Latest update
Published
Header image for article 7247

The UK's cost of living crisis is well documented, and we want everyone in Falkirk to be aware of all the support that is available to them. We believe in a fairer Falkirk – for children, for families, for everyone - and making sure everyone gets the support they are entitled to is a huge factor in that.

With almost a quarter of children in the Falkirk area living in poverty, we're doing what we can to support people to reduce the impact of poverty on their lives, and support them to change their circumstances for the better.

Even if you don't consider yourself to be in poverty, you can still get help. If you know someone who is struggling financially, encourage them to seek help without casting judgement.

Help is out there for people – so let’s make sure they get it.

Here are 6 ways we can help.

1. Get the benefits you’re entitled to

In Falkirk alone, benefits of almost £36million go unclaimed every year – money that people in the area are entitled to. 

Benefits like Working Tax Credits, Child Tax Credits, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, and Income Support, are all there for people who need them – and yet national figures show only 6 out of 10 people entitled to pension credit actually claim it.

It’s worth checking what you’re entitled to by regularly using our Entitlement Calculator. As your circumstances change, you may be entitled to more money.

2. Get advice on debt and money

Falkirk Council’s Debt Advice Team can give you free help and advice on all types of debt including rent and mortgage arrears, council tax, personal loans, hire purchase agreements, credit cards, store cards, payday loans, catalogues and fuel bills.

That includes:

  • personal budgeting support
  • dealing with your debts
  • review the money you have coming in and going out
  • understand what the people you owe money to, known as creditors, can and can't do to recover it

Advice is free, confidential and impartial and is available to anyone who lives or works in the Falkirk Council area.

If you have a question about money or debt, or want to know more about how money advice can help you, speak to our team.

You can also get advice from independent organisations such as Falkirk's Citizens Advice Bureau.

3. Get free period products for your household

No-one should have to go without these basic essentials, so we’re stocking public buildings with free period products.

You can also order free period products online from us – you’ll get a 3 month supply of disposable products and they will be sent directly to the address you put on the order form.

Find out where products are available on the Our Falkirk map.

Free period products in a Falkirk public building

Period products are free to anyone who needs them


4. Get specialist support for employment and training

If you’re struggling to find employment, our Employment & Training Unit (ETU) can help.

We help local people find a job or training opportunity to find work or progress their careers.

Our ETU provides its services to all ages, whether you're leaving school, returning to work or changing careers. 

The service is person-centred and needs-led, meaning we work with you to support you into employment in a way that works for you.

5. Get a Go Card

The Go Card is a concessionary card which can be used in any of our leisure and culture facilities for free or discounted access to a range of services and activities.

There's a variety of people eligible, so check if you can get one to save some money. You can apply at several of our leisure facilities.

With a Go Card, you can get FREE access for yourself and two kids to any of our swimming pools. If you want to use it to access a warm place and have a hot shower, that's OK too.

6. Free bus travel for young people

Young people aged between 5 and 21 years old are eligible for free bus travel from 31 January 2022, and can apply online.

How do I know what support is available? And where?

The Our Falkirk map shows locations of Falkirk Council support services local to your area, including WiFi access and advice hubs, as well as community food banks.

The map also shows where you can find community organisations who can help people in need.