That’s the message from East Renfrewshire convener for corporate services, Councillor Ian McAlpine.

He’s raising awareness that crisis grants and community care grants are available to support local people depending on the particular difficulties they face.

Crisis grants can help pay for the things someone needs to prevent harm to their or their family’s health or safety because of an emergency or disaster. Applications can be made for living expenses and essential items such as food, heating costs, nappies, toiletries, travel and temporary accommodation costs. You may be given money or another form of support, for example, a voucher, fuel card, travel ticket or furniture.

Community care grants can help people with the things they need to live independently in the community rather than having to live or stay in care. Applications can be made for essential items such as furniture, household equipment, travel costs, removal expenses, storage charges, connection charges for gas and electricity.

As with the crisis grant, if you qualify for a community care grant the help you receive will depend on your circumstances. You may be given money or you may receive support another way, for example, a voucher, fuel card, travel ticket or furniture.

To see if you are eligible for a crisis grant or community care grant please call 0141 577 3475.

East Renfrewshire convener for corporate services Councillor Ian McAlpine said: “If you are going through tough times please do not feel you are alone. The council may be able to help by providing a crisis grant. Please phone 0141 577 3475 and if you are eligible for a grant staff in our Scottish welfare team will be able to arrange help within two days. You do not need to repay any grant which is intended to meet a one-off need.”