Cost of Living Support Winter 2022

Campaign on support available in Shetland

Shetland Islands Council approved a budget from Crown Estate net revenues to support Shetland’s response to the cost of living pressures during winter 2022-23. The Scottish Government also announced an allocation from an Island Cost Crisis Emergency Fund.  The purpose was to target support to islands communities and households facing additional challenges due to the current cost crisis. The effectiveness of delivery was achieved through strong partnership working, as highlighted below.

Cost of Living Campaign (We Shine Brighter Together)

A Cost of Living Campaign was created and implemented, including: webpages to support households, services and communities to find information and support; a cost of living leaflet sent to all households; and film, social media and hard copy promotional materials created to promote different opportunities over the winter months.

Cost of Living Free Phone Helpline

A cost of living free phone helpline was set up and run by Shetland Island Council’s Community Development team, Anchor for Families and Children & Families Social Work. There were 87 calls to the helpline and additional support to services, teachers and families.

Winter Activities Funding Scheme

• A Winter Activities Funding Scheme was established and implemented, enabling community groups and services to apply to run winter activities. 
• 24 applications were successful, of which 21 were from community groups.  
• Activities were run throughout Shetland. The Community Work Team delivered Community Pop-ins, in areas where funding had not been distributed.
• Some winter activities were open to everyone, whilst others were targeted at the elderly, young people, or parents. 
• Activities included: intergenerational cooking and lunches, yoga, canoeing, access to youth clubs, a warm place to read the paper and watch TV, wellness classes, art classes, playing board games, crafts, outings for the elderly, outings for young families, and free access to cinema.

St Ringan’s Hub

St Ringan’s Hub was established. Here, new items, second hand clothing and fresh food were available, offering support for cost of living pressures being faced by households across Shetland. An out-reach was also established in Brae. 

Helping Households with Costs

• Shetland Islands Council worked with Shetland Citizen’s Advice Bureau to implement a scheme to support households with energy costs, providing £400 to eligible households 
• Families eligible for School Clothing Grants were able to access the holiday meal payments during holidays, and school closures from December until March
• Fresh food was provided to households, via the Hub
• Breakfasts for secondary school pupils were provided. 

Grant to Shetland Islands Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB)

• A grant was issued to Shetland CAB, to enable them to future proof services.

The winter cost of living support impacts on our ‘Participation’, ‘People’ and ‘Money’ priorities. Public agencies and communities helped deliver improved outcomes for people across the isles; the support aimed to reduce the number of disadvantaged people and households in Shetland; and communities were supported to maximise their incomes and minimise their outgoings from the support available. It hoped that the support will have an impact on reducing foodbank usage and children living in low income families.