Our priority is to continue to run our Social Work Services as usual during severe weather.  However, sometimes because of difficulties and risk associated with travel or damage to offices caused by severe weather, our teams have the option to work out of different offices or from home. In cases of severe weather disruption a priority service will be put into action where those most at risk of harm or who pose a risk to others will be seen first.

Where there is disruption to services Social Work will try to contact you directly, or your family or nominated neighbour to let you know.

In extreme circumstances if a social work office/centre has to close or a service like meals on wheels can’t get through we will try to contact you to check you have alternative provision in place and, help you to make any necessary arrangements. Information will also be provided on Kingdom FM.

Visits will be prioritised, but the community alarm service will still be maintained 24/7.

Where the weather is most severe, home care staff will be targeted to those most in need on a locality basis.

In bad weather our phone lines will be very busy. If you already use our services and want to find out if bad weather is affecting them, before phoning our helpline, please:

1. contact your named worker
2. look for information online (www.fife.gov.uk/winter)
3. listen to local radio Kingdom FM (95.2 & 96.1) * Forth One (97.3) Tay FM (96.4 & 102.8)

If you still need to contact us, call 03451 55 15 03 (9am-5pm) or our emergency out of hours service 03451 55 00 99.

Fife Council would encourage families and communities to offer support to their elderly neighbours where possible. People who already have support from Social Work Services should speak to their usual contact.

Contact your local pharmacy to see if they can help with prescription medicines.

In an absolute emergency people who do not have anyone to get them prescriptions or essential shopping should contact the Social Work Contact Centre during working hours.

There are grants, benefits and sources of advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills. It's worthwhile claiming all the benefits you are entitled to.

During winter, the Winter Fuel Payment is a tax free payment (once yearly) to help older people keep warm. It is provided by the government to those who are eligible. For more information visit www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

£50 Winter Heating payment is a new benefit from the Scottish government to help those on a low income keep their homes warm in winter. It has replaced the Cold Weather Payment of £25. Visit Winter Heating Payment - mygov.scot for more information.

Fife Cares offers FREE home safety checks to vulnerable people in Fife, and to families with children under 5. This service offers home and fire safety advice and equipment where appropriate (free of charge) to help reduce the risk of fire or unintentional injury, particularly over the winter months. Referrals can be made by any service or individual at www.fifecarerscentre.org

You should contact Police Scotland on 101 to request a welfare check.

If you need any help or support, please contact your private sector provider in the first instance.  We keep in close contact with them and other voluntary organisations during bad weather so, if there is disruption, we will work together to keep in contact with you.