WEST FIFERS have been told support is out there as the cost-of-living crisis deepens.

Fife Council says they, along with community partners, continue to increase help for those who need it.

A community website, our.fife.scot/gethelp, has been launched encouraging residents to #GetHelpFife and find out what is available.

Fife Council leader David Ross urged everyone to have a look at the site and to take advantage of any help available in these difficult times.

“We have been working with our community partners to make sure every Fifer has​ ​easy access to co-ordinated, practical information and support that helps reduce the impact of rising costs​​," he said.

"The OurFife community website brings all that information together in one place and it’s easy to find what you’re looking for.”

There’s help available for those who aren’t eligible for any benefits.

Some of the support which offered is open to anyone, such as free bus travel for under 21s, Café Inc lunch clubs, community fridges /pantries, free period products, money advice, mortgage support, advice on fuel and energy costs.

Cllr Ross added: "As a council, we can’t solve all the problems that the cost-of-living crisis brings. By working more closely than ever with our community partners – NHS Fife, Fife Health and Social Care, Citizens Advice and Rights Fife, Fife Voluntary Action and a range of community organisations – we can to try to make sure that wherever folk turn for support or advice, they’ll get the help they need."

Locally, teams have been working closely with voluntary groups and community partners to provide support tailored to local needs, from Community Use vouchers for families to free sessions in a number of venues, offering a chat, welfare support, IT and job club support.

For individuals and families, there are informal, social activities like table tennis, indoor curling, board games and short exercise activities in local leisure centres or, during the holidays, Cafe Inc food clubs.

A search in the Dunfermline area section will show a host of different support from community cafes, to food support, Warm Spaces and free activities.

City of Dunfermline area committee convenor Cllr James Calder added: "The Dunfermline area team has been working with various different services, organisations, charities and local community groups to gather together a list of all the local support on offer.

"We don’t want anyone to go hungry or be stuck in a freezing home with nowhere to go this winter. There’s lots of support on offer and I’d encourage everyone to take advantage of what’s there. Or if you know someone who might benefit from some of this support, please let them know and encourage them to go along if they can.”

The OurFife website also has an interactive map where you can click to highlight the resources in your area, whether that’s community job clubs, warm spaces venues or places where you can get help with food such as community pantries, community fridges, foodbanks and community cafes.