Category

• Promising Local Practice

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Poverty impact

• Mitigation

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Poverty driver

• Reduce cost of living
• Provide benefit in-kind (experience)

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Keywords

• Fuel Poverty
• Laundry Service
• Energy
• Clothing
• Cost-Of-Living Crisis

Aim

Midlothian Council’s Wash and Dry Laundry Service aimed to reduce the cost of living by providing laundry services to those in need.

Summary

Midlothian’s Wash and Dry Laundry Service offered free laundry services to mitigate the effects of the cost-of-living crisis. The project targeted Midlothian residents who could not afford to do their laundry for various reasons. It has been trialled in two ways: 1) through a private laundry pick-up and delivery service based in Mayfield to aid those in East Midlothian; 2) tokens were distributed by Midlothian Council’s partner organisations for outdoor washer/driers at the Ladywood Leisure Centre in West Midlothian. Both services occurred through Winter 2023/24.

What difference does it make?

The project made a positive difference to recipients' well-being by reducing household laundry-related expenses and energy bills. The Midlothian Wash and Dry Laundry Service removed this everyday stress for those in great need. Whether short-term relief in a crisis or just a little extra help to cope with the colder months, the Service mitigated the various effects of fuel poverty in the area.

Key take-aways

• Removing or reducing a cost for essentials from a household positively impacts well-being and mental health.
• Practical support measures to reduce fuel poverty are necessary in the autumn and winter months when energy bills are at their peak.
• Collaborating with local organisations and businesses increases coverage of different geographical areas and priority groups.

 

Organisations

Midlothian Council

Location

Midlothian (throughout)

The outdoor laundry service initially occurred from 31/12/2022–31/03/2023. The private laundry service started in 04/2023. Both were extended through Winter 2023/24 until 31/03/2024.

Contact