Trusted Partner Model (Midlothian) - a cash-first initiative for food and fuel poverty
Category
- Fully Validated Effective Local Practice
Poverty impact
- Mitigation
- Reduction
Poverty driver
- Reduce cost of living
- Increase income from benefits
Keywords
- Food insecurity
- Fuel Poverty
- Cash Transfers
- Financial Inclusion
- Empowerment
Aim
The aim of the project is to aid Midlothian residents struggling with the cost-of-living crisis through cash transfers for food and fuel.
Summary
Midlothian Council’s Trusted Partner Model is a cash-first initiative to reduce food and fuel poverty in the area. Developed as a response to COVID-19 and the cost-of-living crisis, this model addresses the needs of Midlothian residents with dignified financial aid. This council-wide project aims to mitigate the financial inequalities intensified during the pandemic by directly increasing income for necessities. In applying to become a trusted partner, organisations explain how they plan to deliver a dignified cash-first approach. This is done with the aim of helping numerous priority groups and geographical areas experiencing food and fuel poverty in Midlothian.
What difference does it make?
The Trusted Partner Model has been vital in increasing the financial security and mental wellbeing of Midlothian residents affected by the cost-of-living crisis. Recipients confirmed the Model significantly reduces money-related stress and anxiety, with service users able to focus on other things, such as employment or budgeting. This has helped them be more financially independent. The Model helps those experiencing short-term financial difficulties, including those in between jobs or waiting on Universal Credit, and households experiencing long-term adversity and instability, such as those with disabilities.
Key take-aways
- Organisations and initiatives with differing objectives have the power to collaborate to achieve a shared goal.
- Large, council-wide projects have the capacity to tackle food and fuel poverty within local communities.
- Cash-first approaches can increase dignity and bypass the stigma sometimes attached to non-monetary aid.
How to guide
Additional information that may assist others to adopt this local practice
Learn more arrow_forwardOrganisations
Midlothian Council, Midlothian Cost of Living Taskforce, Poverty Thematic Group, Trusted Partners Listed in the How To Guide
Location
Midlothian (throughout)
Status:
LiveStart date:
December, 2021Contact
Catherine Duns
Senior Communities Lifelong Learning and Employability Worker
Midlothian Council
catherine.duns@midlothian.gov.uk