Are you getting the help

to which you are entitled?

Listed below is information which you may find helpful for yourself or for people you know. However the map of what is available is complicated and can change so please let us know of any updates or corrections to this information and the ones we may have missed off the list.


Last updated July 2025

General Advice

Citizens Advice Edinburgh

The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) can help either in person or on the phone. They can help with form filling or when the problem is too complex will refer you to specialist caseworkers. Services include (but are not limited to): money advice, benefits, immigration, employment, housing, consumer issues, family problems, health services, legal rights and responsibilities.

Online https://www.citizensadviceedinburgh.org.uk/get-advice


By Phone https://www.citizensadviceedinburgh.org.uk/phone


Telephone Helpline 0131 510 5510 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm)


Specialist Lines


In Person

There are four bureau and thirteen outreach locations across the city, where you can access information, advice and practical support on any issue. The nearest ones are:

 

  • Gilmerton Community Centre has a drop in CAB service weekly on a Wednesday between 10am - 4pm. No appointment required.
  • Gracemount Medical Practice (for registered patients only)

Appointment times: Monday and Wednesday afternoons - 0131 664 2377

  • Ferniehill Surgery (for registered patients only) 

Appointment times: Monday and Thursday afternoons - 0131 664 2166

  • There are other surgery locations locally, such as Craigmillar and Inchpark (for registered patients only).

Food Support

Food Pantries


Find here information on Food Pantries in Edinburgh. The following can be found locally:


37 Southhouse Rd, Edinburgh EH17 8EU
A food pantry happens on Thursday between 10 - 11am on a weekly basis. Early arrival is advised. The pantry is £1 to join and costs £2.5 each visit. You can buy ten items. 


  • Gilmerton Community Centre

4 Drum Street, Edinburgh EH17 8QG

There is a food pantry held on the last Thursday of each month, between 1-3pm. NO registration fee and then it is 1 pound for up to 10 items. 


5 Moredunvale Place, Edinburgh EH17 7LB

This happens on Tuesday between 12.30-1.15pm - £1 to become a member and £2.5 each week. 

Food Banks


Edinburgh South East Foodbank

47 Southhouse Broadway,

Edinburgh EH17 8AS


Tel: 0131 664 9353

Email: edinburghfoodbank@blythswood.org

Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 10.00 – 13.30.


Find out more here.



Community Lunches



  • Gracemount Community Gardens

Transition Edinburgh South have a lunch each Friday at 12.30pm. Free and delicious. 

  • St Catherine’s Church

The community host a simple soup and cake lunch each Monday at 12.00pm. Free and good to eat.

Energy Advice

Changeworks

Accepts referrals from professionals for people who will benefit from energy advice and fuel billing/debt support. For more information visit here.


Energy Saving Trust

If you are worried about your energy bills or struggling, call 0808 808 2282. Calls are free Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm. Or Request a call back here.

Clothes

Gilmerton Community Centre 

4 Drum Street, Edinburgh EH17 8QG

Pre-loved clothes hub is every second Monday between 11am-1pm (suggested donation £2) - 18th August, 1st September.  Donations of clothes are also welcome.


Advice and Financial Support for Families and Carers

School

For information on financial help go here.

Back on Track project at

Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre

Back on Track offers therapeutic support to children, young people and their families within the catchment areas of Gracemount and Liberton High Schools. This flyer gives more detail about what they do and how you can contact them.


Five Family Payments


Get extra help to balance your budget.
If you get Universal Credit, tax credits or other qualifying benefits you could be entitled to five family payments.


More information here,

or call 0800 182 2222.

Vocal: Local Support for Carers

Vocal provides financial help, support and advice to those who are carers of people in greatest need - people who support a partner, child, relative or friend who is frail, has a disability or additional support needs, a long term condition or needs regular support.


For more details, read this. 


Mental Health