If your problem is complicated, you may want to talk to an adviser face-to-face. An adviser can go through your options with you and help you decide what to do next. They can also help you take practical steps to resolve your problem, for example, by helping you fill in forms or write letters or by contacting other agencies on your behalf.

Tips for getting help from an adviser

Most advisers work from advice agencies such as Shelter housing aid centres or Citizens Advice Bureaux. Before going to see an adviser, it's a good idea to phone the agency first to find out when they are open and to see if you can make an appointment. Some agencies have drop in sessions, when you can just turn up and wait to see an adviser. Some agencies may do home visits, if you are unable to come into the advice centre.

When you phone, ask if there is anything you need to bring with you, for example, your rent book or some form of identification.

The adviser will talk to you in private, so that no-one else can hear what you're saying. If English is not your first language, or if you use sign language, the agency may be able to get an interpreter for you. If not, you may need to bring a friend to translate. This is something you should find out before you go the agency.

Advice from Shelter

Shelter has three housing aid centres in Scotland and local services for East Lothian, the Scottish Borders and North Lanarkshire. Our advisers can:

• tell you about your rights
• explain your options
• help you take action
• work with you to negotiate with your council, landlord or mortgage lender.

Advice from Shelter is free, and our advisers won't pass on what you say to anyone else, unless you want them to.

To contact a Shelter advice service, call our free helpline on 0808 800 4444.

You can find out more about Shelter's housing aid services here.

Advice from a Citizens Advice Bureau

Citizens Advice Bureaux (CABx) offer free, confidential, independent advice on a wide range of topics, including benefits, debt and tax, employment, family matters and legal rights. There are CABx all over Scotland - you can find your nearest using our Advice Services Directory or by vising the Citizens Advice Scotland website.

Advice from a council advice centre

You can also get help and advice from advice centres or welfare rights agencies run by your local council. You can find details of your nearest service using our Advice Services Directory or on your council's website.

Advice services for disabled people

If you or a member of your family is disabled, there are lots of services across Scotland offering support and advice. You can find an agency near you using the online directory at the Update website.