Housing Changes Communities: Tackling Poverty

Hillcrest supports low-income households in Angus 

Last winter, Hillcrest Futures was awarded a £26,250 grant from the Scottish Government’s Winter Support Fund to help financially insecure households throughout Angus.  

The grant, which was distributed by Angus Council, helped approximately 350 low-income households to overcome financial crisis and support wellbeing over the winter months. 

On receiving the funds last winter, Hillcrest Futures’ Business Development and Improvements Manager, Chris Robb, said: “Winter can be an extremely challenging time for people at the best of times, but with many facing increasing worries due to rapidly increasing living costs, there is a stark choice of heating their homes or putting food on the table. 

“The funds will help marginalised groups who are supported by Hillcrest Futures in Angus. This includes older people who receive home care support, individuals we support with their mental health, people with physical and learning disabilities, people with substance dependencies, and young people supported by our outreach service.” 

Hillcrest Futures’ Managing Director, Joy Dunlop continued: “One size does not fit all when it comes to delivering meaningful support. We therefore work closely with the people who use our services to get it right for them and ensure what we provide is responsive to their changing needs, wishes and pressures – this includes providing food vouchers, clothing, and mobile phone data top-ups as well as financial advice during these particularly challenging times. 

“We understand the significant negative impact financial worries can have on people’s wellbeing and mental health. To help alleviate this we have extended our telephone contact with people and facilitate online activities to combat social isolation.”