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NEWS STORY

Christmas and New Year - useful information and emergency contacts

My office will close to take a short break over the festive period so that my small team of staff can have an opportunity to rest after an incredibly busy year.

I will periodically check my email inbox for very urgent casework, however all other enquiries will be dealt with in the new year.

My office will close on Wednesday 22nd December 2021 and reopen on Wednesday 5th January 2022. Please note that due to ongoing coronavirus restrictions, my constituency office will remain closed and my staff will continue to work from home, however telephone calls and emails will be answered.

Below is some helpful information and emergency contacts which may be of use to you over the holidays.


Coronavirus information

If you have any questions regarding current COVID-19 guidance and regulations, please visit the Scottish Government's coronavirus information hub.

If you require health information, including details on vaccination and how to book a coronavirus test, please visit NHS Inform.

For coronavirus related information from your local authority, please visit the COVID-19 hub on the Glasgow City Council website, or on the North Lanarkshire Council website (for constituents in Stepps).

The following telephone numbers may also be helpful:

  • National COVID-19 helpline:
    0800 111 4000
  • COVID-19 vaccine hotline:
    0300 790 6856
  • Local shielding support:
    0141 276 1185
  • Book a test:
    119

Hospitality support grants

Information relating to the December and January Hospitality Business Support Top Up is available on the Scottish Government website.


Council festive opening hours

There is information on the Glasgow City Council and North Lanarkshire Council websites regarding opening times and out-of-hours arrangements for different departments.

Glasgow City Council also has a dedicated page on its site on bin collections over the festive period.


Gritting and salt

Glasgow City Council

North Lanarkshire Council


DWP

Some benefit payments will be made earlier if they’re due between 27 December 2021 and 4 January 2022. Further details and inforrmation can be found on the DWP website.

Universal Credit helpline

  • Telephone: 0800 328 5644
  • Textphone: 0800 328 1344
  • Online: gov.uk

Crisis assistance

Scottish Welfare Fund

The Scottish Welfare Fund is provided by the Scottish Government and administered by local authorities. It can help by providing crisis grants as well as self-isolation support grant. If you live in the Stepps part of my constituency, please note that North Lanarkshire Council take responsibility for the administration of the fund in your area.

Scottish Welfare Fund: Glasgow City Council

Scottish Welfare Fund: North Lanarkshire Council

Emergency food parcels

Glasgow North East Foodbank may also be able to help if you are in crisis.

For constituents living in Stepps, your nearest food bank is East Dunbartonshire.

Homelessness

Simon Community Homeless Team (24hr line)

Glasgow City Council out of hours homelessness service

Samaritans

If you feel that your circumstances are overwhelming and you are in need of emotional support, you can contact Samaritans for free in confidence any time. Samaritans' service is provided by volunteers - they can't take action or fix issues on your behalf, but they are there round the clock to listen to anyone dealing with difficult thoughts and feelings.

Domestic abuse

Glasgow Women's Aid

Glasgow East Women's Aid

Scotland's domestic abuse and forced marriage helpline


Emergency contact telephone numbers

  • Emergency police, fire or ambulance: 999
  • Glasgow City Council: 0141 287 2000
  • Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111
  • Floodline: 0345 988 1188
  • Power cut: 105
  • Gas leaks/cut: 0800 111 999
  • NHS24: 111
  • Scottish Water: 0800 0778 778
  • Traveline Scotland: 0800 200 2233
  • Traffic Scotland: 0800 028 1414
  • Foreign Office travel help: 0845 850 2829
  • Glasgow City Council asylum and refugee team: 0141 222 7352
  • Glasgow and Partners Emergency Social Work Service: 0300 343 1505