Working together to help with cost-of-living increase

The increased cost-of-living is affecting us all. You might know friends or family members who are struggling or you might be struggling yourself. And those we support in our work are telling us about issues they are having on an almost daily basis.

If you or someone you know or work with is worried about money and living costs, you're not alone. Anyone can find themselves overwhelmed by financial pressures for a number of reasons and this can impact on your health the wellbeing.

Working across council teams, and local organisations and community partners, we have updated comprehensive guidance on maximising income and dealing with financial difficulties. 

The downloadable cost-of-living guide and the pages on our website are designed to help you access advice and the support you’re entitled to when you need it most.

They contain a huge range of information on everything from ensuring you're claiming all the benefits you're entitled to, to help with heating your home and support if you're struggling with bills. You can also check what you’re entitled to using the free independent online benefits calculator. 

You can find all this information on the website. 

Showcasing East Lothian to international tourism markets

Visit East Lothian attended the VisitScotland Connect travel trade show in Glasgow earlier this month, working alongside local tourism businesses to promote East Lothian to the global travel trade. 

Scotland’s flagship travel trade event brings together tourism businesses and international buyers to generate new business opportunities and strengthen existing relationships. The event plays a vital role in increasing Scotland’s share of global tourism in a sustainable way, while supporting long-term economic growth. 

Seven tourism businesses from East Lothian attended the event, which we supported. Carberry Tower Hotel & Mansion, Carfrae Farm, Jerusalem Farm Pods, the Scottish Seabird Centre, The Leddie, Ocean Vertical and NB Distillery connected with 330 buyers who plan inspirational Scotland trips for their clients. The buyers represent 20 countries including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the UK domestic market. 

Attendees connected with travel trade buyers who design and deliver Scotland itineraries for domestic and international markets, providing valuable opportunities to raise awareness of East Lothian as a high-quality visitor destination and to develop new commercial partnerships.

The full story is on our website.  

Planning for the unexpected: why having Power of Attorney in place matters for us all

We often think of "future planning" as something to tackle later in life. However, life can be unpredictable, and ensuring your wishes are respected shouldn't be left to chance.

On Wednesday 22 April, East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership (ELHSCP) highlighted the importance of Power of Attorney (POA), as part of a nationwide effort to encourage everyone to "start the conversation." The national campaign aims to share why POA matters, not just for our service users, but for staff and their families too.

What is Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust (such as a family member or close friend) to make decisions on your behalf if you ever lose the capacity to do so.

A common myth many people believe is that their next of kin automatically has the legal right to manage their bank accounts or healthcare decisions if they become unwell. However the reality is without a formal POA in place, this is not the case. This can lead to significant stress and legal hurdles for loved ones during an already difficult time.

Why act now?

Fiona Wilson, Chief Officer of ELHSCP, comments: "We want to ensure that every individual in East Lothian feels empowered and in control of their future. Getting this in place early gives you piece of mind that your wishes will be honoured if the unexpected happens and avoids extra stress at a difficult time.  POA may be a temporary measure, if you're going into hospital and need help with everyday financial tasks like paying your bills or it may be part of long-term planning. It’s important to remember that Power of Attorney isn't just for the elderly, it’s an insurance policy for adults of all ages.”

Starting the conversation

Discussing these topics can feel a little daunting, but it doesn't have to be a heavy or "out of the blue" conversation. Here are a few tips to help you or your loved ones get started:

• the best time to think about POA is 'sooner rather than later,' as you must have the mental capacity to grant POA
• try to bring up the topic during general discussions about future hopes, wishes, or when updating other documents like a Will
• try to avoid bringing it up out of the blue. Mentioning a recent news story, film or a friend's experience can be a helpful way to open the dialogue sensitively
• think of POA like a fire extinguisher - you hope you never have to use it, but you’re glad it's there

Helpful resources

If you are ready to take the next step or simply want to learn more, there are excellent resources available to East Lothian residents:

• MyGov.Scot: A comprehensive step-by-step guide to the process in Scotland
• Carers of East Lothian (CoEL): Our local partners at CoEL run a free monthly clinic to support local carers with writing and registering for a POA