Helpful advice at our fingertips thanks to VERA
Residents in Midlothian are being given a access to a new, easy-to-use touch screen providing up-to-date information and confidential advice on a range of local support services.
The first of two screens being made available to communities has been unveiled at the Mayfield and Easthouses Development Trust pantry in a service known as VERA – Virtual, Expert, Remote Advice.
It can direct people to help from Midlothian Council, the Scottish Welfare Fund, Women’s Aid, carers organisation VOCAL and Dalkeith Citizens Advice Bureau, among others.
Dalkeith CAB Manager Julie Podet, whose team designed the content, said: “We hope this will enable more people to get the help they need, quickly.
“We have been struggling to keep up with the demand for our services and hope, if VERA is a success, we can introduce it in other areas of the community to support our frontline work.” Dalkeith CAB says the ongoing cost of living crisis and legacy of Covid have led to a year-on-year increase in people contacting them for help. In 2023, almost 15 per cent more people required help with benefits, debt, housing, employment, home energy, emergency food and other issues than in the previous year.
The screens were acquired after after Dalkeith CAB successfully applied for £8423 from the Scottish Government’s Place-Based Investment fund.
Administered by Midlothian Council, the fund supports communityled projects that align to priorities identified in local Neighbourhood Plans.
Midlothian Council Leader, Councillor Kelly Parry said: “The VERA screens are among six projects to benefit from £370,000 of Place-Based Funding.
“We think the screen will be a huge help in signposting people to the supports they need, especially during the costof-living crisis.
“And having it here, in the MAEDT pantry, is the perfect spot given the number of people who come through the door daily.”
Staff at MAEDT will be trained in using VERA to help clients with limited digital skills
MAEDT Manager Sharon Hill said: “Our weekly CAB clinic is busy so we are delighted to have VERA with us to offer further options of support to clients.
“This really highlights the positives of partnership working between agencies to benefit the local community.”
Applications will be opening soon for the PlaceBased Investment Fund. Go to www.midlothian.gov.uk/ grants