.com/ [email protected] Dumfries DG1 2RS Saturday 259400 12 noon – 2pm 97 Whitesands, Monday & Friday 01387 Salvation Army http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/wsc/Home [email protected] Dumfries DG1 2RX 12 noon – 2pm 249341 20 George Street, Wednesday 01387 Free Church http://dumfriesfreechurch.wordpress.com [email protected] Dumfries DG1 1EH. 12 noon – 2pm 950371 Church Hall, 50 St George’s Thursday 01387 http://www.saint-georges.org.uk/ George St, Dumfries [email protected] Church 6pm – 8pm 267072 DG1 1EJ

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Nithsdale

Access to computers, computer training and support

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Open Close Open Close Open Close Open Close Open Close Open Close Open Close Organisation Address 4 Nith Street, DGHP ‐ Nithsdale 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 Dumfries DG1 2PW 24‐26 Friars Vennel, the hub 09:30 16:30 09:30 16:30 09:30 16:30 09:30 16:30 09:30 16:30 Dumfries DG1 2RQ 8 George Street, Independent Living Scotland 10:00 14:00 10:00 14:00 10:00 14:00 10:00 14:00 10:00 14:00 Dumfries DG1 1HH 67 - 75 Irish Street, Job centre ‐ Dumfries 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 Dumfries DG1 2PQ Catherine Street, Library ‐ Ewart 08:00 16:00 09:00 17:00 09:00 19:00 09:00 19:00 09:00 17:00 10:00 16:00 Dumfries DG1 1JB Gillbrae Road, 10:00 13:00 Library ‐ Georgetown 14:00 19:30 10:00 19:30 10:00 19:30 10:00 17:00 10:00 19:30 Dumfries DG1 4EJ 14:00 17:00 Lochside Road, Lochside, 10:00 13:00 Library ‐ Lochside 14:00 20:00 16:00 20:00 16:00 20:00 14:00 20:00 10:00 13:00 Dumfries DG2 0LW 14:00 20:00 Lochthorn, Locharbriggs, 10:00 13:00 Library ‐ Lochthorn 14:00 19:30 10:00 19:30 10:00 19:30 10:00 17:00 10:00 19:30 Dumfries DG1 1UF 14:00 17:00 1st Floor, 70 Buccleuch Street, Dumfries Lowland Training ‐ Dumfries 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 DG1 2AA College Drive, Lincluden, North West Resource Centre 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 12:00 16:30 Dumfries DG2 0BX Newall Terrace, Oasis Youth Centre 09:00 18:30 09:00 18:30 09:00 18:30 09:00 18:30 09:00 18:30 Dumfries DG1 1LW 25 Friars Vennel, Youth Enquiry Service 13:00 17:00 14:00 18:00 16:00 17:00 13:00 17:00 Dumfries DG1 2RQ Greystone Avenue, 14:00 16:00 10:00 12:00 Library ‐ Kirkconnel 15:00 17:00 16:00 20:00 10:00 12:00 Kirkconnel DG4 6RA 17:00 20:00 14:00 16:00 106 High Street, 10:00 12:00 Library ‐ Sanquhar 16:00 19:00 16:00 19:00 10:00 12:30 Sanquhar DG4 6DZ 14:30 17:00 Townhead Street, Library ‐ Thornhill 10:00 14:00 16:00 20:00 14:00 17:00 10:00 13:00 Thornhill DG3 5NW

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Stewartry

Useful contacts

Organisation Address Opening Hours Telephone Website Email

124 Irish Street, Monday to Friday Jobcentre Plus 01387 223200 www.gov.uk/dwp None available Dumfries DG1 2AW 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday 3 St Andrew Street, 9am – 5pm and also Castle Douglas DG7 Tuesday 5pm – 7pm 0300 303 4321 1DE and Telephone advice [email protected] www.dagcas.org Citizens Advice Saturday 10am – 1pm is available rg.uk

Day Centre, Burns Tuesday Monday to Friday Street, Dalbeattie 10am – 12 noon 9am -7pm Health Centre, Millisle, Wednesday Dalbeattie 2pm – 4pm Crisis grants http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx Dumfries and Daar Road, ?articleid=12036 Galloway Council Monday to Friday [email protected]. St Mary Street, 030 33 33 3007 Community Care grants (Scottish Welfare 9am – 5pm uk Kirkcudbright DG6 4JG http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx Fund) ?articleid=13713

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction http://dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?artic Dumfries and As above or any leid=1640 Galloway Council Council Customer Monday to Friday HousingandCouncilTaxBenefit@d (Housing Benefit and Service Centre or 030 33 33 3006 Benefits Online 9am – 5pm umgal.gov.uk Council Tax Library (except the www.dumgal.gov.uk/benefits Reduction) Ewart Library) Benefit Contact Form (Online) - http://dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?artic leid=11165

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Stewartry

Food Bank Referral Agencies

Organisation Address Telephone Website

Alcohol and Drugs Support 225 King St, 01556 503550 http://www.adssws.co.uk/ South West Scotland Castle Douglas DG7 1DT 3 St Andrew Street, Citizens Advice 0300 303 4321 www.dagcas.org Castle Douglas DG7 1DE Dumfries and Galloway Council 030 33 33 3008 http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1 Daar Road, St Mary Street, (Financial Inclusion and 633 Kirkcudbright DG6 4JG Assessment Team) Dumfries and Galloway Council Daar Road, St Mary Street, http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1 030 33 33 3000 (Homeless) Kirkcudbright DG6 4JG 613 Dumfries and Galloway Council 2 Garden Hill Rd, 030 33 33 3001 http://dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2067 (Social Services) Castle Douglas DG7 3EE Dumfriesshire and Stewartry 12 Whitesands, www.dumfriesshireandstewartrywomensaid.co.u 01387 263052 Women’s Aid Dumfries DG1 2RR k Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen’s Not available 01387 266840 https://www.ssafa.org.uk/ Families Association (SSAFA) South West Rape Crisis and 9 George Street Meuse, 01387 240077 www.southwestrapecrisis.org Sexual Abuse Centre Dumfries DG1 1HH Stewartry Council of Voluntary 17 Castle Street, 01557 331346 Email only [email protected] Service Kirkcudbright DG6 4JA 63-65 Friars Vennel, http://www.welfarerights.net/home.php Welfare Rights 01387 266888 Dumfries DG1 2RQ Churches and Faiths See individual organisations http://info.dumgal.gov.uk/clubsandorganisations Dumfries and Galloway Council See individual schools http://dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1462 Primary Schools) Dumfries and Galloway Council See individual schools http://dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=3911 (Secondary Schools) http://www.nhsdg.scot.nhs.uk/Departments_and_ NHS General Practitioners See individual practices Services/Community_Services/Community_Servi NHS Health Visitors ces_in_Dumfries_and_Galloway

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Stewartry

Access to computers, computer training and support

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Open Close Open Close Open Close Open Close Open Close Open Close Open Close Organisation Address Castle Douglas Cotton Street, 09:30 20:00 09:30 16:30 09:30 16:30 09:30 16:30 09:00 13:00 Community IT Centre Castle Douglas DG7 1AG Market Hill, King Street, Library ‐ Castle Douglas 10:00 19:30 10:00 19:30 10:00 19:30 10:00 17:00 10:00 19:30 10:00 17:00 Castle Douglas DG7 1AE 23 High Street, Library ‐ Dalbeattie 09:00 17:00 09:00 13:00 13:00 20:00 09:00 16:00 09:00 16:00 10:00 13:00 Dalbeattie DG5 4AD Main Street, 14:00 16:30 11:15 13:15 Library ‐ Dalry Dalry DG7 3UP 17:30 19.30 14.00 16.30 63 High Street, 10:00 12:30 Library ‐ Gatehouse of Fleet Gatehouse of Fleet 14:30 17:00 10:00 12:30 14:30 17:00 DG7 2HS 18:00 19:30 Sherriff Court House, Library ‐ Kirkcudbright High Street, 14:00 19:30 10:00 19:30 12:00 19:30 10:00 17:00 10:00 19:30 10:00 17:00 Kirkcudbright DG6 4JW

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Wigtownshire

Useful contacts

Organisation Address Opening Hours Telephone Website Email

12 St. John Street, Monday to Friday Jobcentre Plus 01776 802700 www.gov.uk/dwp None available Stranraer DG9 7EL 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm 23 Lewis Street, and also Monday 5pm – 7pm and Stranraer DG9 7AB Saturday 9.30am – 12.30pm South Machars Tuesday 10am – 1pm 0300 303 4321 Community Centre, By appointment only Telephone Castlehill, Whithorn advice is [email protected] Machars Action st rd www.dagcas.org Citizens Advice 1 & 3 Monday 10am – 12.30pm available asonline.org.uk Group, 26 Main By appointment only Monday to Street, Wigtown Friday 9am - Monday 10am – 1.00pm (General) Newton Stewart 7pm Wednesday 11am – 1.00pm Library, Church (Homelessness) Street, Newton Friday 1.00pm – 4.00pm (Debt) Stewart By appointment only Crisis grants http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.as Dumfries and Ashwood House, px?articleid=12036 Galloway Council Monday to Friday 030 33 33 scottishwelfarefund@d Sun Street, (Scottish Welfare 9am – 5pm 3007 Community Care grants umgal.gov.uk Stranraer DG9 7JJ Fund) http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.as px?articleid=13713

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction http://dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?art Dumfries and As above or any icleid=1640 Galloway Council Council Customer HousingandCouncilTax Monday to Friday 030 33 33 (Housing Benefit Service Centre or Benefits Online [email protected] 9am – 5pm 3006 and Council Tax Library (except the www.dumgal.gov.uk/benefits k Reduction) Ewart Library) Benefit Contact Form (Online) - http://dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?art icleid=11165

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Wigtownshire

Food Bank Referral Agencies

Organisation Address Telephone Website

Alcohol and Drugs Support 32 Charlotte St, 01776 702626 http://www.adssws.co.uk/ South West Scotland Stranraer DG9 7EF 2 Back Rampart, High Street, Apex Scotland 01776 700 973 http://www.apexscotland.org.uk/ Stranraer DG9 7LW 23 Lewis Street, Citizens Advice 0300 303 4321 www.dagcas.org Stranraer DG9 7AB Dumfries and Galloway Council 030 33 33 3008 Ashwood House, Sun Street, http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1 (Financial Inclusion and Stranraer DG9 7JJ 633 Assessment Team) Dumfries and Galloway Council Ashwood House, Sun Street http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1 030 33 33 3000 (Homeless) Stranraer DG9 7JJ 613 Dumfries and Galloway Council Ashwood House, Sun Street, 030 33 33 3001 http://dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2067 (Social Services) Stranraer DG9 7JJ Dumfries and Galloway 80 Ashwood Drive 0800 011 3447 www.dghp.org.uk Housing Partnership Stranraer DG9 7PF 29 Hanover Street, Loreburn Housing 01776 705479 http://www.loreburn.co.uk/ Stranraer DG9 7RX Annanbank, Lewis Street, S and A Homes None available http://sandahomes.co.uk/ Stranraer DG9 7AA SACRO (Safeguarding SACRO, C/O Criminal Justice, 39 Lewis Street, Communities – Reducing 0780 093 4991 www.sacro.org.uk Stranraer DG9 7AD Offending) Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen’s Not available 01387 266840 https://www.ssafa.org.uk/ Families Association (SSAFA) South West Rape Crisis and 9 George Street Meuse, 01387 240077 www.southwestrapecrisis.org Sexual Abuse Centre Dumfries DG1 1HH 32 Harbour Street, Turning Point Scotland 01776 700666 www.turningpointscotland.com Stranraer DG9 7RD 9 Hanover St, Victim Support 01776 707229 https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/ Stranraer DG9 7SB 100 Queen St, Wigtownshire Women's Aid 01671 402403 http://www.scottishwomensaid.org.uk/ Newton Stewart DG8 6JW 22 Bellevilla Road, Wigtownshire Women's Aid 01776 703104 http://www.scottishwomensaid.org.uk/ Stranraer DG9 7HE

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Wigtownshire

Food Bank Referral Agencies

Organisation Address Telephone Website

Churches and Faiths See individual organisations http://info.dumgal.gov.uk/clubsandorganisations Dumfries and Galloway Council See individual schools http://dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1462 Primary Schools) Dumfries and Galloway Council See individual schools http://dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=3911 (Secondary Schools) http://www.nhsdg.scot.nhs.uk/Departments_and_ NHS General Practitioners See individual practices Services/Community_Services/Community_Servi NHS Health Visitors ces_in_Dumfries_and_Galloway

Access to computers, computer training and support

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Open Close Open Close Open Close Open Close Open Close Open Close Open Close Organisation Address WIGTOWNSHIRE

10‐12 St John Street, Job Centre ‐ Stranraer 09:00 19:00 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 12:00 20:00 08:00 16:00 10:00 13:00 Stranraer DG9 7EL North Stand Street, Library ‐ Stranraer 09:00 19:00 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 12:00 20:00 08:00 16:00 10:00 13:00 Stranraer DG9 7LD Sandhead Learning and SLIC, 10:30 12:30 10:30 12:30 10:30 12:30 10:30 12:30 Internet Centre Sandhead DG9 9JF Church Street, Library ‐ Newton Stewart 08:00 16:00 12:00 19:00 09:00 13:00 09:00 17:00 10:00 16:00 10:00 13:00 Newton Stewart DG8 6ER Lowland Training ‐ Moss Park, Barrachan, 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 Newton Stewart Newton Stewart DG8 6NH Main Street, 14:00 17:00 Library ‐ Port William 18:00 20:00 18:00 20:00 Port William DG8 9JQ 18:00 20:00 St John Street, 10:00 13:00 Library ‐ Whithorn 18:00 20:00 14:30 17:00 18:00 20:00 Whithorn DG8 8PF 14:30 17:00 Wigtown County Buildings, Library ‐ Wigtown 14:00 17:00 10:00 19:30 14:00 19:30 10:00 17:00 10:00 19:30 10:00 13:00 14:00 17:00 Wigtown DG8 9JH

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