Benefits advice drop-in for Fife

Weekly drop-in sessions are being held at Auchterderran Church hall to support local residents with issues such as benefits and housing concerns.

Danielle Porteous and Vicky Murdoch from Ore Valley Housing Association attend the gatherings every Tuesday from 11am to 1pm and are inviting locals to join them.

As well as providing advice on topics such as Universal Credit and housing complaints, they can help people get in touch with relevant support agencies.

Ms Murdoch said: “The idea for the drop-in was to bring the community together through times where we are facing uncertainty with current changes to the benefit system and social isolation.

“The main purpose is to provide a comfortable space for a social gathering and for people to meet others and have a chat in a warm, friendly environment.”

Since the project was launched at the start of the year, various agencies have been involved including Cosy Kingdom and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

The sessions are run and managed by volunteers from both village churches and supported by Ore Valley Housing Association, Tesco Fareshare and Fife Council.

Ms Murdoch added: “The sessions are providing extremely popular and are open to everyone. We have regulars who attend every week but it is also good to see some new faces as well.”