In the heart of Lanarkshire Nicola has established a vital community resource through her mobile helping hundreds of Families in Need.

With over 15k active members, the group serves as a platform for individuals to donate household items—free of charge—to those facing financial hardship. Nicola’s initiative is a testament to the power of community solidarity in addressing local challenges.

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Addressing Poverty in East Kilbride and South Lanarkshire

East Kilbride and Lanarkshire are grappling with significant poverty-related issues. Recent data indicates that approximately 22% of children in South Lanarkshire live in relative poverty, equating to nearly 14,000 children in the area of South Lanarkshire Council. This statistic underscores the pressing need for community-driven initiatives like Families in Need, which provide immediate relief to families struggling to make ends meet.

Nicola started the group with a simple mission, inspired by her own experiences. She told me: “ I only started it because everyone struggles at some point in their life — we all need a wee helping hand once in a while. I struggled when I first got my house, and the help I got from family and friends was overwhelming. That’s when I realised I wanted to help others who were less fortunate.”

Families in Need allows people to give away their old or unwanted household items, children’s clothing, furniture, and appliances — all completely free. It is a practical way for local people to support one another, while also helping the environment through recycling and reducing waste. Nicola has also made sure the group is well-organised, safe, and spam-free, which is no small feat when you have over 15 thousand active members.

She works with a local man-and-van service to offer discounted delivery for larger items, and she personally accepts donations to simplify the process for people, making sure items reach those who need them most. Nicola described it to me as “just like dropping stuff at a charity shop, except we don’t resell it — we simply give it away.”

The Scottish Government has acknowledged these challenges and is actively working to alleviate poverty. In 2025, Finance Secretary Shona Robison announced plans to abolish the two-child benefit cap, a policy introduced by Westminster that has been identified as a significant driver of child poverty. This move aims to lift approximately 15,000 children out of poverty in Scotland South Lanarkshire Council.

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Tackling Fuel Poverty

Fuel poverty remains a critical issue in Scotland. In 2023, an estimated 34% of households—around 861,000—were in fuel poverty, with 19.4% of these households experiencing extreme fuel poverty Scottish Government. Nicola’s initiative contributes to addressing this issue by facilitating the redistribution of items that can help reduce household expenses, such as furniture and appliances.

The Scottish Government has also taken steps to support those affected by fuel poverty. In 2025, the government introduced the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, providing financial assistance to pensioners to help cover heating costs during the winter months MyGov Scotland.

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A Call to Action

Nicola’s dedication exemplifies the power of community action in addressing systemic issues like poverty and fuel insecurity. Families in Need not only provides immediate relief to families but also fosters a sense of solidarity and shared responsibility.

We encourage all members of the Community Impact Project and East Kilbride Neighbourhood Watch to join Families in Need, We are also happy to announce we have partnered with Families In Need making sure they get the recognition and support. Please donate items if possible, or simply share the group’s mission to help raise awareness and support local families in need. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing hardship in our community.

Join or learn more about Families in Need here:
👉 Families in Need Facebook Group

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