You Are Not Alone

Action is needed to change the inaccurate stigma about people claiming benefits – according to the chair of Aberdeenshire's Community Planning Partnership.  

Cllr Anne Stirling was speaking as data reveals that more than 14,000 people in Aberdeenshire claim Universal Credit.  Of those, over 3,000 are 50 years old or older and almost 2,500 have been claiming less than 6 months and the majority are in work.

In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, it is essential to break down out-of-date stigma about people who need help and support and work together as communities to help each other.  The reasons for needing support can be many, whether it's a relationship breaking down, a job loss, ill health or caring responsibilities - individuals may find themselves in a place of needing to claim benefits, visit a foodbank and ask for help.

Cllr Stirling said: "No-one wants to be in this situation. It is stressful, exhausting and, unfortunately can cause people to feel embarrassed, stigmatised and alone. This is not the case. You are not alone, and we want people to be able to access the support they need at the time they need it. Help is out there and there are many, many others who are in the same position. Probably more people than you might realise. Absolutely no-one should feel ashamed or worried about asking for help, it is there for you for a reason."

She was also highlighting steps people can take to support themselves and their families.

• What am I entitled to?
  Find out what help is available – contact your GP, Citizens Advice Bureau, local school, welfare rights, Aberdeenshire Council
• Claim
  Claim everything you are entitled to – Universal Credit, free school meals, council tax reduction, help with heating bills, carer grants, disability benefits
• Get support
  Look locally to your community for support – foodbanks, community larders, swap shops, support groups, warm spaces, local libraries and community centres
• Help others
  If it isn't happening to you, help those who are impacted – donate to foodbanks, support your friends or family who are struggling.

She went on to add: "Cost of living issues affect each of us differently, it may be mortgage or rent bills, energy, access to food or supporting our children and young people through their education and beyond fairly and equitably. Now is the time to work together as communities to help support each other."

It comes just days after a new Council Plan was approved for Aberdeenshire Council, which has in it Resilient Communities" as a priority, with a number of pieces of work in that to support low income families and to help everyone be more resilient, on a daily basis or in an emergency.

Council Leader Mark Findlater said: "The impact of this cost-of-living crisis isn't happening somewhere else. It is here. In Aberdeenshire, in your town or village, in your street. We must stop assuming the old stereotypes are true and start to see a new reality, otherwise we will collectively struggle to restore our ways of life."

Some anonymous quotes from people in the lived experience group:

"A reduction in available finances due to increased living costs (essential items such as food, heating, fuel for car etc) means that there's a hard decision for low income families/individuals"

"I have a car, a house and live in a nice area, but I was made redundant. I feel ashamed that I need to use the local food larder as I don't have enough money to buy the weekly shopping. I live in an area that is perceived to be nice, but I am in trap of poverty".

Useful links:

Citizens Advice Bureau
Citizens Advice Scotland

Aberdeenshire Council
Cost of living crisis - Aberdeenshire Council
Benefits and grants - Aberdeenshire Council
Tackling Poverty and Inequalities – Aberdeenshire Community Planning Partnership (ouraberdeenshire.org.uk)

Scottish Government
Benefits and grants - mygov.scot

Cash First leaflet for local advice
Cash First Leaflets - Independent Food Aid Network UK

Food Map of Aberdeenshire
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=18XrqTorHzsVNmBfc4iDYCPtqxT-mDc-V&ll=57.224756920273784%2C-2.788804400000009&z=9