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With the nights now drawing in and the temperature dropping, heating your home becomes an increasing worry - especially if you’re on a tight budget or have extra heating needs. At CHAP, we want to help you make the most of the support available and avoid getting into debt because of energy bills. Here’s your guide to what's available to assist you over the winter. Support from Social Security Scotland There are three key payments you should know about - and you may already qualify without needing to apply. Winter Heating Payment (WHP) This is a one-off annual payment for households who are on certain low-income benefits (such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support or Income based Jobseeker's Allowance) and might have extra heating needs over the winter months. Winter Heating Payment will be paid from December 2025 and will be £59.75. You don’t always need to apply - if you were already on the qualifying benefits during the qualifying week (3 November to 9 November 2025) you should receive it automatically. More information: www.mygov.scot/winter-heating-payment Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP) The benefit replaces the older Winter Fuel Payment and is for people of State Pension age who are in receipt of certain qualifying benefits. If you're eligible, you could get a payment of between £101.70 and £305.10. Most eligible people get the payment automatically and do not need to apply. You’ll get a letter to confirm your payment, with letters due to be sent from November 2025. More information: www.mygov.scot/pension-age-winter-heating-payment Child Winter Heating Payment (CWHP) This is a one-off yearly payment for families of disabled children or young people who receive certain disability-related benefits, to help with increased heating costs over winter. The payment amount for 2025/26 is £255.80. You typically don’t need to apply - it’s automatic if you’re eligible. More information: www.mygov.scot/child-winter-heating-payment Support from Energy Suppliers Some energy suppliers are also stepping up to help their customers reduce heating costs and keep homes warm. OVO Energy and Octopus Energy are both offering free electric blankets to help households facing financial hardship stay warm without the high cost of heating an entire home. Electric blankets are a cost-effective way to keep warm, using just 2-4p per hour to run. Priority is given to: Older people Those with mobility issues Individuals with health conditions that make them more vulnerable to the cold Both energy firms require customers to apply directly to be considered. As part of the process, Octopus Energy may ask you to complete a Paylink budget form to review your household income and spending before confirming your eligibility. They’ve allocated 10,000 blankets, limited to one per household, with most applications reviewed and decided on within a week. This is a great initiative offering some much-needed warmth and relief for those struggling with heating costs this winter. Find out more: octopus.energy/blog/free-electric-blankets-for-our-most-vulnerable oes.ovoenergy.com It helps to look after your heating system too - bleeding radiators, servicing your boiler, and covering sources of draughts will all help your home stay warmer at lower cost. How CHAP can help If you’re worried about your heating this winter - whether it’s how you’re going to pay the bills, whether you’re warm enough, or whether you’re eligible for all the help available - please get in touch with us. We provide free, independent, confidential advice on benefits, housing, debt and more. We also have a selection of hats and scarves that were kindly donated by knitwear manufacturer Robert Mackie of Scotland ( www.robertmackie.com ). These are available to anyone in need - just contact us to request them. Please stay warm and safe this winter and be assured that support is available if you're struggling. Call us on Freephone 030 0002 0002

At CHAP, we see firsthand the difference that local support, guidance, and investment can make to people’s lives. These crucial services contribute to reducing levels of poverty in our communities. Each year, The Poverty Alliance shines a light on the realities of poverty in Scotland and highlights the steps we can take to build a fairer, more just society. Running from 6th-10th October 2025, Challenge Poverty Week is an opportunity to raise awareness, share ideas, and push for much-needed change. There are different themes for each day of Challenge Poverty Week: Monday 6th October - Social Security We need to ensure everyone has enough to meet their basic needs. Far too many people are still unaware of their benefit entitlements and don't claim additional financial support - which can often lead to debt. At CHAP, our advisers support individuals and families with benefits advice, eligibility checks, and form-filling to help them access the support they’re entitled to and help prevent financial crises. Tuesday 7th October - Jobs and Employability Work is about more than just a payslip - it’s about security, dignity, fair hours, and having a voice in the workplace. At CHAP, we lead by example and are proud to be both a Living Wage and Living Hours employer, ensuring all our staff are paid fairly and have sustainable and flexible working patterns. We also partner with local employability services and have created an animation that follows the journey of a parent looking to re-enter employment, highlighting the ups and downs many people face along the way – and demonstrating how accessing the right support can help people overcome barriers and achieve a more secure future for themselves and their family. You can view the video here: youtube.com Wednesday 8th October - Better Investments in Life’s Essentials Everyone should have access to safe housing, childcare, digital access, transport, and social care. Our advisers work to prevent problems escalating, providing help with housing, debt, and benefits so people can focus on living, learning, and working. Thursday 9th October - Better Investments in Our Communities Communities thrive when there are local services, opportunities, and strong support networks. CHAP works with partners across Ayrshire to provide advice, education, and guidance, from financial literacy workshops in schools to one-to-one support for those in need. Friday 10th October - Warm Homes, Green Travel, Safe Climate Fuel poverty and high energy bills affect far too many families. CHAP helps people manage energy debt and refer to partners for additional support with changing suppliers to reduce tariffs. Towards the end of the month, the Scotland Demands Better march takes place in Edinburgh on Saturday 25th October. This public march is open to all and aims to highlight the need for change so that every household can access life’s essentials - from a safe, warm home and a decent income to healthcare, education, and support for those who need it most. It is an opportunity for people across Scotland to come together and raise awareness of the challenges that many face and to call for robust policies that help households thrive. To find out more about Challenge Poverty Week please visit: Challenge Poverty Week - The Poverty Alliance For more information on the Scotland Demands Better march please visit: SCOTLAND DEMANDS BETTER If you, or someone you know, is facing issues with housing, benefits or debt please contact CHAP to arrange an appointment. Call Freephone 030 0002 0002 or use the live chat on our website.

At CHAP, we understand how overwhelming it can feel when every step towards employment seems to come with new challenges. From childcare costs to changes in benefits, it’s easy to feel like you’re taking one step forward and two steps back. To illustrate this, we’ve created an animation which follows one parent’s journey back into employment while highlighting the barriers families can face along the way - and the local support available to help overcome them. Watch the video below:

When life throws challenges our way - whether it’s housing worries, debt issues, or navigating the complex benefits system - it can feel daunting knowing where to turn. That’s why it’s so important to choose an organisation you can trust. At CHAP, we’re proud to hold a range of accreditations and memberships that show our advice isn’t just free and confidential, but it's also backed by the highest professional standards. Here are some of the key accreditations and regulatory bodies that oversee the work we do, and why they matter: • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Regulation Finally, CHAP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This means our financial advice meets robust industry standards, offering clients an extra layer of protection and peace of mind. • Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers CHAP holds Type III accreditation under these national standards - the highest level possible. This means our advice in housing, welfare rights, and money/debt is independently assessed to ensure it meets strict criteria for quality, accuracy and professionalism. For our clients, this offers reassurance that the guidance we provide is trusted and reliable. • Approved Money Advisers We’re approved by the Scottish Government as money advisers for the Homeowner’s Support Fund. This allows us to deliver projects like the AHAP service, helping homeowners who are struggling with their mortgage to access vital support and prevent repossession. • Accountant in Bankruptcy Authorisation CHAP is approved by the AIB (Accountant in Bankruptcy) to provide assistance with formal debt solutions. We can support people applying for the Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) and use the BASYS system to submit bankruptcy applications where appropriate. This ensures that clients receive correct, regulated support with serious financial decisions. • Fair Work Commitment As both a Living Wage and Living Hours accredited employer, CHAP demonstrates a strong commitment to fair pay and job security. We believe that treating our staff well not only benefits them, but also enhances the quality of service our community receives. Why it matters For over twenty years, CHAP has been trusted to deliver free, independent and confidential advice across Ayrshire. But trust isn’t just something you say - it’s something you prove. These accreditations and regulatory commitments show that we’re accountable, professional and dedicated to doing things the right way. So, whether you’re worried about rent arrears, need help with benefits, or are struggling with debt, you can be confident that CHAP’s advisers are working to the very highest standards of care and professionalism. If you, or someone you know, could benefit from our services, please get in touch: Freephone 030 0002 0002 .

We know it’s not always convenient for people to come along to our Ardrossan office, so CHAP offers an outreach service in various locations across Ayrshire. By operating in multiple local venues, we aim to ensure that people experiencing challenges with housing, welfare rights, or debt do not have to travel long distances to access help. Our outreach service is designed to reduce barriers and make free, independent and professional advice more accessible to those who need it most. At each venue within North, East and South Ayrshire, our trained advisers are available to meet with individuals and families for one-to-one appointments. These sessions can cover a wide range of issues, from tenancy rights and homelessness prevention to benefit applications and managing personal debt. Below is a list of CHAP’s current outreach locations: North Ayrshire Dalry Library - Tuesdays Irvine - Fullarton Community Hub - Wednesdays Irvine - Redburn Community Centre - Tuesdays Kilbirnie - George Steven Community Hub - Thursdays Kilwinning - Cranberry Moss Community Centre - Mondays and Thursdays East Ayrshire Kilmarnock - CentreStage Neighbourhood - Tuesdays & Thursdays South Ayrshire (Council Tax Debt Only) Ayr Housing Aid Centre - Wednesdays (excluding the last week of each month) Girvan Library - Last Thursday of each month Please note that appointments at these locations are available by booking only - drop-in appointments are not available. This helps us make sure everyone gets dedicated, one-to-one time with an adviser who can focus on the person's situation. If you or someone you know could benefit from speaking to CHAP, please don’t hesitate to get in touch to arrange an appointment at the outreach location most convenient for you. Call Freephone 030 0002 0002 or use the live chat feature here on our website.

After more than two decades of dedicated service, we recently said a fond farewell to one of CHAP's longest-serving Trustees who has stepped down from his role on the board. Jim McGeehan has been a valued member of CHAP’s Board of Trustees for over 20 years, playing a crucial role in the organisation’s development. He served as Chair for many of those years, guiding the charity through significant periods of change and growth with a steady hand and unwavering commitment. In Jim’s parting message he states: “It has been a tremendous honour and privilege to serve on the board. During this time, I have been continually inspired by the mission of CHAP, the dedication of its staff, and the impact we have had on the Ayrshire community.” On a more personal note to board members, he added: “Thank you for your support. I will miss your camaraderie and the good times we have had. It has been a blast. Thank you all!” . Fellow trustees were quick to reflect on the contribution Jim has made over the past two decades - not just professionally, but personally. Current Chair, Ray Chaney, commented: “That phrase people often use - ‘He lights up the room’ - absolutely applies to Jim. His care for staff, his concern for fairness, and his positivity made him truly one of a kind. He’ll be sorely missed by us all at future board meetings.” Trustee Marjorie added: “It’s an understatement to say that Jim did more than his fair share over the years and it won’t be quite the same without his resolute positivity, wit and cheeky grin!” Another long-standing trustee, Jim Munro, said: “It has been an absolute privilege serving on the board with Jim. He has been a fantastic Board Member, demonstrating wisdom, great people skills and business insight. On a personal level, I will miss his funny anecdotes - many of which will live long in my memory!” . Alasdair, who joined the CHAP Board last year, also commented: “Jim leaves us with big shoes to fill. From everything I’ve learned, he’s been a huge influence and a great leader. CHAP feels like a family - and it’s very clear that Jim helped shape that.”

With scams becoming increasingly frequent and convincing, it’s more important than ever to stay alert. Fraudsters are constantly coming up with new ways to trick people into handing over money or personal details - often pretending to be someone you trust, like a bank, government agency or delivery company. At CHAP, we’ve been hearing directly from clients who’ve been targeted by scammers - and sadly, some have been caught out. There are too many scams to list, but here are six of the most common scams around at the moment, along with tips on how to stay one step ahead. 1. DWP Winter Heating Payment Scam Texts Scammers are sending texts that appear to be from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), asking older people to confirm their details or risk losing out on their Winter Heating Payment. How to spot: Genuine government bodies won’t ask for your personal details by text or ask you to click a link. Look out for poor spelling or grammar, and suspicious links. If in doubt, contact the DWP directly using a verified number or website. 2. Fake Royal Mail or Courier Delivery Texts You receive a text or email saying there’s a parcel waiting to be delivered, but a fee must be paid first. The link takes you to a fake website that captures your card details. How to spot: Unexpected delivery texts, especially if you haven’t ordered anything. Requests for small payments (e.g. £1.99) to 'release' a parcel. Hover over or inspect links before clicking - real courier companies will never demand upfront fees like this. 3. Council Tax Refund or Rebanding Scams Scammers pretend to be from your local council or a claims company and say you’re owed a Council Tax rebate. They then ask for your bank details or a fee to 'process' the refund. How to spot: Councils don’t charge a fee to check your band or issue a refund. Never give bank details to cold callers or unsolicited emails/texts. If you're unsure, contact your council directly using details from their official website. 4. Fake Banking Fraud Calls or Texts You’re told there’s suspicious activity on your bank account, and you're urged to transfer your money to a 'safe account'. The caller may sound very convincing and even know some of your personal details. How to spot: Your bank will never ask you to move your money or share full PINs/passwords. Don’t rely on caller ID - scammers can often spoof legitimate numbers. Hang up and call your bank using a trusted number. 5. HMRC Tax Refund or Fine Scams You receive a message or call claiming you’re due a tax refund or that you owe HMRC money and will face legal action if you don’t pay immediately. How to spot: HMRC doesn’t contact people this way and will never demand urgent payment via text or call. Scare tactics and urgency are red flags. Check by logging into your official HMRC online account. 6. Energy Bill Discount Scams Fraudsters claim you’re eligible for a government grant or energy discount and ask you to fill in a form with your personal or banking information. How to spot: The government doesn’t ask for personal information this way. If you’re unsure, check the official Government website for schemes and announcements. Never click links in unexpected emails or texts claiming to be from Ofgem or your energy supplier. Other Scams to Be Aware Of There are many more scams out there - too many to list - but here are just a couple of others to watch out for: Microsoft Tech Support Scam Cold callers claim to be from Microsoft and say there’s a problem with your computer. They’ll ask you to download software so they can 'fix' it remotely, then try to charge you hundreds of pounds for fake repairs or software that doesn’t exist. Never allow remote access to your computer unless you’ve contacted a verified support service yourself. WhatsApp Family Scam You receive a message that appears to be from your son, daughter, or another family member saying they’ve lost their phone and need money urgently. Always call or speak to the person directly before sending money - don’t rely on text alone. Where to Report Scams In Scotland, report all scams to Advice Direct Scotland by calling 0808 164 6000 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or online at www.consumeradvice.scot Fraud If you have been the victim of fraud, report it to Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Suspicious Emails You can forward suspicious emails to: report@phishing.gov.uk and send links from websites which you think are trying to scam the public to the National Cyber Security Centre's scam website reporting service at: www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scam-website Suspicious Text Messages If you receive a suspicious text message you can forward it to 7726 . The free-of-charge ‘7726’ service enables your provider to investigate and take action if malicious content is found. Protect Yourself Take your time - scammers rely on panic and urgency. Never click on suspicious links - always go directly to the official site. Stay informed - follow CHAP on social media for weekly updates through our Scam Watch series. The best defence against scams is awareness - so let’s keep each other informed and one step ahead. If you, or anyone you know, is facing issues related to housing, benefits or debt, please call Freephone 030 0002 0002 or use the Live Chat feature on our website. All our services are FREE, confidential and impartial.

Now that the summer holidays are in full swing, many families are looking forward to a well-earned break from the usual routine. But for some parents and carers, the holidays can also bring added pressure - especially for households already managing on a low income. When school is in session, children benefit from structured days, school meals, and a range of free activities. Without that daily support, the summer months can sometimes feel long and financially draining. The added costs of food, activities, and childcare can put a real strain on already tight budgets. At CHAP, we understand how challenging this time of year can be. That’s why we want to remind families that help is available and that nobody should feel they have to face these pressures alone. Free and Low-Cost Family Activities We know that keeping the kids amused during school holidays and weekends can be tough when you're on a budget - but there are plenty of free or low-cost places to visit across Ayrshire that the whole family can enjoy. Public Parks Explore places such as Eglinton Country Park, Kelburn Castle & Estate or Dean Castle Country Park - all have play areas, nature trails and loads of space for picnics and adventures. Castles & Museums Visit historically rich places including the North Ayrshire Heritage Centre, Kilwinning Abbey, Portencross Castle or The Dick Institute - all completely free and full of fascinating discoveries for curious minds. Beaches From Largs to Ayr, there are loads of family-friendly spots along the coast to build sandcastles, paddle, or just enjoy the fresh sea air. Hop over to Cumbrae A short, affordable ferry from Largs takes you to the wee island of Cumbrae - perfect for a mini-adventure! Take bikes, enjoy the beach, or walk along the promenade in Millport. You'll often find that your local library will have a programme of activities to keep children active and engaged - without breaking the bank. Help with Food During the Holidays For families who rely on free school meals during term time, the summer holidays can mean added food costs that are hard to cover. Low-income families may be entitled to a payment to support them over the school holiday period. In North Ayrshire, the Council are providing free lunches to eligible children and young people of primary and secondary school age. To find out more please click here . Local food larders and foodbanks play a vital role in supporting families who may be struggling - especially during the school holidays. Food larders usually operate on a membership or low-cost basis, allowing people to access fresh and store-cupboard items at a fraction of supermarket prices. Foodbanks, on the other hand, provide emergency food parcels to those in crisis, usually through a referral system. If you're unsure where your nearest food support is or how to access it, CHAP can help point you in the right direction. List of Food Larders in North Ayrshire List of Food Larders in East Ayrshire South Ayrshire Food Banks Benefit Checks and Budgeting Support The summer period is also a good time to make sure you're claiming everything you’re entitled to. Many families are missing out on support such as: Scottish Child Payment Best Start Grants and Foods Universal Credit Council Tax Reduction Discretionary Housing Payments CHAP’s advisers can help you understand what’s available, assist with applications, and offer budgeting advice to help your money go further - not just during the holidays, but all year round. You’re Not Alone The school holidays should be a time to make memories and enjoy time together - not a source of financial worry. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to turn, please remember that CHAP is here for you. Our advice is always free, confidential and independent. You can call us on Freephone 030 0002 0002 or use the live chat feature on our website.