South West Fife 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.

Chill and Chat
South West Fife North Queensferry Community Complex, Brock Street, Queen Margaret's Playfing Fields, North Queensferry, KY11 1JD
Community Café
Everyone welcome, pop along for hot drinks and tasty snacks with friends old and new
Opening hours: Fridays 4.30pm - 5.30pm
Low cost
www.nqcommunitycomplex.org.uk www.facebook.com/NQCommunityComplex/
facilities@nqcommunitycomplex.org.uk
01383 411 381
Community Shop & Café 'Food for Thought' (Inverkeithing Trust)
South West Fife Ballast Bank Community Centre, Preston Crescent, Inverkeithing, KY11 1DS
Community Fridge/Larder/Pantry
Open to all - choose from the fresh, frozen, bakery, tinned & dried food + toiletries/cleaning products as available. Shop: £6 per bag or donation. Café: Tea/Coffee/Cake - £1 and hot rolls/toasties - £2 Café: Tea/Coffee/Cake - 50p Hot rolls/toastie -
Opening hours: Wednesdays 9.30am to 11.30am
£4.00 per bag or donation
EATS Rosyth Community Hub & Living Room Cafe
South West Fife 115a Queensferry Road, Rosyth, KY11 2PS
Community Fridge/Larder/Pantry
Community Larder and Fridge: Monday to Friday 10.00am to 2.00pm Community Meals: Thursdays Bingo Night with 2 course meal, sit in only Friday Bite Night sit in or takeaway. £2 adults/free for children. Book in for community meals on Facebook/calling into the cafe/by phone.
Opening hours: Living room café & Larder: Monday to Friday 10.00am to 2.00pm Community meals: Thursday and Friday 5.00pm to 7.00pm
Free or by donation
www.facebook.com/rosythcommunityhub
info@eatsrosyth.org.uk
01383 414 756
Grow West Fife Community Meal
South West Fife Grow West Fife Walled Garden Blair Castle (Carlow Home) Culross, Fife, KY12 8JW
Community Café
Free community lunch open to anyone. Volunteers active during the sessions on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays are able to take home bags of vegetables.
Opening hours: Community Lunch: Fridays Volunteer sessions: Monday, Thursday and Saturday 10.00am to 2.00pm
Free
www.growwestfife.org/
pamela@growwestfife.org
Inverkeithing Food Bank
South West Fife The Friary (next to the Civic Centre), Queen Street, Inverkeithing, KY11 1LS
Food Bank
(referral only)We offer 3 days food, 3 meals per day per person on the referral voucher. We also give toiletries, nappies, pet food etc. https://dunfermline.foodbank.org.uk/
Opening hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 4.00pm to 6.00pm
Free
dunfermline.foodbank.org.uk/
info@dunfermline.foodbank.org.uk
Oakley Community Pantry
South West Fife Oakley Community Centre, Station Road, Oakley, Dunfermline, KY12 9QF
Community Fridge/Larder/Pantry
fresh fruit and veg, tins and other everyday foods made up in bags and a minimum of £3 donation is asked for. These are then handed out at the centre door.
Opening hours: Wednesdays 12.00pm to 2.00pm but finishes when food is gone. It goes quickly
Minimum £3.00 donation
Rosyth Food Bank
South West Fife Parish Church, Queensferry Road, Rosyth, KY11 2PQ
Food Bank
(referral only)We offer 3 days food, 3 meals per day per person on the referral voucher. We also give toiletries, nappies, pet food etc.
Opening hours: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 4.00pm to 6.00pm
Free
dunfermline.foodbank.org.uk/
info@dunfermline.foodbank.org.uk
Rosyth Parish Church
South West Fife Rosyth Parish Church, 82a Queensferry Road, Rosyth KY11 2PQ
Low Cost Hot Meals
Tea, Coffee and hot filled rolls available.
Opening hours: Fridays 12.00pm to 2.30pm
Free or donation
Saline and Steelend Fabulous Food Pantry
South West Fife Temporarily moved to Steelend Miners Welfare Club, Main Road, Steelend, KY12 9LX
Community Fridge/Larder/Pantry
Opening hours: Wednesdays 12.00pm to 2.00pm
£4 donation
01383 853 762
The Food Hub
South West Fife Kincardine Community Centre, Anderson Lane, Kincardine FK10 4SF
Community Fridge/Larder/Pantry
A variety of food items, fresh fruit and vegetables and store cupboard essentials available.
Opening hours: Food Hub: Tuesday 5.30pm - 7.00pm Food Hub: Wednesday 11.00am - 12.00pm Coffee & Blether: Wednesday 1.00pm - 3.00pm
£4 donation
www.facebook.com/KincardineCA/
kincardineca@gmail.com
01259 730 997

Warm Welcome venues/ 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	Contact number
Kincardine Centre	Tuesday	1pm to 3pm	Angela 07515 291123 Leanne 07985 739452
Valleyfield Centre	Tuesday	10am to 12pm	Angela 07515 291123 Leanne 07985 739452
Parkgate Rosyth Centre	Wednesday	10am to 12pm	Angela 07515 291123 Leanne 07985 739452
Civic Centre Inverkeithing	Wednesday	1pm to 3pm	Angela 07515 291123 Leanne 07985 739452
Oakley Centre	Thursday	1pm to 3pm	Angela 07515 291123 Leanne 07985 739452

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

Our use of cookies

Necessary cookies

Analytics cookies

Social Media / Embedded Media cookies

Advertising cookies

South West Fife cost of living support information

Foodbanks and community cafés

Chill and Chat

Community Shop & Café 'Food for Thought' (Inverkeithing Trust)

EATS Rosyth Community Hub & Living Room Cafe

Grow West Fife Community Meal

Inverkeithing Food Bank

Oakley Community Pantry

Rosyth Food Bank

Rosyth Parish Church

Saline and Steelend Fabulous Food Pantry

The Food Hub

Warm Welcome venues/ 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