Renfrewshire Council

Run by Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau and funded with £100,000 from Renfrewshire Council, the new Schools Support Service aims to provide support to people affected by the cost-of-living crisis—as well as any parent or carer with money worries—as part of the Fairer Renfrewshire programme.

The service offers parents and carers free, confidential and impartial advice on money, debt, benefits, housing, employment and more. Pupils over 16 can also access the service to discuss things like Education Maintenance Allowance or support for young carers.

Appointments will be held at the child's secondary or ASN school as part of widening advice service locations across the area.

The council will also launch a family advice service for parents and carers with children from birth to primary school shortly. In the meantime, advice continues to be available for anyone who needs it through Advice Works and Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau.

Martin Fotheringham, CEO of Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau, said: "Schools are at the very heart of community life, and a familiar, comfortable space for households across Renfrewshire. We are delighted to be able to bring our advice service into this setting."

Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, convener of the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee, added: "Getting the right advice early can have a positive impact on household finances, and it is really important people know they can reach out and get confidential support during this cost-of-living crisis.

"This new service will bring advice services closer to where people live and also enable parents and carers to go to a familiar location for that help and support.

"Advisers will be able to look at all the options available for you and signpost you to appropriate services as needed. They can help with many things, from money to housing, employment and more. They can ensure you are maximising your money and getting the most out of it."

To make an appointment with the secondary and ASN schools support team, visit the school support service webpage or call 0141 889 2121. There are also QR codes on posters within secondary and ASN schools.

Other help and support is available from Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau by visiting the Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau and the council's Advice Works service by emailing adviceworks@renfrewshire.gov.uk or calling 0300 300 1238.

Published 11 September 2023.