Levenmouth Area cost of living support information

For useful information, advice, help with benefits, energy bills and food go to our.fife.scot/gethelp

Unable to access information online? Call our Community Support Line 0800 952 0330 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

To help with the rising cost of living there's a range of support in the local area.

Foodbanks and community cafés
Cafe Inc
Warm Spaces
Community Job Clubs

Foodbanks and community cafés

Below is a list of locations and organisations supporting the people of Fife by providing short term access to emergency food and support for people experiencing a crisis.

Cosy Café
Levenmouth Buckhaven Baptist Church, College Street, Buckhaven
Community Café
Our Cosy Café is open weekly in Buckhaven where everyone is welcome to come along and share lunch with us, take part in activities and connect with others. We also operate a larder which can be accessed for £2 (while supplies last) however lunch and activities are free.
Opening hours: Wednesdays 10.00am to 1.00pm
Free/donation
Hame Fae Hame
Levenmouth The Centre, 1 Broomieknowe, Leven, KY8 4QP
Community Café
A warm welcome with great food and great banter.
Opening hours: Thursdays from 12.00pm to 2.00pm
Free/donation
Homestart Hub
Levenmouth The Craft Centre, Letham Glen, Leven KY8 4SH
Community Café
We provide a welcoming space in The Glen for the community to come along and connect with each other, build friendships, take part in activities and enjoy some hot food and refreshments.
Opening hours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10.00am to 2.00pm.
Free
Levenmouth Food Bank and Cafe Connect
Levenmouth Methil Evangelical Church, Bowling Green Street, Methil, KY8 3DH
Community Café
The Foodbank offers 3 days food, 3 meals per day per person on the referral voucher. We also give toiletries, nappies, pet food etc. Cafe Connect runs Tuesdays between 10am - 12pm offering hot filled rolls, cereal, toast and fruit Thursdays 12-2pm offering homemade soup and pudding. People can access free use of laptops, phones, our pool table and newspapers. We also have external agencies who available for advice, support and information.
Opening hours: Food parcels are fulfilled by referral only, with appointments offered for pick up on Monday and Friday from 3.30pm.
Free
levenmouth.foodbank.org.uk/
info@levenmouth.foodbank.org.uk
01333 439 202
MCCI (Methil Community Children's Initiative)
Levenmouth Methilhill Community Learning Garden, 130 Sea Road, Methil, Leven KY8 2GW
Community Café
Come along and enjoy a plate of homemade soup or stovies and freshly made to order sandwiches. Everyone is welcome to pop in, it's a great opportunity to meet new people. There is no charge for the café, but there is a donation jar if you'd like to contribute. We look forward to seeing you.
Opening hours: Mondays and Fridays (from 21st October 2024) during school term time between 11.30pm and 1.00pm.
Free/donation
www.mcci-clubs.co.uk
mcci@hotmail.co.uk
01592 719422
Open Door Meals
Levenmouth Smart Hall, St Kenneths Church, Cupar Rd, Kennoway , Fife KY8 5LR
Food Bank
We can provide food parcels as well as a free meal and place to stay and chat. Someone to talk to and help if in any kind of need. No assessment or paperwork. All very welcome. Children under 16 must be accompanied by responsible adult.
Free
07715 506 712

Warm Welcome/ Community Assistance

Warm Welcome venues will be established in various venues and settings across the area which are designed to offer safe, warm places for people in our communities to spend time, participate in activities and access support.

Community Job Clubs

Community job clubs provide a space where people can get access to a PC to undertake job searches, create and develop CVs and apply for jobs. Our staff will be able to offer advice on most aspects of searching and applying for work.

Location	Day	Time	Comments	Contact number
The Centre Leven	Monday (Alternative Mondays)	9:15am to 11am	Appointment only	01334 659350
Buckhaven Community Centre	Monday (Alternative Mondays)	1:15pm to 4pm	Appointment only	01334 659350
Savoy Sports Pavillion	Monday	2:15pm to 4pm	Appointment only	01334 659350
The Centre Leven	Tuesday	2:15pm to 4pm	Appointment only	01334 659350
Methil Community Centre	Wednesday	2:15pm to 4pm	Appointment only	01334 659350
Sandybrae Community Centre	Thursday	2:15pm to 4pm	Appointment only	01334 659350

Discover local organisations in your area

www.onyourdoorstepfife.org

Useful support links

Unable to access information online? Call our Community Support Line 0800 952 0330 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

Increase your income

Benefits for carers
You may be eligible for carer related benefits if you, the person you care for and the type of care you provide meets certain criteria.
https://our.fife.scot/gethelp/topics/family/benefits-for-carers

Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods
How to apply for the School Age Payment, Early Learning Payment, Pregnancy and Baby Payment and a prepaid card to buy healthy food.
https://www.mygov.scot/browse/benefits/best-start

Debt advice
Advice you need to make the right choices, including help to deal with your debt problems and get your finances back in shape
https://moneyadvice.cabfife.org.uk/

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
A weekly payment of £30 for young people (16-25) from low income families who are continuing in higher or further education
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/education2/schools-in-fife/funding/educational-maintenance-allowance

Free School Meals and School Clothing Grants
We can provide free school meals and a school clothing grant if you are on a low income.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/education2/schools-in-fife/free-school-meals-and-school-clothing-grants

Help with your Council Tax
Discover a range of reductions, exemptions and discounts you might be entitled to
https://our.fife.scot/gethelp/topics/income/help-with-your-council-tax-and-rent

Housing Benefit, Discretionary Housing Payment and Benefit Cap
Criteria and how to apply for help with housing costs if you are a tenant.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/housing/housing-benefit

Pension Credit
You could get extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income: even if you have savings or own your own home.
https://our.fife.scot/gethelp/pensioncredit/_nocache

Rent Support Fund
The council have allocated £1 million to support council tenants who pay rent charges. These funds will give tenants, who qualify, a one-off payment of £75 into their rent account.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/housing/council-housing/rent/rent-support-fund

Scottish Child Payment
Scottish Child Payment helps towards the costs of supporting your family.
https://www.mygov.scot/scottish-child-payment

Support with mortgage payments
Help is available to some homeowners through the Government's Support for Mortgage Interest scheme
https://www.gov.uk/support-for-mortgage-interest

Tax free childcare
If you use childcare, paying your approved provider via the Tax Free Childcare scheme can save you money.
https://our.fife.scot/gethelp/childcare

Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work.
https://www.cas.org.uk/helptoclaim

Welfare support sessions
In person support with benefit checks and crisis grant applications
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/community-job-clubs

Young Carer Grant
Young Carer Grant is a yearly payment of £359.65 for young carers in Scotland aged 16, 17 or 18 years old.
https://www.mygov.scot/young-carer-grant

Support with food

Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods
How to apply for the School Age Payment, Early Learning Payment, Pregnancy and Baby Payment and a prepaid card to buy healthy food.
https://www.mygov.scot/browse/benefits/best-start

Café Inc
Cafe Inc is a free lunch club for children and young people during the school holidays.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/food-banks/cafe-inc

Foodbanks and Community Food Provision
Help is available to provide short term access to emergency food and support for people experiencing a crisis.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/food-banks

Free School Meals and School Clothing Grants
We can provide free school meals and a school clothing grant if you are on a low income.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/education2/schools-in-fife/free-school-meals-and-school-clothing-grants

Free School Meals for P1-5
All children in primary one to primary five are entitled to free school meals, saving over £450 a year
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/education2/schools-in-fife/school-meals/primary-school-meals

Support for your home

Furnishing your home
You may qualify for help with buying carpets and white goods for your home
https://our.fife.scot/gethelp/topics/income/help-with-furnishing-your-home

Heating your home
Whatever your housing situation, we have routes to help with the rising costs of fuel
https://our.fife.scot/gethelp/topics/income/do-you-need-help-to-heat-your-home

Help with your Council Tax & rent
Check if you are eligible for benefits, discounts or exemptions
https://our.fife.scot/gethelp/topics/income/help-with-your-council-tax-and-rent

Homelessness and Prevention
We're committed to helping anyone who finds themselves without a home, for any reason. If you find yourself in this situation, please talk to us.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/housing/homelessness-and-prevention

Rent Support Fund
The council have allocated £1 million to support council tenants who pay rent charges. These funds will give tenants, who qualify, a one-off payment of £75 into their rent account.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/housing/council-housing/rent/rent-support-fund

Short term housing support
Help is available to support you with the routines and responsibilities of maintaining your tenancy
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/housing/housing-options/short-term-housing-support

Support with mortgage payments
Help is available to some homeowners through the Government's Support for Mortgage Interest scheme
https://www.gov.uk/support-for-mortgage-interest

Ways to reduce energy costs
Making your home as energy efficient as possible will reduce the amount of energy that you need to keep your home warm.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/heating-advice/reducing-energy-use

Support with heating and utility costs

Cosy Kingdom
Cosy Kingdom is a free and impartial energy and debt advice service available to all tenants and homeowners across Fife.
https://www.cosykingdom.org.uk/

Discounts for fuel bills
A range of fuel support payments that could help with the cost of heating your home.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/heating-advice/discounts-for-fuel-bills

Fuel support for Council Tenants
Support for Fife Council tenants who are finding themselves in debt and struggling to pay fuel bills
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/housing/council-housing/tenancy-advice/heating-advice-for-tenants

Help with your TV Licence
Find out more about the Simple Payment Plan for those struggling to pay their TV Licence.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/welfare,-benefits-and-money-advice/help-with-your-tv-licence

Priority Services Register
The Priority Services Register is a free support service that makes sure extra help is available to people in vulnerable situations.
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-advice-households/join-your-suppliers-priority-services-register

Social Tariffs: Cheaper broadband and phone packages
Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Some providers call them ‘essential’ or ‘basic’ broadband.
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/costs-and-billing/social-tariffs

Ways to reduce energy costs
Making your home as energy efficient as possible will reduce the amount of energy that you need to keep your home warm.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/heating-advice/reducing-energy-use

Winter Fuel Payment & Pension Age Winter Heating Payment
If you were born before 23 September 1958 you could get either £200 or £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2024 to 2025.
https://our.fife.scot/gethelp/topics/support-with-heating-and-utility-costs/winter-fuel-payment

Support with your Council Tax and Rent

Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions
Discounts can apply for single people, students, carers, apprentices, school leavers, care leavers and hospitalised, disabled or severely mentally impaired people.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/housing/council-tax/council-tax-discounts-and-exemptions

Council Tax Reduction
Council Tax Reduction is a means tested entitlement available to people who are responsible for paying council tax.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/housing/council-tax/council-tax-reduction

Discretionary Housing Payment
A Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) is a short term payment awarded to people who need help paying their rent.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/housing/housing-benefit/discretionary-housing-payment

Rent Support Fund
The council have allocated £1 million to support council tenants who pay rent charges. These funds will give tenants, who qualify, a one-off payment of £75 into their rent account.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/housing/council-housing/rent/rent-support-fund

Support with rent
If you’re struggling to pay your rent, please get in touch. We will discuss the situation and explain all the options available to you.
https://our.fife.scot/gethelp/topics/housing/support-with-your-rent

Support with your Council Tax
If you're struggling to pay your council tax, please get in touch. We will discuss the situation and explain all the options available to you.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/services/form-pages/get-in-touch-with-the-council-tax-team

Support for your family

Benefits for carers
You may be eligible for carer related benefits if you, the person you care for and the type of care you provide meets certain criteria.
https://our.fife.scot/gethelp/topics/family/benefits-for-carers

Café Inc
Cafe Inc is a free lunch club for children and young people during the school holidays.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/food-banks/cafe-inc

Debt advice
Advice you need to make the right choices, including help to deal with your debt problems and get your finances back in shape
https://moneyadvice.cabfife.org.uk/

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
A weekly payment of £30 for young people (16-25) from low income families who are continuing in higher or further education
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/education2/schools-in-fife/funding/educational-maintenance-allowance

Free School Meals and School Clothing Grants
We can provide free school meals and a school clothing grant if you are on a low income.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/education2/schools-in-fife/free-school-meals-and-school-clothing-grants

Free School Meals for P1-5
All children in primary one to primary five are entitled to free school meals, saving over £450 a year
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/education2/schools-in-fife/school-meals/primary-school-meals

MyFife National Entitlement Card (NEC)
Your MyFife card makes it easy to access a range of public services and facilities with only one card.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/roads,-travel-and-parking/myfife-national-entitlement-card

Scottish Child Payment
Scottish Child Payment helps towards the costs of supporting your family.
https://www.mygov.scot/scottish-child-payment

Scottish Welfare Fund - Community Care Grant
Support to help vulnerable people set up home, or continue to live independently within their community.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/crisis-and-community-care-grants

Scottish Welfare Fund - Crisis Grant
Crisis grants can help keep you and your family safe from harm in a one-off crisis, such as flood or fire or unexpected money shortage
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/crisis-and-community-care-grants

Support with mortgage payments
Help is available to some homeowners through the Government's Support for Mortgage Interest scheme
https://www.gov.uk/support-for-mortgage-interest

Tax free childcare
If you use childcare, paying your approved provider via the Tax Free Childcare scheme can save you money.
https://our.fife.scot/gethelp/childcare

Welfare support sessions
In person support with benefit checks and crisis grant applications
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/community-job-clubs

Young Carer Grant
Young Carer Grant is a yearly payment of £359.65 for young carers in Scotland aged 16, 17 or 18 years old.
https://www.mygov.scot/young-carer-grant

Young Person’s Free Bus Travel
Free bus travel throughout Scotland for young people aged 5-21
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/roads,-travel-and-parking/myfife-national-entitlement-card/young-persons-free-bus-travel

Support with transport costs

Community transport
Fife Council can give advice and information about community transport schemes throughout Fife, including advice on who to contact for help in arranging transport for people with reduced mobility.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/roads,-travel-and-parking/community-transport

MyFife National Entitlement Card (NEC)
Your MyFife card makes it easy to access a range of public services and facilities with only one card.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/roads,-travel-and-parking/myfife-national-entitlement-card

School Transport
Check your entitlement to transport to your catchment school.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/education2/schools-in-fife/school-transport

Travel costs to and from a hospital or clinic
You can get the costs of essential travel to and from NHS treatment paid is certain circumstances.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/health/help-with-health-costs/help-with-costs/#h-travel-costs-to-and-from-the-hospital-or-clinic

Young Person’s Free Bus Travel
Free bus travel throughout Scotland for young people aged 5-21
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/roads,-travel-and-parking/myfife-national-entitlement-card/young-persons-free-bus-travel

Supporting your health

Access Therapies Fife
Access Therapies Fife is part of Fife’s Health and Social Care Partnership’s Psychology Service. We are an NHS service offering a range of free psychological therapies to adults in Fife.
https://www.accesstherapiesfife.scot.nhs.uk/

Café Inc
Cafe Inc is a free lunch club for children and young people during the school holidays.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/food-banks/cafe-inc

Feed your mind podcast
This podcast series from NHS Fife is a little burst of information on topics addressing food as a player in overall wellbeing and mental health.
https://www.nhsfife.org/services/all-services/nutrition-and-clinical-dietetics/feed-your-mind-podcast/

Fifestyle Concession and Access Card
Fifestyle is our Concession Card Scheme, offering families and individuals discounts to various Fife Council services.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/fifestyle-concession-and-access-card

Help with health costs
Most NHS treatment is free, including all prescriptions, but there are some things you might be charged for.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/health/help-with-health-costs/help-with-costs/

Local Health Services
Find your nearest GP, dentist, pharmacy or optician using Scotland's services directory from NHS Inform.
https://www.nhsfife.org/services/find-your-nearest/

Moodcafé
Information and resources to help you understand and improve your mental health.
https://www.moodcafe.co.uk/

On Your Doorstep
Find groups and organisations that you can join or make contact within your Community.
https://www.onyourdoorstepfife.org/

Period Products
We currently provide online access to free sanitary products. This includes reusable products.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/period-poverty

Quit Your Way - Fife Stop Smoking Service
Want to stop smoking but don't know where to start - help is at hand!
https://our.fife.scot/gethelp/topics/health/quit-your-way-fife-stop-smoking-service

Sexual Health
Information, advice and services relating to your sexual health and wellbeing inc. free condoms
https://www.nhsfife.org/services/all-services/sexual-health/

SHOUT
Free and confidential mental health support to anyone in distress.
https://www.nhsfife.org/shout/

The Well
The Well is a place where you can drop-in, both in your community and online for information and advice to help you stay well and independent.
https://www.fifehealthandsocialcare.org/your-community/the-well

Support for businesses

Business Gateway Fife
Business Gateway Fife may be able to provide you with support through their Net Zero Transition Fund.
https://www.businessgatewayfife.com/

Climate Friendly Businesses
Support to help identify cost savings and environmental improvement opportunities for your business
https://climateactionfife.org.uk/business/

Reduce the cost of running your business
FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot has links to funding, general advice on running your business, and other support tailored to your needs.
https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/cost-of-doing-business

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Levenmouth Area cost of living support information

Foodbanks and community cafés

Cosy Café

Hame Fae Hame

Homestart Hub

Levenmouth Food Bank and Cafe Connect

MCCI (Methil Community Children's Initiative)

Open Door Meals

Warm Welcome/ Community Assistance

Community Job Clubs

Discover local organisations in your area

Useful support links

Increase your income

Benefits for carers

Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods

Debt advice

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

Free School Meals and School Clothing Grants

Help with your Council Tax

Housing Benefit, Discretionary Housing Payment and Benefit Cap

Pension Credit

Rent Support Fund

Scottish Child Payment

Support with mortgage payments

Tax free childcare

Universal Credit

Welfare support sessions

Young Carer Grant

Support with food

Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods

Café Inc

Foodbanks and Community Food Provision

Free School Meals and School Clothing Grants

Free School Meals for P1-5

Support for your home

Furnishing your home

Heating your home

Help with your Council Tax & rent

Homelessness and Prevention

Rent Support Fund

Short term housing support

Support with mortgage payments

Ways to reduce energy costs

Support with heating and utility costs

Cosy Kingdom

Discounts for fuel bills

Fuel support for Council Tenants

Help with your TV Licence

Priority Services Register

Social Tariffs: Cheaper broadband and phone packages

Ways to reduce energy costs

Winter Fuel Payment & Pension Age Winter Heating Payment

Support with your Council Tax and Rent

Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions

Council Tax Reduction

Discretionary Housing Payment

Rent Support Fund

Support with rent

Support with your Council Tax

Support for your family

Benefits for carers

Café Inc

Debt advice

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

Free School Meals and School Clothing Grants

Free School Meals for P1-5

MyFife National Entitlement Card (NEC)

Scottish Child Payment

Scottish Welfare Fund - Community Care Grant

Scottish Welfare Fund - Crisis Grant

Support with mortgage payments

Tax free childcare

Welfare support sessions

Young Carer Grant

Young Person’s Free Bus Travel