Fifers are being encourage to #GetHelpFife by visiting the community website to find out what support is available, and it’s probably more than you’d expect.

Fife Council leader David Ross encouraged everyone to have a look at the site and to take advantage of any help that is available in these difficult times.

He said: “We have been working with our community partners to make sure every Fifer has​ ​easy access to coordinated, practical information and support, ​​that helps reduce the impact of rising costs.​​ The OurFife community website brings all that information together in one place, and it’s easy to find what you’re looking for.

“While on the site, you can try the Fife benefit checker and see if you are getting everything you are entitled to. We know that there’s millions of pounds in benefits which go unclaimed every year. At a time like this where most people are now struggling, that’s just not acceptable. For those who aren’t as tech savvy it’s possible to get a one to one appointment and one of our staff can help you through the process.”

The site contains information from a variety of community partners, community groups, national organisations and other government bodies. It can be searched by topic, for example food or health, or you can search by area and see what’s available right on your doorstep. There’s also an interactive map where you can click to highlight the resources in your area whether that’s community job clubs, warm spaces venues, or places where you can get help with food such as community pantries, community fridges, foodbanks, community cafes and many more.

There’s help available for those who aren’t eligible for any benefits. Some of the support which is offered is universal, meaning anyone can get it, such as; free bus travel for under 21s, Café Inc lunch clubs, community fridges /pantries, free period products, money advice, mortgage support, advice on fuel and energy costs.

Councillor Ross added: “As a council we can’t solve all the problems that the cost of living crisis brings. By working more closely than ever with our community partners - NHS Fife, Fife Health and Social Care, Citizens Advice and Rights Fife, Fife Voluntary Action and a range of community organisations – we can to try to make sure that wherever folk turn for support or advice, they’ll get the help they need.”

Locally, teams have been working closely with voluntary groups and community partners to provide support that is tailored to the local needs, that can be anything from Community Use vouchers for local families to free sessions in a number of our venues, offering a chat, welfare support, IT and job club support. For individuals and families there are informal, social activities like table tennis, indoor curling, board games and short exercise activities in local FSLT leisure centres, or during the holidays Cafe Inc food clubs.