‘Here To Help’ Scheme Launched To Support Cumbernauld Citizens With Cost Of Living

Cornerstone House Centre has today launched a bespoke ‘Here to Help’ scheme which will assist individuals and families in Greater Cumbernauld who are experiencing financial hardship or poverty as a result of the cost of the living crisis this winter.

The organisation has recognised that the rising cost of living has resulted in a major increase in the number of people from Cumbernauld, Kilsyth, Northern Corridor and surrounding villages that are struggling to keep their home warm at a reasonable cost and purchase essential food items on a daily basis.

Whether you are struggling to pay bills or are concerned about food and rising energy costs, Cornerstone House Centre’s new initiative, supported by The National Lottery Community Fund, will enable local citizens to access a range of vouchers and other practical supports between now and March 2023 through contacting 07707 433168.

As part of the support package being provided, those living in Cumbernauld in need of help can access vouchers to assist with gas, electricity, food, clothing and household appliances. Specifically, items being made available include small appliances such as heaters, kettles and microwaves, £50 electricity vouchers, £50 gas vouchers, £100 food shopping vouchers, £10 meal vouchers for cooked food, £100 vouchers for clothing, bedding and shoes and £25 vouchers for vital travel assistance. Mary McNeil, Development Manager at Cornerstone House Centre, said:

“We know that many families are feeling the pressure from the increasing cost of living, rising energy costs and everyday essentials. This is why we have launched our new ‘Here to Help’ service today.

“Noone should ever have to worry about how they are going to eat or drink or how they are going to heat their home, and we hope that the support we can offer across Greater Cumbenauld will help vulnerable people enjoy a worry-free winter.

“The provisions we are announcing today will offer a real lifeline to many individuals and families in Greater Cumbernauld, and we are so pleased to be able to offer these ahead of what we know will be a difficult period ahead for many, especially with energy bills projected to rise again in January.  

“We recognise that there are many organisations offering vital support to people who really need it, and we have brought these together into one easily-accessible service which is tailored to meet the needs of people in Cumbernauld.

“Our team are able to help in a number of ways so don’t hesitate to get in touch now.”

As well as offering vouchers and household items, a raft of other practical supports can be accessed through Here to Help. This includes signposting to support agencies, delivery of a community drop-in service, facilitation of a dedicated telephone helpline, guidance with welfare benefits, assistance with free school meals and connectivity to North Lanarkshire Partnership’s Tackling Poverty Team.

Furthermore, the project will also provide guidance where urgent financial help is required, support with healthy eating initiatives, mental wellbeing assistance, bespoke help for older people and those with disabilities and access to money advice, recycled clothes and children and families’ support services.  

Working closely with Cumbernauld Poverty Action, Cumbernauld Community Forum, North Lanarkshire Council, NHS Lanarkshire, the local voluntary sector and other statutory bodies, Cornerstone House Centre hopes to assist a high number of eligible residents through the new initiative.

Established in 2010, Cornerstone House Centre is a Cumbernauld charity which operates a community hub venue in the heart of Cumbernauld town centre. It provides various services and access to facilities for community groups, businesses and citizens in the local area. As a social enterprise and Community Anchor Organisation, Cornerstone House Centre strives to benefit local people, notably those experiencing disadvantage and vulnerable groups.

If you live in Greater Cumbernauld and require help with the cost of living, please contact Cornerstone House Centre’s Here to Help Service on 07707 433168 or email health@cornerstone-house.org.uk. Referrals from organisations can also be made using the same contact details.

Click Here to Download Promotional Leaflet for Cornerstone House Centre’s Here to Help Scheme