Lochgelly Library to host free in-person advocacy services

L-R Ann McShane, Steven McGinty, Andrew Bartlett and Becky Deveney <i>(Image: Scottish Library and Information Council)</i>
L-R Ann McShane, Steven McGinty, Andrew Bartlett and Becky Deveney (Image: Scottish Library and Information Council)
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Lochgelly's library is set to offer in-person support through a new scheme.

Free, face-to-face advocacy sessions will be coming as part of a new national partnership between the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) and the charity Advice Direct Scotland.

The service in the Jennie Lee Library, which is within Lochgelly Centre, is aimed at helping people access and deal with Social Security Scotland benefits, with trained advocates providing direct assistance.

Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: "Libraries are trusted public spaces that sit at the heart of communities, offering connection, learning, and support to people of all ages.

"By partnering with Advice Direct Scotland, we can extend that support even further, ensuring that anyone who needs advice can access it easily, locally, and without barriers."

The Lochgelly library is among those in the first phase of the scheme to host advocates from Advocacy.scot, who will be on hand to offer guidance in a familiar setting.

Marjorie Gibson, operation director at Advice Direct Scotland, said: "Our mission is to ensure everyone in Scotland can access free, impartial advocacy when they need it most.

“Libraries are welcoming, familiar environments and bringing our advocates into these spaces will help us reach even more people in a way that feels comfortable and accessible.

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