Young People
Find out more about benefits, financial support and things to do for young people.
Benefits and financial support
Young Scot guides
Young Scot is Scotland's national youth information and citizenship charity. Their guide to benefits covers:
- what's available
- who's eligible
- how you can make a claim
Young Scot has also created a 'cost crisis' guide that lists offers and tips on saving money. They update this guide on a regular basis.
Apply for benefits and financial supports
You can apply for a range of different benefits and financial supports from Dumfries and Galloway Council depending on your personal circumstances.
The Holywood Trust
You can apply to The Holywood Trust for a grant if you are a young person normally resident in Dumfries and Galloway and require financial support to move your life forward in some way. The priority age range is young people aged 15 - 25 years old, however, occasionally The Holywood Trust will consider applications from young people aged 12-14 years if the young person is disadvantaged or especially talented/skilled in a specific area such as sports or the arts.
Find out more about applying for the Holywood Trust grant>>
Low cost activities and volunteer opportunities
Young Scot
Young Scot provide information on discounts to save you money, rewards, opportunities to volunteer and all the amazing benefits you can get with your Young Scot National Entitlement Card and how to apply for one.
Find out more about Young Scot's opportunities and discounts>>
Youth Work Programme
Have a look at the free Youth Work programme and take part in a range of activities, programmes, workshops, trips and experiences.
DG Doing More
DG Doing More is all about finding practical ways for the people of Dumfries and Galloway to move a bit more as part of their everyday lives. Finding time to be physically active can be difficult.
Find out about moving more as part of your daily routine >>
Parks
There are a number of outdoor public parks that can be accessed for free.
Find out where the parks are >>
DG Culture
There are a number of museums and galleries in Dumfries and Galloway which have free entry. Find out more about the different venues and what's on at DG Culture.
Find out more about what's on at DG Culture Museums and galleries
Discounted Leisure Membership
If you're a student, are in receipt of certain benefits, or are disabled, you can get access to a host of Dumfries and Galloway Council leisure facilities and classes for just £13.30 a month.
Find out more about getting a Club Active membership >>
Free Books
Pop into one of the Council's libraries and borrow books - it's free.
- borrow up to 12 books and audiobooks
- use library computers and internet (pre booking necessary, please telephone 01387 260196)
- use library WiFi
- use your card at any branch www.dumgal.gov.uk/lia
- you can use your National Entitlement Card as your library card
Free Digital ebooks and e-magazines
Did you know that with your Library card you can get access to free eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines? With thousands of titles to choose from, all of which you can access from your phone or tablet.
Find out more, join the library and/or download Borrowbox >>
Free colouring activities
Did you know that everyone can spend time colouring in our Customer Service Centres? They have fantastic colouring pictures designed by local artists to colour and colouring books for all interests.
Choose a spot to relax and create your own masterpiece (or just enjoy a doodle). Just ask at the counter for colouring pens and materials to use for free in the library. All materials are funded by SLIC (Scottish Library and Information Council).
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great opportunity to meet new people and develop new friendships, in an enjoyable and, sometimes, social activity. You are contributing to your community or a cause you support or admire, giving satisfaction that you are making a difference.
Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway can help you start your volunteering journey >>
There are also opportunities to volunteer available through Dumfries and Galloway Council.
Find out more about volunteering opportunities>>
Getting around
Young Persons' (under 22s) free bus travel
If you live in Scotland and are 5-21 years old you are eligible for a card giving you free bus travel. Children under five years old already travel for free on buses and don't need a card.
Find out more and apply now >>
Disabled persons free bus pass
If you or your child (five-plus) has a disability you may be able to get a free bus pass.
Check if you can get a disabled persons bus pass >>
Jobcentre plus travel discount card
If you're unemployed and get Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit, you could get 50% off some rail and bus travel.
Read more about the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card >>
Support for school students
Education Maintenance Allowance
You could get financial support to stay on at school if you are from a low income household and meet certain criteria. This is called an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).
Find out more and see if you are eligible >>
Educational Trusts
There are various Trusts, Schemes and Scholarships available in the region.
- John Wallace Trust Scheme
- Edinburgh Dumfriesshire Scholarship
- Wigtownshire Educational Trust
- Lockerbie and Syracuse Trust
- Dumfriesshire Educational Trust
Find out more and how you can apply >>
Free school meals
Free School Meals can lead to a large saving each year, parents of primary school children can potentially save £361 and parents of secondary pupils can potentially save £370.
Children who are eligible for free School Meals on financial grounds, also receive £2.50 per day holiday food payments for each of the main school holidays. This is around £162 per child per year.
Find out more about free school meals >>
Free school uniforms
Did you know that Dumfries and Galloway Council has six permanent School Uniform Banks in the region that are open all year round?
Each location has a extensive stock of free, excellent-to good-condition school uniforms that are suitable for the schools close to each uniform bank location.
Find a uniform bank near to you >>
Free school transport
Your child could get free school transport if their school is not within walking distance, you're on a low income or they have additional support needs.
Check if you can get free school transport >>
School clothing grants
Families on low income could get a school clothing grant. It's £134 for primary aged children and £150 for secondary aged children.
Check if you can get a school clothing grant >>
Support for college or university students
Dumfries and Galloway College
Are you a student at Dumfries and Galloway College? Did you know they run a free breakfast club and have a student food bank and an emergency student support fund?
Find out more information on the support available >>
Childcare Funds
All students may apply for assistance with registered childcare costs regardless of whether you are studying on a full-time or part-time basis. These awards are subject to household means-testing - support cannot be offered where the household income excess £40,000.
Find out more about Childcare Funds>>
University of Glasgow (Dumfries Campus)
Student Support Officers are the first point of contact for an array of questions you might have. These could include, but are not limited to advice and information including: finances, accommodation, personal problems, careers information, accessing the counselling services and accessing support for a disability
UWS (Dumfries Campus)
Studying at the University West of Scotland (UWS)? Find everything you need to know about how much it will cost to study at UWS, as well as information on the funding that may be available to help you meet these costs and help support your living costs during your studies. You can also find out about any additional funds that might be available, and get advice and guidance on how to make the most of your money.
Money, Fees & Funding (uws.ac.uk)
Budgeting advice for students
Student budgeting planner - including spreadsheets to help you budget - MSE (moneysavingexpert.com)
Student budgeting tips - Calculate your budget (ucas.com)
University budgeting tips | MoneyHelper
Students: Lone Parents' Childcare Grant
The Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) offers a grant for students bringing up a child or sibling on their own to help with the cost of registered childcare.
Read more about the Lone Parents' Childcare Grant >>
Discounted Leisure Membership for Students
If you're a student you can get access to a host of Dumfries and Galloway Council leisure facilities and classes for just £13.30 a month.
Find out more about getting a Club Active membership >>
Eating Healthy on a Tight Budget
As food costs continue to rise, eating healthy on a budget can be a challenge. Senior Dietitian shares some tips to help.
Support for young carers
Support for Carers and Young Carers
A Carer is "a person of any age who provides unpaid help and support to a relative, friend or neighbour who cannot manage to live independently without the Carers help due to frailty, illness, disability or addiction."
If you're a Carer, you can find information, advice and support by contacting Dumfries and Galloway Carers Centre.
Young Carers Project
If you're between 7 and 18 years old and look after someone, you can find information and support for any problems you have as well as having fun with other Young Carers by contacting the Dumfries and Galloway Carers Centre.
Carer's Allowance
You could get £76.75 a week if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits.
Check if you can get Carer's Allowance >>
Carer's Allowance Supplement
Carer's Allowance Supplement is an extra payment to help carers in Scotland who get Carer's Allowance.
Check if you can get Carer's Allowance Supplement >>
Young Carer Grant
The grant is a yearly payment of £359.65 for young carers in Scotland. You need to be 16, 17 or 18 years old to get it.
Find out more about Young Carer Grant >>
Further support
Blether Live Chat
The Council's Youth Enquiry Service are here to chat about anything that is on your mind or bothering you, 7 days a week. All chats are stored and kept confidentially for safeguarding purposes.
Find out more about Blether Sessions or have a chat>>
Local Services
Want to know where to go for help in your local area? Search our Services for a list of organisations and opportunities across Dumfries and Galloway for you.
Find out more about local services>>
Young Scot Aye Feel
Young people can get advice on emotional wellbeing, mental health and organisations who can support them.
Citizens Advice
If you don't have enough money to live on, you might be able to get help to afford essentials like bills and food. This includes the Scottish Welfare Fund and cost of living payments.
Get help with the cost of living - Citizens Advice
Tips if you need urgent help with your finances
If you're struggling to pay bills and finding it hard to manage the essentials like housing and food, there are people and organisations who can help.
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