Boost Your Income

The cost of living is increasing rapidly and prices are rising at rates not seen since the 1970s, this includes energy bills, food, fuel and more.

There is lots of information online about what financial support people are entitled to and how to apply at www.eastlothian.gov.uk/boost.

East Lothian Council have also produced a guide to what’s available in our Cost of Living leaflet. This is a great guide to the financial help available for any household struggling with the cost of living increases. There’s no harm in checking.

CAB Haddington have a dedicated advisor helping us with this campaign, who can take people through a benefits check, and direct them to the income or other support that is available.

CAB Haddington can be contacted through benefits@haddingtoncab.org.uk and 01620 824471.

Everyone can check that they’re getting the financial support they’re entitled to. We particularly want to make sure that under-claimed benefits are claimed. These include:

  • Pension Credit (part of Universal Credit)
  • Council Tax Reduction
  • Child benefits (including Best Start Grants, Free School Meals, etc)

East Lothian Council knows that more people are entitled to these benefits than are currently claiming them. They want to change this, so if you think you or someone you know might be eligible – don’t delay in getting in touch.

The Cost of Living leaflet provides a useful overview of financial support available. Further tailored information will be available at www.eastlothian.gov.uk/boost.

A message from Dr Lavelle on her Retirement

Dear Patients,

As one of your GPs in Cromwell Harbour Practice, serving you and getting to know you and your families over the past 15 years has been a privilege.

I cannot think of a finer place to end my GP career of 33 years than in Dunbar Medical Centre. 

Please accept my sincere thank you and know how hugely touched I am by your kind words, lovely cards and thoughtful gifts received on my retirement; all totally unexpected but much appreciated.


I know how difficult the last 2+ years has been for you all. Thank you for your support of the practice and your understanding of the changes required during this time.

I would like to wish Dr Jo Holmes good luck as the new Cromwell Harbour GP Partner and also welcome our second Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Sue Bagley, to the practice.

All the very best for the future.

With my warmest gratitude,

Sincerely yours,

Del Lavelle

Scotland’s Census

Filling in the census helps find out what your community really needs. Whether that’s employment, healthcare, or other essential services. Census Day is 20 March, but you can fill it in as soon as you receive your letter, or call 0800 030 8308 for a paper questionnaire. Scotland’s Census. Getting the right things out starts with filling it in. Go to @scotcensus2022 and census.gov.scot.

Support to get online to complete the form will be available from East Lothian Libraries:

https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/directory/10059/east_lothian_libraries

Support is available to complete a paper form from Carers of East Lothian:

One-to-one sessions at the Carers of East Lothian office in East Lothian Community Hospital on Thursday 10th and Friday 11thMarch 2022, where we’re happy to help to:

  • Complete the online Census questionnaire
  • Apply for a paper questionnaire 
  • Complete a paper questionnaire if this has already been applied for

Carers can sign up for a 30-minute slot by phoning us on 0131 665 0135 or emailing centre@coel.org.uk. 

Carers will be asked to bring the letter received from the National Records of Scotland with them to help us to complete any forms. If neither date is possible to attend, we’d still encourage folk to get in touch and we can look at alternative options for support in completing the Census.

Support is available from VCEL

Drop in  Sessions on 8th March 2-5 and 15th March 10-2. 

56 High Street

Tranent, EH33 1HH

Call | 01875 615423

Email | info@volunteereastlothian.org.uk

Dr Lavelle

After 33 years as a GP, Dr Lavelle has decided to retire from Cromwell Harbour practice as of Friday 8th April 2022.

We will miss her very much, but wish her a very long, happy and well deserved retirement.

Cromwell Harbour Medical Practice Team