DG Works

Worrying about money can take its toll on your mental health. If you feel everything’s getting too much, you’re not alone – there is support out there.

The thought of applying for benefits, taking that first step into work or looking for ways to increase your earnings can feel overwhelming. But whatever your situation, you don’t have to do it on your own – DG Works is here to help.

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How DG Works can help

DG Works can help if you’re looking for a job that fits around childcare and other commitments, or have been out of the workplace for a while and are a bit worried that your skills are out of date. Or perhaps you already have a job, but are looking to increase your earnings. They can help with:

Developing your CV
Job searches
Interview prep
Training opportunities
Work placements
Connecting you to local employers
Support to start a business.

They can also connect you with other services that can help with:

Advice with money and budgeting
Childcare
Health and wellbeing
Reading, writing, maths and digital skills
Volunteering.

Using any of these services is entirely voluntary, so you won’t be pushed into a job that doesn’t suit you. It also means you won’t lose any benefits you’re currently receiving if you decide it’s not for you at any stage.

If you live in the Dumfries and Galloway local authority area you can use the form below to get in touch.

Complete the DG Works referral form

Drop in sessions

You can drop into a DG Works Hub to chat to an adviser – you don’t need an appointment.

Hillview Leisure Centre
Kirkland Drive, Kelloholm, DG4 6SD
Monday, Tuesday and Friday 10am – 2pm

31 Queen Street
Stranraer Town, Stranraer, DG9 7LQ
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10am – 3pm

Fairer Futures Partnership Dumfries and Galloway

The Fairer Futures Whole Family Support Service provides support in a different way, making people and families the heart of everything we do. The service provides general support to families, in targeted areas, who are experiencing poverty. The key workers are not there to simply signpost, but to walk alongside you and your family to ensure you are getting the right support, in the right place at the right time.

Our target areas are:

Upper Nithsdale
Stranraer
Annan
Summerhill, Summerville, Lochside, Lincluden, Dumfries Town Centre and Locharbriggs.

Email: fairerfuturesteam@dumgal.gov.uk

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Fill in the referral form

Other ways to get in touch

Complete the DG Works referral form to get in touch with the team.

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Get support from your local Citizens Advice Bureau

Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service provides free, impartial and confidential advice on a wide range of topics, including money and work.

Address: 109 Irish Street, Dumfries DG1 2NP
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Tel: 0300 303 4321

Opening hours: Monday – Thursday 9am – 5pm, Friday 9am – 4.30pm

Fill in the contact form

More about the support available

Employability and support training in the North West Dumfries area

North West Dumfries Community Development Network has employed two Community Employability Coordinators to provide local employability, training and skills support. They offer one-to-one help with confidence building, skills development, training, volunteering, and access to local services.

For further information contact Jim Martin on 07534 671867.

Tailored training opportunities for parents

DG Works will be delivering a range of bespoke opportunities specifically designed to engage and support parents in accessing training, education and employment.

For further information, please contact Joanne Laird:
Email: Joanne.Laird@dumgal.gov.uk
Tel: 07920 212864

Transport for parents fund

Parents registered with DG Works may be eligible for support with the cost of transport to work and work-related activity including training, education, and job interviews. This can be discussed with your Employability Key Worker once you've registered.

College

We work in partnership with other organisations such as SRUC and DG College, who have funded courses specifically for parents. If you would like additional support and guidance from an Employability Keyworker, including help with future applications, please complete the the referral form.

New Flexible Workforce Development Fund (New FWDF)

The New FWDF is a Scottish Funding Council initiative designed to help tackle child poverty by supporting low-income workers to develop skills, progress in employment and increase their earnings. It also supports employers to address skills gaps, improve productivity and adopt Fair Work practices.

The New FWDF focuses on people already in work and is delivered in partnership with employers. The programme runs from August 2026 to December 2027, with funded activity expected to be delivered across the full delivery period.

Eligible learners must:

Have an individual annual income below £33,000
Be employed
Be a parent or carer of a child under 18 living at home, aged under 24, or care-experienced/disabled and under 30 years old

Businesses can apply for staff members. Individuals can also apply directly, but they must confirm that their employer is aware of their intention to undertake training through the fund.

RISE (Raising Income through Skills and Education) and TAF (Training Access Fund)

RISE and TAF are Scottish Funding Council initiatives designed to help tackle child poverty by supporting low-income parents and carers to gain skills, enter employment, sustain employment, and progress into higher-paid work.

RISE supports course development, outreach, flexible learning opportunities, and wraparound support for low-income parents/carers.
TAF supports targeted skills training for in-work parents/carers to help them progress in employment and increase their earnings.

The current funding is for Academic Year 2026–27, with future funding subject to Scottish Government confirmation.

Eligible learners must: