An important post which we hope you’ll share. We’ve seen a steep increase in messages this week asking for assistance on the run up to Christmas. With only so much we can do, we’ve spent some time today compiling a list of available help across Lanarkshire. We understand fully for many households, the festive season brings added pressure. The cost of food, warm clothing, heating and Christmas gifts for children can quickly become overwhelming — especially for families already facing financial hardship.
This week alone, we’ve donated food and gifts to struggling families in the Blantyre area, but with only so many people subscribed to our Supporters group, funding and ability to assist is limited.
But help is at hand from dedicated organisations who are specifically set up to offer this kind of assistance. Across Lanarkshire, local organisations work quietly and compassionately to ensure no one is left struggling alone at this time of year.
We’ve compiled a guide to where support is available and how to access it.
🎁 Larkhall & District Volunteer Group (LDVG)
Provides Christmas toy and gift appeals to help children from financially struggling families receive presents.
- How to access: Via local announcements and community referrals, often through social work
- Website: ldvg.org.uk
📞 South Lanarkshire Council – Community Wellbeing Helpline
A central point of contact offering advice, signposting and referrals for:
- Food banks
- Community hubs
- Benefits support
- Help with bills and crisis funds
- Phone: 0300 029 0041
💷 Scottish Welfare Fund (via South Lanarkshire Council)
Provides emergency crisis grants for urgent needs such as:
- Food
- Heating
- Essential household items
- Short-term support after sudden hardship
- Apply through: Community Wellbeing Helpline (above)
🥫 Clydesdale Food Bank
Supports families across South Lanarkshire with:
- Emergency food parcels
- Hygiene and household essentials
- Extra Christmas food bags in December
- Address: 96 Chapel Street, Carluke, ML8 4BD
- Access: Referral-based
🛒 Hamilton District Foodbank
Offers emergency 3-day food parcels, for Blantyre and Hamilton areas including during Christmas.
- Phone: 07884 451512
- Email: info@hamiltondistrict.foodbank.org.uk
- Access: Referral required, Tue and Thurs
🧤 Cadzow Central Churches Drop-in Centre (Hamilton)
Provides essential support including:
- Food
- Warm clothing
- Showers and clothes washing
- Christmas Day: Full Christmas dinner and gift bag
- Contact: dougiewalls@hotmail.com
☕ Bothwell Parish Church Food Hub
Supports individuals and families facing hardship with:
- Hot drinks
- Soup, sandwiches and hot evening meals
- Essential food items
- Opening times:
- Mon, Tue, Fri & Sat
- 11:30am – 8:00pm
- Address: Main Street, Bothwell
🍲 Blantyre Old Parish Church Food Hub
A welcoming, community-focused space offering:
- Free meals
- Soup & rolls
- Hot drinks
- Phone: 07944 444 964 and attend in person on Wednesdays.
🤝 The Salvation Army – Hamilton & Blantyre
Works in partnership with local foodbanks to:
- Distribute food parcels
- Provide seasonal Christmas support
- Access: Via Hamilton District Foodbank referrals
💬 A Message to Families Across Lanarkshire
It can be difficult for families struggling to see others enjoying festivities. If Christmas feels heavy this year, please know you are not alone. These ARE hard times we all live in. There is no shame in asking for help, and there are dedicated people across our communities working to ensure no family goes without food, warmth or dignity.
Help is available. Support is local. And no family in Lanarkshire ever needs to struggle in silence. If YOU know of other organisation which can be added to this list, want to suggest a correction or perhaps your organisation can help directly, please do get in touch.
