Supports for wider issues | East Ayrshire Council Parental Mental Health Site

How money, food and housing worries affect you and your child’s mental health & wellbeing

Many parents in Scotland feel stressed when money is tight, food costs are high, or housing doesn’t feel secure. These worries can build up and affect how you feel every day, making it harder to relax, sleep, or enjoy time with your children. Food insecurity, meaning worrying about having enough food or cutting back so children can eat, has been linked to poorer mental health for both adults and children.

Children are very aware of what’s happening around them, even if adults try to protect them. Research in Scotland shows that when parents experience long‑term stress from poverty, unstable work or poor housing, it can affect children’s emotional, social and behavioural development. Children may become more anxious, withdrawn, or have difficulties concentrating because family stress impacts how safe and settled they feel.

The positive news is that support like the Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Grants can help ease some of the pressure on families, making home life feel more secure and supporting better wellbeing for both parents and children.

Support and information available to parents in Scotland

Below are national sources where parents can find advice, financial support, and help with food or housing insecurity:

Financial & Social Security Support

Scottish Government Social Security Scotland – information on Scottish Child Payment, Best Start Grants, Best Start Foods:
https://www.mygov.scot/benefits
Money Talk Team (Citizen’s Advice Scotland) – free support on income maximisation and debt support:
https://www.cas.org.uk/moneytalkteam

Food Support

Parent Club Scotland (Food & Nutrition support) – tips, benefits info, and links to local help:
https://www.parentclub.scot
Trussell Trust Foodbanks – find local emergency food support:
https://www.trusselltrust.org

Housing & Homelessness

Shelter Scotland – housing rights, homelessness advice, and support services:
https://scotland.shelter.org.uk
Local Council Housing Options – each Scottish local authority provides housing advice, homelessness applications, and prevention services.

Mental Health Support

NHS Inform (Scotland) – mental health self‑help, service directories, and urgent support:
https://www.nhsinform.scot
Breathing Space Scotland – mental health support line for anyone feeling low or overwhelmed:
https://breathingspace.scot

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Getting Financial Support

We all know that being a parent can cost a lot of money. Parent club has advice and information on organisations if parents are struggling to make their money last or they are worried about how they will pay their bills or manage their debts.

Resources for Financial Support

Eating on a Budget

The New Year can bring new resolutions, especially around healthy eating habits but it can be hard to find comforting food that is also healthy and affordable. Parent Club have gathered some recipes that are nutritious, budget-friendly, and the whole family can enjoy.

Healthy Comfort Eating

Social Sharing

There are a number of campaign social posts which you could share directly from Parent Club’s channels:

We would really appreciate your support in sharing this information with your audiences, and thanks so much for your continued support.