Fife families are helping shape Scotland’s social security policy.
Minister for Social Security, Jeane Freeman, was in Kirkcaldy on Tuesday to visit ENABLE Scotland Fife Services’ Money Advice project.
The visit formed part of the Minister’s summer tour.to discuss and gain feedback from stakeholders and service users on the details of the social security powers to be devolved to the Scottish Government.
ENABLE Scotland is a Scottish charity seeking to create an equal society for every person who has a learning disability.
It provides a wide range of support services for more than 2,000 people and their families.
The money advice project offers one on one help to parents and carers of people who have a learning disability in the kingdom.
Ms Freeman met representatives from ENABLE Scotland and service users to discuss the proposed policy changes on child disability living allowance.
She also highlighted how the changes will be implemented.
ENABLE Scotland’s feedback, as well as views from other organisations and the Scottish Government’s experience panels, will continue to inform the development of Scottish Government policy on social security.
The Minister also met Fife families supported by the award-winning Fife Young Families Money Advice Project.
It is aimed at promoting financial capability and wellbeing where a dependent in the family has a disability.
It is an “at home” service which brings together a partnership between Citizens Advice and Rights Fife and ENABLE Scotland services.
It offers debt and benefits advice service, gives practical help with things like form filling, and grants.
In all the project has helped 380 families to access more than £1.5 million in social security entitlements to date.
The team is also aware of the emotional, mental and physical strain the families are under at times.
This is why the service has been designed for them to work with the family in a relaxed, safe and comfortable environment.
