Actions to Support Shetland (Households, Businesses, Community Groups) Through the Cost Pressure
This briefing provides information on what the Council is doing, with partners and communities, to support the Cost of Living Crisis.This focuses on the immediate support required, in recognition that medium and long term priorities are dealt with elsewhere, including through Shetland Partnership Plan and Our Ambition.
- In general, if you, or anyone you know has concerns about money and energy costs contact CAB: Shetland Islands Citizens Advice Bureau | Citizens Advice Scotland (cas.org.uk) or Anchor for Families: Anchor for Families – Shetland Islands Council. For a referral form to CAB please email them on sicab@shetland.org / to request support from Anchor for Families use the online form on the Anchor for Families website
- In general, if you, or anyone you know needs food contact CAB: Shetland Islands Citizens Advice Bureau | Citizens Advice Scotland (cas.org.uk) or Anchor for Families: Anchor for Families – Shetland Islands Council and they will be able to refer you to the Shetland Food Bank
- These support services will also ensure that households who are eligible have support to access Scottish Welfare Fund Crisis Grants and Fuel Vouchers through the Fuel Bank Foundation, and the Council’s emergency support to households operating through Duty Social Work
- Public Spaces are open, across Shetland, for anyone looking for a warm and welcoming place to sit and relax. Community groups, for example, are running activities, during the day, evenings and weekends. For more information visit the support in your area pages on this site.
- Any businesses under pressure to pay energy bills should be signposted to the Business Gateway: Shetland - Local Support | Business Gateway | Business Gateway (bgateway.com)
- Any person seeking support to move into work, or improve their employment opportunities: Support getting into employment – Shetland Islands Council
- If you have any other queries, please email emma.perring@shetland.gov.uk
We Shine Brighter Together Communication Campaign
#WeShineBrighterTogether is a communications campaign, linked to the cost of living crisis, aimed at:
1) ensuring that the community knows what support and help are available in Shetland, and how to access it.
2) normalising and reducing the stigma around asking for, receiving and offering help and support.
While it is most relevant to those who are currently in need, it aims at capturing a wider audience which includes: those who are not currently but may need support in the future; those who may know someone who might need help; those who might not need help, but could do something to help. This audience cuts across all age groups and households as well as geographically.
The campaign uses social media, print, digital and location-specific media (e.g. Cinema, GP surgeries, Schools etc) to reach as much of this audience as possible.
You can find a campaign guide, alongside various campaign assets in the downloads from the right hand side of this page.
The We Shine Brighter Together campaign film is available to share on YouTube, and the Shetland Islands Council's Facebook page
Alongside short videos, the film is available for download here. If you would like to create your own Facebook or Instagram post using the campaign video, please email emma.perring@shetland.gov.uk to request crossposting rights to the video.