You must apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment before we can make an award.
You can do this online, using Brent My Account.
Cost of Living Hub
National & Government Support Packages Explained
In April 2022, the government set out measures to support families who are at risk the most as the Cost of Living crisis deepens and the price of basic goods and services exponentially rises particularly for the residents of London.
Here we’ve put up a comprehensive listing of both monetary and other support packages to help with the Cost of Living, some of which many of our parents should have already begun to receive.
This includes income and disability benefits, bills and allowances, childcare, housing and travel.
You may get Cost of Living Payments between spring 2023 and spring 2024 if you’re a pensioner or you get low-income or disability benefits.
The government has announced when further Cost of Living Payments will be made between spring 2023 and spring 2024. These payments are:
Further guidance will be published when more details have been announced, including the qualifying dates.
Support offered directly by the UK Government
Guidance on getting an extra payment to help with the cost of living if you’re entitled to certain benefits or tax credits.
If you’re eligible, you’ll be paid automatically in the same way you usually get your benefit or tax credits. This includes if you’re found to be eligible for a Cost of Living Payment or a Disability Cost of Living Payment at a later date.
You could get up to 3 different types of payment depending on your circumstances on a particular date or during a particular period:
These payments are not taxable and will not affect the benefits or tax credits you get.
You may get a payment of £650 paid in 2 lump sums of £326 and £324 if you get payments of any of the following:
The payment will be made separately from your benefit.
You will not get a payment if you get New Style Employment and Support Allowance, contributory Employment and Support Allowance, or New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance, unless you get Universal Credit.
If you have a joint claim with a partner, you will get one payment of £326 and one payment of £324 for your joint claim, if you’re entitled.
You were eligible for the first Cost of Living Payment of £326 if you were entitled to a payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) of Universal Credit for an assessment period that ended in the period 26 April 2022 to 25 May 2022.
You will be eligible for the second Cost of Living Payment of £324 if you were entitled to a payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) of Universal Credit for an assessment period that ended in the period 26 August 2022 to 25 September 2022.
The payment will be made separately from your benefit.
You will not be eligible for the Cost of Living Payment if your Universal Credit is reduced to £0 for the qualifying assessment period. This is sometimes called a ‘nil award’. Reasons your Universal Credit may be reduced to £0 for an assessment period include getting more than one payment of earnings, your or your partner’s earnings go up, your or your partner’s savings go up, you start getting another benefit.
If money has also been taken off for other reasons (such as payments of rent to your landlord or for money that you owe), you might still be eligible.
You were eligible for the first Cost of Living Payment of £326 if you were entitled to a payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) of income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Income Support or Pension Credit for any day in the period 26 April 2022 to 25 May 2022.
You will be eligible for the second Cost of Living Payment of £324 if you were entitled to a payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) of income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Income Support or Pension Credit for any day in the period 26 August 2022 to 25 September 2022.
The payment will be made separately from your benefit.
You were eligible for the first Cost of Living Payment of £326 if you received, or later receive, for any day in the period 26 April 2022 to 25 May 2022 either:
You will be eligible for the second Cost of Living Payment of £324 if you received, or later receive, for any day in the period 26 August 2022 to 25 September 2022 either:
If you get both Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit, you will receive a Cost of Living Payment for Child Tax Credit only, which will be paid by HMRC.
If you get tax credits from HMRC and a low income benefit from DWP, you will get a Cost of Living Payment from DWP only.
More than 8 million UK households on eligible means tested benefits will receive additional Cost of Living Payments totalling up to £900 in the 2023-24 financial year.
This includes eligible households receiving the following benefits:
These will be made in more than one payment. DWP and HMRC will provide further detail on timing of these payments and eligibility dates in due course.
These payments will be tax-free, will not count towards the benefit cap, and will not have any impact on existing benefit awards. These payments will be made on a UK-wide basis.
More than eight million pensioner households across the UK will receive an additional £300 Cost of Living Payment for pensioners in 2023-24 to help with bills. This is in addition to the means tested benefit and disability payments, if eligible.
Pensioners are disproportionately impacted by higher energy costs, many are unable to increase their income through work, and many low-income pensioner households do not claim the means tested benefits they are entitled to, so offering universal support for this group is the right thing to do.
DWP will provide further detail on timing of the payments and eligibility dates in due course.
This payment will be tax-free and will not have any impact on existing benefit awards. These payments will be made on a UK-wide basis.
Over 6 million people across the UK on eligible ‘extra costs’ disability benefits will receive a further £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment in 2023-24, to help with the additional costs they face. This is in addition to the Cost of Living Payments for households on means tested benefits and pensioner households, if eligible.
This includes everyone eligible for:
DWP will provide further detail on timing of the payments and eligibility dates in due course.
This payment will be tax-free and will not have any impact on existing benefit awards. These payments will be made on a UK-wide basis.
The Government is protecting the most vulnerable in society, many of whom face the biggest challenge making their incomes stretch, by increasing benefits in line with inflation. This means that they will rise by September Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation – 10.1%.
Uprating working age and disability benefits will cost £11 billion next year. More than 10 million working age families will see their benefit payments rise from April 2023. The Government is also providing support this winter for people who need help now, including money off energy bills and cost of living payments announced in May 2022.
DWP benefits are fully devolved in Northern Ireland, so it is for the Northern Ireland Executive to decide uprating in Northern Ireland.
Nearly 12 million pensioners in Great Britain will benefit from a 10.1% increase to their State Pension in April 2023 under the triple lock.
The full basic State Pension will increase from £141.85 to £156.20 (£748.75 per year), and the full weekly rate of the new State Pension will increase from £185.15 to £203.85(£975.75 per year). [The average State Pension in payment will increase by over £870 next year].
The Government will also protect 1.4 million of the poorest pensioner households from inflation by increasing Pension Credit by 10.1%, September CPI inflation, in April 2023.
DWP benefits are fully devolved in Northern Ireland, so it is for the Northern Ireland Executive to decide uprating in Northern Ireland.
In April 2023, the government will also increase the benefit cap levels in line with inflation by 10.1%. The benefit cap levels will rise from £23,000 to £25,323 for families in Greater London and from £20,000 to £22,020 for families nationally.
The levels for single households without children will rise from £15,410 to £16,967 in Greater London and from £13,400 to £14,753 nationally.
For those who require extra support, the government is providing an additional £1bn to help with the cost of household essentials, for the 2023-24 financial year, on top of what we have already provided since October 2021, bringing total funding for this support to £2.5 billion.
In England this includes an extension to the Household Support Fund backed by £842m, running from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. Guidance and individual Local Authority indicative allocations for this further extension will be announced in due course. Devolved administrations will receive £158 million through the Barnett formula.
The government remains committed to ending low pay. From 1 April 2023, the National Living Wage (NLW) will increase by 9.7% to £10.42 an hour for workers aged 23 and over – the largest ever cash increase for the NLW.
This represents an increase of over £1,600 to the annual earnings of a full-time worker on the NLW and is expected to benefit over 2 million low paid workers.
Young people and apprentices on the National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates will also see a boost to their wages. Rates will be increased for people aged 21-22 by 10.9% to £10.18 an hour, for those aged 18-20 by 9.7% to £7.49 an hour, for 16-17 year olds by 9.7% to £5.28 an hour, and for Apprentices by 9.7% to £5.28 an hour.
The Energy Price Guarantee was introduced to shield people from unprecedented rises in energy prices.
It fixed the cost of energy so that a typical household pays the equivalent of £2,500 on their energy bills a year, saving the typical household £900 this winter.
From next April, this will change so that the typical household will now pay on average £3,000 a year.
This will save around £14 billion next year while still saving the typical household £500 a year off their energy bills, compared to the price of the energy price cap.
This change allows us to provide additional support to the most vulnerable through the new Cost of Living Payments.
The government will also double to £200 the level of support for households that use alternative fuels, such as heating oil, LPG, coal or biomass, to heat their homes. This will apply to all households in Northern Ireland in recognition of the prevalence of alternative fuel usage in Northern Ireland.
The most effective way to support households to tackle the long-term higher cost of energy is to support the improvement of the energy efficiency of their homes.
A new Energy Efficiency Taskforce will aim to reduce the UK’s final energy consumption from buildings and industry by 15% by 2030 against 2021 levels. Government has already provided £6.6 billion to improve energy efficiency for households, businesses, and the public sector this Parliament, and is investing an additional £6 billion from 2025 to 2028 to support the new ambition.
Low-income and vulnerable households can currently contact either their local authorities or energy suppliers for the opportunity to receive free energy efficiency improvements, significantly reducing their energy bills.
From April, all homes with council tax bands A-D in England. A-C in Scotland, A-E in Wales in poorly insulated homes will be eligible for government funded energy efficiency measures via the Energy Company Obligation. By contacting energy suppliers, hundreds of thousands of households could save an average of £320.
Individuals on disability benefits will receive a one-off £150 payment in September to help with extra costs, such as for specialist equipment or transport.
This is in addition to the £650 Cost of Living Payment for disabled people who also receive means tested benefits.
Check if you’re eligible for the Disability Cost of Living Payment
£1.5 billion has been made available to support the most vulnerable to cover their essential daily costs, like energy bills. Recipients include pensioners and families with children.
Local authorities can also issue food vouchers to families during the school holidays.
Contact your local Council to check if you’re eligible for the Household Support Fund
You may be eligible for a Budgeting Loan if you’ve been on certain benefits for 6 months. This can be used for household items, rent in advance and travelling costs.
You can get up to £500 every 3 months (up to £2,000 a year) for each of your children to help with the cost of childcare.
Eligible working families in England with 3 and 4 year old children can receive 30 hours of free childcare a week.
Visit Childcare Choices for more information
You can claim Child Benefit if you’re responsible for bringing up a child who is:
Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child.
It’s paid every 4 weeks and there’s no limit to how many children you can claim for.
All participating schools will receive a 75% government subsidy for breakfast club provision, with 25% from other funding streams.
Find out more about the National School Breakfast Programme
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be able to get help to buy healthy food and milk.
Check if you’re eligible for Healthy Start vouchers
You could claim a one-off payment of £500 to help towards the costs of having a child.
Find out what offers are available from businesses to help with the cost of living.
https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/discounts-and-offers/
Fuel duty for petrol and diesel has been cut by 5 pence per litre across the whole of the UK until March 2023. It saves £100 for the average car driver, £200 for the average van driver and £1,500 for the average haulier.
You can get up to a third off train fares with a railcard in Great Britain, saving up to £142 a year on average.
Save one third on rail journeys with a railcard
You may be eligible for a Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card if you’re on Universal Credit.
Find out more information on the National Rail website
In England you can get a bus pass for free travel when you reach the State Pension age.
Apply for an older person’s bus pass
If you’re disabled then you may be eligible for a disabled person’s pass if you live in England.
You can search and apply for jobs across a range of industries across the UK through our Find a job website.
You can get personalised support, tips and advice to find your next opportunity through JobHelp.
Get support, training and advice on finding your next job
Find out how to claim tax relief on money you’ve spent on things like work uniform and clothing, tools, subscriptions or business travel.
Cost of Living Support by borough
To make things easier, we’ve broken down all the support available in your area, simply click on the borough you currently live in and view the listings available which includes any emergency hardship funds, food banks and any other useful information and guidance.
We aim to update this information on a bi-weekly basis.
Click on your borough to begin
To make things easier, we’ve broken down all the support available in your area, simply click on the borough you currently live in and view the listings available which includes any emergency hardship funds, food banks and any other useful information and guidance.
We aim to update this information on a bi-weekly basis.
Support in Barnet
Residents across Barnet can apply for financial support to help with the rising cost of living.
We will update you with the latest news and updates as they come.
Barnet Programmes 22/23
BACE Holidays is a project delivered in partnership with Barnet Council and funded by the Department for Education HAF (Holiday Activity & Food) programme to offer children and young people who currently receive free school meals access to enriching activities and a healthy lunch over the holidays.
Support offered directly by the council
Warm Spaces is a community-led initiative where businesses, community, faith or social enterprise organisations provide a welcoming space for residents to stay warm and engage with others in their community.
The rise in energy bills is impacting everyone.
For some, the cost of heating is an everyday struggle. For others, the rise in costs mean cutting out activities that help reduce loneliness, which affect many people during winter months.
The government has provided local authorities across England with funding to support families most in need to help with significantly rising living costs.
We have now received funding for the Household Support Fund. The funding will cover October 2022 – March 2023.
The fund will support households who would struggle to meet food and energy bills without support.
We will continue to work with schools and early years settings to identify households with children who can receive the support.
The Barnet Resident Support Fund (BRSF) is financial support for Barnet residents who are struggling to afford household essentials such as paying for food, energy bills and meet other living costs.
You can apply if you are:
To apply you must also be receiving a qualifying benefit such as:
To apply you must not be:
Full details of the BRSF application criteria
https://www.barnet.gov.uk/benefits-grants-and-financial-advice/barnet-resident-support-fund
If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless you should contact Barnet Homes as soon as possible on 020 8610 3539.
There are very few council and housing association properties available in Barnet and demand for housing far exceeds our supply. This means that:
Barnet Homes runs an appointment only service.
Telephone: 020 8610 3539
Type Talk: 18001 0800 3895225
Email: housingadvice@barnethomes.orgExternal link
If you think we can help you with your housing problem, you should contact us as soon as possible on 020 8610 3539. A member of our Housing Options team will then assess your housing problem and circumstances and give you advice on what options you have to solve them. In order to do this, you will be asked questions about:
Based on the information that you provide, we will provide you with advice on next steps. If we think we can help you, an advice appointment will be arranged for you so that we can review your case in more detail and give you further assistance.
If an advice appointment is arranged for you, we will ask you to provide evidence to help us complete an assessment of your circumstances and needs. We need this information so that we can better understand your housing problem and circumstances and work with you to find the housing advice and options that are most suitable for you. You will need to provide a range of documents including proof of your identity, income and current address.
It is important that you tell us as soon as possible if it is likely that you could become homeless. We will do everything we can to prevent this and will assess your situation, offer advice and explain your options.
Barnet Family Information Service (FIS) provides information and guidance on a whole range of childcare options and services for children and young people in the London Borough of Barnet. These include play groups, nurseries, childminders, parent and toddler groups, afterschool provision, breakfast clubs, holiday playschemes and information on financial support towards the cost of childcare. The information is provided free of charge. The service also provides comprehensive guidance for those interested in careers working with children, including: – free information sessions, free introductory courses.
https://www.barnet.gov.uk/directories/directme/family-information-service-fis
Their aim is for every child to have the best start in life, better opportunities for parents, provide good quality childcare, stronger and safer communities.
If the child is under 5 we will work holistically with the whole family.
We offer a range of services to children under 5 and their families including:
https://www.barnet.gov.uk/directories/childrens-centres-in-barnet
Support with food
Access to healthy and nutritious food is vital for living well. As well as physical needs, food also meets social and emotional needs. It plays an important role in supporting mental wellbeing, learning and development and resilience.
Rising food, fuel and energy prices may have caused you to need help to afford food. Support is available to help you access food and eat well.
Vouchers can be exchanged for an emergency food parcel. Not all food banks require a voucher, but some will ask that you have one.
Local support services and organisations can provide you with a food voucher.
You can get a food voucher from:
https://www.barnet.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/help-with-food#title-1
Cost of Living Guidance
The borough has provided its residence who are facing a tough winter ahead with information and guidance from how to save on your utilities bills to finding a new better paying job.
Support & Recommendations for Debt Advice
If you are struggling to make ends meet or your debt is increasing each month then you may need some help to improve your finances. Asking for help is the best start. Ignoring it will only make it worse. The following organisations provide free 121 and support to help you deal with your debt or benefit problems.
Citizens Advice Barnet: Independent, local charity and a member of the Citizens Advice network.
We provide free advice and support to our community on work, debt, benefits, immigration, housing and more.
Phone: 0808 250 5708
Turn2Us Benefits Calculator – free and confidential benefits calculator to find out what benefits you are entitled to claim. https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/
StepChange – free and expert advice service that helps deal with debt issues. Helpline open Mon-Fri from 8am to 8pm or Saturday from 8am to 4pm on 0800 138 1111 https://www.stepchange.org/
Support & Recommendations for local career advice
Personalised benefit advice, skills and employment servicesExternal link for Barnet residents.
Boost can help you get back on your feet by providing support with CV writing, interviewing and weekly updates on new jobs and apprenticeship opportunities.
Email: boost@barnet.gov.ukExternal link
Phone: 0208 359 2442
https://boostbarnet.org/
Find a job service – https://www.gov.uk/find-a-job
National Careers Service (NCS) – https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ provides free careers information, training and learning advice and guidance.
Top 6 job websites – Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, TotalJobs, CV-Library
Support & Recommendations for rising energy costs
Contact your energy supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Priority Services Register – is a free support service that energy suppliers run to help people in vulnerable situations. Apply by contacting your energy supplier.
Install A Smart Meter – having a Smart Meter installed in your home so you only pay for the energy you use – https://www.smartenergygb.org/
MoneySavingExpert – financial website providing regular updated information on saving costs, finding deals and other useful research. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/energy/
Always remember to keep an eye on your energy bills and to regularly check with price comparison sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Ofgem – the energy regulator for Great Britain. See website for information and advice on energy supply or to make a complaint. https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households
Energy Bill Support Scheme – £400 is available for all households to help with rising energy bills regardless of income or size of house. The discount will be made automatically by the energy supplier. The £400 will be received in 6 instalments in Oct and Nov 2022 and from Dec to March 2023.
Older prepayment meters will be sent an energy voucher by post, whilst most smart prepay meters will be automatically credited every 1st week of the month.
If you have not received your first 2 payments than please call your energy provider and lodge a complaint.
Support & Recommendations for rising water costs
Contact your water supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Thames Water – Low income households (earning less than £20,111) can get discounts of up to 50% through its WaterHelp programme. See website for eligibility criteria and application form – https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/account-and-billing/financial-support/waterhelp
Affinity Water – From April 2022, our low income, fixed tariff (LIFT) is available to customers who are earning less than £16, 480 a year, or who are currently claiming certain benefits; such as Universal Credit or Job Seekers Allowance.
Support & Recommendations for broadband
Affordable broadband – Some broadband providers can offer social tariffs for Westminster residents that receive certain types of benefit.
Check the handy comparison chart showing offers and eligibility. https://airtable.com/shrPejmyjWsvBttoX/tblR71A2iYOFHEPB8
Support in Brent
The borough of Brent has many support mechanisms and funds available to families that live in the borough and are facing financial hardships or difficult times.
We will update you with the latest news and updates as they come.
Brent Programmes 22/23
This autumn and winter, Brent has a variety of free & low-cost community and cultural activities for residents to enjoy; all will take place in warm and safe locations around the city.
There are opportunities to get involved in a wide range of activities in Brent. Sports clubs and leisure centres, specialist activity groups, sailing clubs, cycling clubs, open spaces, uniformed groups, performance and theatre groups all offer stimulating challenges.
Keep an eye on this page as more activities will be added throughout the winter months including our own and our partners to cater to everyone who wants to keep warm over the coming months.
Support offered directly by the council
The aim of Brent Hubs is to work with residents who find it difficult to access the support they need through mainstream services. We are focused on supporting people to help themselves and each other, working with them to solve their problems and build knowledge, understanding and resilience.
FREE friendly Help, Advice and Support around;
– Housing Benefit and Council Tax
– Housing
– Welfare Benefits
– Brent MyAccount
– Employment and Skills
– Money management
– Debt advice
– Advice with landlord issues
– Tenancy sustainment
– Basic Immigration advice
– Food Aid provision and MORE
Brent Hubs also offer a physical space for a range of local organisations and voluntary and community sector services to work together under one roof and provide a more localised service.
The council can award a discretionary housing payment (DHP) to top up housing benefit and the housing costs element of universal credit if entitlement is less than the full rent. ‘Discretionary’ means that we decide whether to award the top-up payment. It’s discretionary because we don’t have enough money to help everyone who applies. We use the information you give us on this form to decide whether to award you a DHP.
When may we award a discretionary housing payment?
You must apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment before we can make an award.
You can do this online, using Brent My Account.
Supporting evidence is required when completing this form. Make sure you have all the information you need to hand before you start.
To apply for DHP you will need your:
You will get a decision faster if you provide this when you make your claim.
When completing your form, it will be helpful if you tell us why you think you need extra help. You should include information such as:
Apply now: https://www.brent.gov.uk/benefits-and-money-advice/extra-help-with-housing-costs#howtoapply
The Brent Resident Support Fund (RSF) is a discretionary support fund available to Brent residents who are in financial difficulties, for example struggling with food, utility bills and other household essentials. You can also apply if you are in short-term financial need because of an emergency.
Apply Here: https://www.brent.gov.uk/benefits-and-money-advice/resident-support-fund#howtoapplyrsf
Council tenants that are struggling financially and are at risk of getting into arrears should contact or visit:
Tel: 020 8937 2000 (option 3)
For more information on Brent Housing Services:
https://www.brent.gov.uk/housing/housing-assistance
For all other housing needs visit: https://www.brent.gov.uk/housing
They provide help and support to children, young people and their families from before birth up to the age of 19.
All families face challenges and sometimes need support. Early Help is about providing this support as soon as possible to tackle difficulties for children, young people and families before they become more serious. We work with the whole family and the child is at the centre of everything we do.
How to access Brent Early Help Services:
There are a number of teams and services involved, including our:
Tel: 0208 937 3010
The Brent Family Wellbeing Centres provide a range of community-led services that can support you from the moment you know you’re expecting, through pregnancy and birth, until your child is 18 years old (or up to 25 for children and young people with special educational needs). The Centres, offer a wide range of free health, education and welfare services to families and aim to give everyone in Brent the best possible start in life.
The Brent Family Wellbeing Centres are free to use by families that live in Brent. If you wish to use the services provided at any of the Centres, you will need to register your family’s details, including all of the children you have. It’s simple and easy to do and once you are registered, you can book and manage your sessions and activities in advance.
You need to sign in to Brent My Account to register for the Family Wellbeing Centres. If you haven’t created a My Account yet, you can register for both.
Support with food
Brent provides several food support services. We’ve listed their details below and split them based on the days of the week they’re available.
If you cannot afford to buy food and need emergency items, there are a number of food banks in Brent that may be able to support you:
If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be eligible for Healthy Start Vouchers, which help towards the cost of some fresh foods.
In addition your school-aged children may be eligible for Free School Meals.
Cost of Living Guidance
The borough has provided its residence who are facing a tough winter ahead with information and guidance from how to save on your utilities bills to finding a new better paying job.
Support & Recommendations for Debt Advice
If you are struggling to make ends meet or your debt is increasing each month then you may need some help to improve your finances. Asking for help is the best start. Ignoring it will only make it worse. The following organisations provide free 12 and support to help you deal with your debt or benefit problems.tr
Turn2Us Benefits Calculator – free and confidential benefits calculator to find out what benefits you are entitled to claim. https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/
StepChange – free and expert advice service that helps deal with debt issues. Helpline open Mon-Fri from 8am to 8pm or Saturday from 8am to 4pm on 0800 138 1111 https://www.stepchange.org/
Support & Recommendations for local career advice
Find out about jobs in Brent and at the Council, as well as information on skills and employment training
https://www.brent.gov.uk/jobs-training-and-skills
Your future awaits! Sign up to one of the hundred’s of courses available through Brent Start and improve your employment prospects. You can enrol online, over the phone or walk in and speak directly with the team at Brent Start Hillside Adult and Community Learning Centre, Twybridge Way, NW10 0ST.
Find a job service – https://www.gov.uk/find-a-job
National Careers Service (NCS) – https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ provides free careers information, training and learning advice and guidance.
Top 6 job websites – Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, TotalJobs, CV-Library
Support & Recommendations for rising energy costs
Contact your energy supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Priority Services Register – is a free support service that energy suppliers run to help people in vulnerable situations. Apply by contacting your energy supplier.
Install A Smart Meter – having a Smart Meter installed in your home so you only pay for the energy you use – https://www.smartenergygb.org/
MoneySavingExpert – financial website providing regular updated information on saving costs, finding deals and other useful research. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/energy/
Always remember to keep an eye on your energy bills and to regularly check with price comparison sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Ofgem – the energy regulator for Great Britain. See website for information and advice on energy supply or to make a complaint. https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households
Energy Bill Support Scheme – £400 is available for all households to help with rising energy bills regardless of income or size of house. The discount will be made automatically by the energy supplier. The £400 will be received in 6 instalments in Oct and Nov 2022 and from Dec to March 2023.
Older prepayment meters will be sent an energy voucher by post, whilst most smart prepay meters will be automatically credited every 1st week of the month.
If you have not received your first 2 payments than please call your energy provider and lodge a complaint.
Support & Recommendations for rising water costs
Contact your water supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Thames Water – Low income households (earning less than £20,111) can get discounts of up to 50% through its WaterHelp programme. See website for eligibility criteria and application form – https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/account-and-billing/financial-support/waterhelp
Affinity Water – From April 2022, our low income, fixed tariff (LIFT) is available to customers who are earning less than £16, 480 a year, or who are currently claiming certain benefits; such as Universal Credit or Job Seekers Allowance.
Support & Recommendations for broadband
Affordable broadband – Some broadband providers can offer social tariffs for Westminster residents that receive certain types of benefit.
Check the handy comparison chart showing offers and eligibility. https://airtable.com/shrPejmyjWsvBttoX/tblR71A2iYOFHEPB8
Support in Croydon
With the rising cost of living, Croydon council are working with local partners to help residents through this difficult time. Use these pages to find out about the support available to you.
You can also read more about the government’s Help for Households.
If you’re worried about debts or have missed payments, get free, confidential, and independent debt advice from the government approved Money Helper
We will update you with the latest news and updates as they come.
Croydon Programmes 22/23
Thousands of Croydon children who are eligible for and claiming benefits-related free school meals can now sign up for free activity clubs with healthy meals over the school holidays.
Open to eligible children and young people aged 4 to 16 years, all programmes will provide:
Please contact the club you’re interested in directly to sign up.
Support offered directly by the council
Find out more about government’s cost of living support package, providing help for households with rising prices, targeted at those most in need.
If you are a private tenant, we support you to ensure your rights and responsibilities when renting a property from a private landlord. Find out more about support for private tenants.
You can apply to the discretionary support fund if you live in Croydon and are in financial hardship and need emergency support.
The Household Support Fund can help if you are facing hardship or emergency, including struggling to pay bills or afford food. The scheme provides support, such as vouchers, wherever possible, rather than cash grants.
Support if you’re homeless or at risk of being homeless. How to help someone if they’re living on the streets.
https://www.croydon.gov.uk/housing/housing-support/homelessness
Best Start is a universal service that can give you access to early intervention support from pregnancy until your child turns 5. The service ensures that babies and children have the best start in life by giving them access to the right services and information. These are listed in the directory.
Find out how you can access Best Start services.
Find out how you can access parenting programmes listed in the directory.
Best Start children’s centres offer services, activities and support for families with children under 5. Most activities, apart from childcare are either offered free or at a small cost. Every centre is unique and provides a wide range of services and activities you might need as a family with a baby or young child, for example, midwife appointments, child health review.
Our children’s centre services are delivered by three main hubs who plan and co-ordinate the services across the locality:
Support with food
You can contact the discretionary support team who will support you with referrals to local food banks. Email dhp2@croydon.gov.uk and provide the team with the following details:
You can also find available food banks in Croydon using Simply Connect’s food bank list
Cost of Living Guidance
The borough has provided its residence who are facing a tough winter ahead with information and guidance from how to save on your utilities bills to finding a new better paying job.
Support & Recommendations for Debt Advice
If you are struggling to make ends meet or your debt is increasing each month then you may need some help to improve your finances. Asking for help is the best start. Ignoring it will only make it worse. The following organisations provide free 121 and support to help you deal with your debt or benefit problems.
https://www.croydon.gov.uk/get-help-rising-cost-living/advice-managing-debts-and-saving-energy
Turn2Us Benefits Calculator – free and confidential benefits calculator to find out what benefits you are entitled to claim. https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/
StepChange – free and expert advice service that helps deal with debt issues. Helpline open Mon-Fri from 8am to 8pm or Saturday from 8am to 4pm on 0800 138 1111 https://www.stepchange.org/
Support & Recommendations for local career advice
Find out about jobs in Croydon and at the Council, as well as information on skills and employment training
https://www.croydon.gov.uk/get-help-rising-cost-living/help-employment-and-training
Croydon Works is available to all Croydon residents to help them find jobs or get training to help get them into work. They provide:
Find a job service – https://www.gov.uk/find-a-job
National Careers Service (NCS) – https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ provides free careers information, training and learning advice and guidance.
Top 6 job websites – Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, TotalJobs, CV-Library
Support & Recommendations for rising energy costs
Contact your energy supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Priority Services Register – is a free support service that energy suppliers run to help people in vulnerable situations. Apply by contacting your energy supplier.
Install A Smart Meter – having a Smart Meter installed in your home so you only pay for the energy you use – https://www.smartenergygb.org/
MoneySavingExpert – financial website providing regular updated information on saving costs, finding deals and other useful research. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/energy/
Always remember to keep an eye on your energy bills and to regularly check with price comparison sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Ofgem – the energy regulator for Great Britain. See website for information and advice on energy supply or to make a complaint. https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households
Energy Bill Support Scheme – £400 is available for all households to help with rising energy bills regardless of income or size of house. The discount will be made automatically by the energy supplier. The £400 will be received in 6 instalments in Oct and Nov 2022 and from Dec to March 2023.
Older prepayment meters will be sent an energy voucher by post, whilst most smart prepay meters will be automatically credited every 1st week of the month.
If you have not received your first 2 payments than please call your energy provider and lodge a complaint.
Support & Recommendations for rising water costs
Contact your water supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Thames Water – Low income households (earning less than £20,111) can get discounts of up to 50% through its WaterHelp programme. See website for eligibility criteria and application form – https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/account-and-billing/financial-support/waterhelp
Affinity Water – From April 2022, our low income, fixed tariff (LIFT) is available to customers who are earning less than £16, 480 a year, or who are currently claiming certain benefits; such as Universal Credit or Job Seekers Allowance.
Support & Recommendations for broadband
Affordable broadband – Some broadband providers can offer social tariffs for Westminster residents that receive certain types of benefit.
Check the handy comparison chart showing offers and eligibility. https://airtable.com/shrPejmyjWsvBttoX/tblR71A2iYOFHEPB8
Support in Haringey
As the cost of living continues to rise, we want to make sure all Haringey residents get the help and support available to them.
On the Haringey, Here to Help pages you will find information about the services available to help you through this difficult time and beyond.
We will update you with the latest news and updates as they come.
Haringey Programmes 22/23
Children and young people aged 5 to 16 who are eligible for free school meals and their families will be able to access free activities during the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays.
We are working with a number of local partners to deliver the HAF Programme across Haringey. They include schools, local voluntary and community organisations and childcare providers.
Support offered directly by the council
Haringey Warm Welcome is a growing network of inclusive, warm, and welcoming spaces across the borough that are run by local businesses, organisations, and places of worship.
We know that some residents may be finding it hard to keep their homes warm due to rising energy costs, so, these spaces provide a warm, safe place for residents to go, meet new people, and in some cases, get some refreshments, and take part in fun activities.
https://www.haringey.gov.uk/community/haringey-warm-welcome#nearest
All are welcome.
We recognise that some residents are experiencing financial hardship.
The Haringey Support Fund (HSF) is a scheme to help residents who:
The scheme gives one-off payments for:
As we cannot know every challenge you may face, we accept applications for other essential support which cannot be budgeted for.
Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.
https://www.haringey.gov.uk/community/here-help-financial-support-residents/haringey-support-fund
If you’re at risk of homelessness within the next 56 days contact the Homelessness Prevention Service
People can be threatened with homelessness for many reasons. The following pages provide advice depending on your circumstances:
https://www.haringey.gov.uk/community/here-help-financial-support/help-homelessness
A Children’s Centre brings together a range of services for children under five and their families such as family support, health and education.
It includes good quality childcare, information and support across the local community. The idea is to make services easy to use and to give children the best start in life.
https://www.haringey.gov.uk/children-and-families/childcare-and-early-years/childrens-centres
Support with food
You can drop-in to a food bank during opening hours.
You can also contact the group directly – group details are included on the map.
You may need food bank vouchers to access some groups.
For these groups, you will need a referral from:
For more information see using a food bank – Citizens Advice (external link).
Please note:
Cost of Living Guidance
The borough has provided its residence who are facing a tough winter ahead with information and guidance from how to save on your utilities bills to finding a new better paying job.
Support & Recommendations for Debt Advice
Their financial support team helps Haringey residents improve their financial situation.
They can help with:
If you need help and support, please contact us:
Telephone
020 8489 4431
Email
FinancialSupportTeam@haringey.gov.uk
One of their advisers will get back to you. They will aim to do this within 10 working days.
Turn2Us Benefits Calculator – free and confidential benefits calculator to find out what benefits you are entitled to claim. https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/
StepChange – free and expert advice service that helps deal with debt issues. Helpline open Mon-Fri from 8am to 8pm or Saturday from 8am to 4pm on 0800 138 1111 https://www.stepchange.org/
Support & Recommendations for local career advice
Haringey Works is a one-stop shop service for Haringey residents dedicated to supporting you into employment.
We work closely with you, partners and businesses to provide a wide range of pathways into employment in various sectors.
Our support service includes:
Visit our website to access all our vacancies – just upload your CV and register with us.
https://works.haringey.gov.uk/
Find a job service – https://www.gov.uk/find-a-job
National Careers Service (NCS) – https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ provides free careers information, training and learning advice and guidance.
Top 6 job websites – Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, TotalJobs, CV-Library
Support & Recommendations for rising energy costs
Contact your energy supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Priority Services Register – is a free support service that energy suppliers run to help people in vulnerable situations. Apply by contacting your energy supplier.
Install A Smart Meter – having a Smart Meter installed in your home so you only pay for the energy you use – https://www.smartenergygb.org/
MoneySavingExpert – financial website providing regular updated information on saving costs, finding deals and other useful research. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/energy/
Always remember to keep an eye on your energy bills and to regularly check with price comparison sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Ofgem – the energy regulator for Great Britain. See website for information and advice on energy supply or to make a complaint. https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households
Energy Bill Support Scheme – £400 is available for all households to help with rising energy bills regardless of income or size of house. The discount will be made automatically by the energy supplier. The £400 will be received in 6 instalments in Oct and Nov 2022 and from Dec to March 2023.
Older prepayment meters will be sent an energy voucher by post, whilst most smart prepay meters will be automatically credited every 1st week of the month.
If you have not received your first 2 payments than please call your energy provider and lodge a complaint.
Support & Recommendations for rising water costs
Contact your water supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Thames Water – Low income households (earning less than £20,111) can get discounts of up to 50% through its WaterHelp programme. See website for eligibility criteria and application form – https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/account-and-billing/financial-support/waterhelp
Affinity Water – From April 2022, our low income, fixed tariff (LIFT) is available to customers who are earning less than £16, 480 a year, or who are currently claiming certain benefits; such as Universal Credit or Job Seekers Allowance.
Support & Recommendations for broadband
Affordable broadband – Some broadband providers can offer social tariffs for Westminster residents that receive certain types of benefit.
Check the handy comparison chart showing offers and eligibility. https://airtable.com/shrPejmyjWsvBttoX/tblR71A2iYOFHEPB8
Support in Harrow
The borough of Harrow has many support mechanisms and funds available to families that live in the borough and are facing financial hardships or difficult times.
We will update you with the latest news and updates as they come.
Harrow Programmes 22/23
The programme offers a range of activities in Harrow, including some specialist SEND provisions. Places are free for children who meet the criteria, and a free nutritious meal is provided at each programme.
To qualify for a free place in the HAF programme, you have to meet the following criteria:
*This programme is primarily aimed at those eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) benefits related – but not exclusively as we aim to include any child experiencing economic and social disadvantage.
Support offered directly by the council
https://harrowgiving.org.uk/warmhubs/
The Council’s Household Support Fund may be able to help through:
If you are struggling with the cost of housing, you should first check that you are receiving the correct amount of benefits using the Entitlement Calculator.
After checking you are receiving the correct benefits, if you are still struggling to pay your rent, you may be able to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment.
If you think are are going to become homeless, please read our information on What to do if you think you will be homeless.
For help with mortgage payments see Mortgage arrears advice
Harrow FIS provides information, advice and guidance on a wide range of services including:
The FIS provides information on:
Harrow FIS also provides information, advice and guidance to:
The service operates a telephone helpline and email service from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm excluding bank holidays.
During your pregnancy and throughout your child’s life journey, Harrow Council can offer your family support. We work with your family to identify and support your needs as they emerge. Here are some of the teams and networks in Harrow to support you and your family:
0-25 years: Early Support Hubs deliver evidence based services and activities tailored to meet the needs of Harrow’s children, young people, parents, grandparents, carers and expectent families. We provide these services from a range of venues in Harrow including education settings, the main delivery is through the three family hubs across Harrow: Cedars Hub, Hillview Hub and the Wealdstone Hub – Early Support Hubs
0-19 years: The Harrow Health Visiting and School Nursing Service is a specialist team providing expert advice, support, and interventions to families with children in their first years of life. They help empower parents and carers to make decisions that affect their family’s future health and wellbeing – Health visiting service
0-5 years: Harrow Early Years Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Team supports private, voluntary, and independent nurseries, school nurseries and childminders. They provide advice and practical support around approaches for early identification and intervention for emerging SEN children in all early years settings (SEN Code of Practice 2014) – Harrow Early Years website
0-5 years: Harrow Families Information Service (FIS) provide information, advice, guidance and signposting to appropriate services based on the individual needs of families. All the information we provide to families and professionals is free – Families Information Service team
0-5 years: Portage Home Visiting Service is a home teaching programme. It is for pre-school children aged 0-5 years, who are experiencing delayed development and are not in a pre-school/school setting – Portage Home Visiting Service
0-25 years: The Educational Psychology Service works with children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities. It is also for other vulnerable young people such as those in public care, for whom there are concerns about development and progress Educational Psychologist
0-5 years: The Children’s Sensory Team works with children and young people with hearing and / or vision impairment from birth to age 25 years. We can work with them in their homes, play-groups, nurseries, schools and colleges Children’s Sensory Team
0-5 years: Additional resourced provision. Hillview is a mainstream Nursery School. It has an additionally resourced provision funded by the London Borough of Harrow. The fund is for nursery aged children with moderate to severe complex learning needs and who may be identified as requiring an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHC Plan), when they are of school age. The admission procedure for the resourced provision does not conform to the enrolment and admission procedures for the mainstream nursery.
Support with food
The organisations listed below may help you to get food and other supplies if you are struggling financially.
The Healthy Start scheme
The Healthy Start scheme helps you give your family the very best in life. If you are pregnant or have a child under four years old you could qualify to get a Healthy Start Card to help buy some basic foods.
If you think this may apply to you please visit Healthy Start.
HelpHarrow
Harrow Council along with a number of local voluntary sector organisations have come together to form a partnership to support the residents of Harrow who are unable to access food supplies.
HelpHarrow allows residents in need of food to register with an account to make food requests online.
Please note that you will need to provide details about your household’s current situation, food allergies or dietary needs and your local GP/Hospital details.
You can register online at HelpHarrow.
HCM Helping Hands
Helping Hands offer food collection from the Harrow Mosque. Collections take place from 11am to 12pm on Monday to Saturday at Harrow Mosque, 34 Station Road, HA1 2SQ. Proof of address is required when collecting.
London’s Community Kitchen
London’s Community Kitchen is based in Wealdstone. They are an organisation that promotes zero waste and zero hunger. They operate a community café, surplus food markets and a Training Academy. Check out their Facebook page for more information.
My Yard (South Harrow)
Community food project based on the Grange Farm Estate. They are distributing surplus food and meals cooked by a local takeaway. Mostly in South Harrow.
OneForty (West Harrow)
Community space including some surplus food distribution. Open at limited times to distribute food and so best to check our Facebook page for specific opening times which vary according to food availability.
Harrow Food Bank
Harrow Foodbank works with agencies including Citizens Advice, housing support officers, children’s centres, health visitors, social services and some local charities. If they feel you are struggling to put food on the table, they will issue you with a foodbank voucher.
This voucher can then be redeemed at one of their collection points which can be found on their website: harrow.foodbank.org.uk
Cost of Living Guidance
The borough has provided its residence who are facing a tough winter ahead with information and guidance from how to save on your utilities bills to finding a new better paying job.
Support & Recommendations for Debt Advice
If you are struggling to make ends meet or your debt is increasing each month then you may need some help to improve your finances. Asking for help is the best start. Ignoring it will only make it worse. The following organisations provide free 121 and support to help you deal with your debt or benefit problems.
https://www.harrow.gov.uk/benefits/financial-support-advice
Turn2Us Benefits Calculator – free and confidential benefits calculator to find out what benefits you are entitled to claim. https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/
StepChange – free and expert advice service that helps deal with debt issues. Helpline open Mon-Fri from 8am to 8pm or Saturday from 8am to 4pm on 0800 138 1111 https://www.stepchange.org/
Support & Recommendations for local career advice
Xcite is a free training and employment programme for people in Harrow. We provide a full range of support to help Harrow residents back into work.
https://www.harrow.gov.uk/jobs/volunteering/3
Find a job service – https://www.gov.uk/find-a-job
National Careers Service (NCS) – https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ provides free careers information, training and learning advice and guidance.
Top 6 job websites – Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, TotalJobs, CV-Library
Support & Recommendations for rising energy costs
Contact your energy supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Priority Services Register – is a free support service that energy suppliers run to help people in vulnerable situations. Apply by contacting your energy supplier.
Install A Smart Meter – having a Smart Meter installed in your home so you only pay for the energy you use – https://www.smartenergygb.org/
MoneySavingExpert – financial website providing regular updated information on saving costs, finding deals and other useful research. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/energy/
Always remember to keep an eye on your energy bills and to regularly check with price comparison sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Ofgem – the energy regulator for Great Britain. See website for information and advice on energy supply or to make a complaint. https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households
Energy Bill Support Scheme – £400 is available for all households to help with rising energy bills regardless of income or size of house. The discount will be made automatically by the energy supplier. The £400 will be received in 6 instalments in Oct and Nov 2022 and from Dec to March 2023.
Older prepayment meters will be sent an energy voucher by post, whilst most smart prepay meters will be automatically credited every 1st week of the month.
If you have not received your first 2 payments than please call your energy provider and lodge a complaint.
Support & Recommendations for rising water costs
Contact your water supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Thames Water – Low income households (earning less than £20,111) can get discounts of up to 50% through its WaterHelp programme. See website for eligibility criteria and application form – https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/account-and-billing/financial-support/waterhelp
Affinity Water – From April 2022, our low income, fixed tariff (LIFT) is available to customers who are earning less than £16, 480 a year, or who are currently claiming certain benefits; such as Universal Credit or Job Seekers Allowance.
Support & Recommendations for broadband
Affordable broadband – Some broadband providers can offer social tariffs for Westminster residents that receive certain types of benefit.
Check the handy comparison chart showing offers and eligibility. https://airtable.com/shrPejmyjWsvBttoX/tblR71A2iYOFHEPB8
Support in Ealing
The borough of Ealing has information about all the different sources of help, benefits, grants and money-saving discounts the council has on offer.
We will update you with the latest news and updates as they come.
Ealing Programmes 22/23
This autumn and winter, Ealing has a variety of free & low-cost community and cultural activities for residents to enjoy; all will take place in warm and safe locations around the borough.
This programme is aimed at children & young people in school years from reception to Y11 who are in receipt of benefits-related free school meals, and either live in the London Borough of Ealing or attend school in the London Borough of Ealing.
Keep an eye on this page as more activities will be added throughout the winter months including our own and our partners to cater to everyone who wants to keep warm over the coming months.
https://www.ealingfamiliesdirectory.org.uk/kb5/ealing/directory/haf.page
Support offered directly by the council
There are a number of council run buildings that are open during the day and are open to visitors.
Libraries – Get online, use the free wifi, borrow a book at one of Ealing’s libraries or attend courses such as maths workshops, digital for beginners and English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).
Leisure centres – Visit one of our leisure centres offering a vast range of facilities including swimming, badminton, dance classes and female only gyms.
Community centres – Community centres across the borough offer a variety of activities for people of all ages. Your local community centre will have a programme of events.
Children’s centres – There are 25 children’s centres each providing a range of activities aimed at children aged 0-5 and their families.
Day care centres – The council’s day care centres provide tailored activities to older people and those with learning disabilities
Healthy Homes Ealing – A free service available to all residents that provides advice on how to make your home more energy efficient and what grants might be available to you.
COVID and flu jabs – Make sure your vaccinations are up to date.
Dealing with stress – If stress is impacting you, there are things that you can do that might help.
Looking after your mental health – Find out where to get help and support if you need it, as well as how to protect and improve your own mental health and wellbeing.
Staying well this winter – Information and advice from the NHS on staying well in cold weather and what to do if you feel unwell.
Stay warm this winter – Age UK offers advice on how to stay warm and well this winter.
Warm spaces – Find a warm space near you.
Workshops and courses – Explore workshops and courses by the council’s adult learning team that can help to improve your health and wellbeing
Stay active – Visit one of our leisure centres offering a vast range of facilities including swimming, badminton, dance classes and female only gyms.
Healthy start scheme – If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk.
Adult social care – There are a range of services available to older and vulnerable adults in the borough.
Community support directory – Search the directory for information, advice and guidance from organisations, support groups and charities in Ealing.
The household support fund is available until March 2023. It gives those who qualify, help towards food and essential items. The government has already announced an extension of the household support fund. Details to be confirmed.
You do not need to apply. The following households will get the household support fund automatically:
Families eligible for benefits related free school meals, based on low income, will get supermarket vouchers:
Or
Families with children under the age of five, who get housing benefit and/or council tax reduction:
Ealing care leavers will get supermarket vouchers.
Households on housing benefit and/or council tax reduction who are not in receipt of DWP benefits or tax credits will also receive a one-off voucher payment of £170 in November. Other households
Extra local welfare assistance funding has been made available, for households who do not fit into any of the three groups listed above. You will need to apply for this help. If you are facing financial hardship, apply for local welfare assistance.
Discretionary housing payments (DHP) and discretionary council tax discounts (DCTD) are not payments of housing benefit, council tax reduction or universal credit.
DHPs are separate payments made at the council’s discretion in cases where it considers that extra help with housing costs are needed.
You must be entitled to housing benefit/universal credit (housing costs element) to receive a DHP. A DHP cannot be used to:
A DCTD is a discount that is applied to your council tax account and reduces your council tax liability; this is made at the council’s discretion in cases where it considers that extra help with council tax liability is needed.
To help process your application in a quicker time please provide the following documents in support of your application:
Your files need to be clearly readable. If we cannot read your evidence it will take longer to process your application.
Evidence to support your DHP claim can be uploaded to the online form, sent by email or posted. The sooner you send the evidence the quicker we can help you.
Online
We may ask you to upload some documents.
You can send scanned documents or digital photos by attaching them by email to HBScanning@ealing.gov.uk
In the email ‘subject’ box please enter the text ‘DHP application’, followed by your national insurance number and the DHP claim reference.
Your uploaded files need to be clearly readable. If we cannot read your documents it will take longer to process your application.
What Happens Next?
You must report all change of circumstances once you have made a claim as soon as possible otherwise you may need to repay any overpayments.
If you are liable to pay rent towards your accommodation, you can apply for discretionary housing payment and/or discretionary council tax discount:
If your at risk of being homeless
Please note that all contact is by telephone. Please do not go to Perceval House, which is shut to the public.
If you are likely to become, or already are, homeless, but you do not have an existing application with our service, please telephone our reception service: 020 8825 6444
If all staff are busy, you will be able to either leave a voicemail message with you contact details or send an email to Emergencyhousing@ealing.gov.uk
For existing customers with a housing solutions officer
To discuss a case currently being dealt with by a housing solutions officer, please, in the first instance contact your own officer direct by email or on their direct line.
If your officer is away, please use one of these two duty line numbers:
For more information:
https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201086/housing_and_council_tax/378/homelessness
Ealing Family Information Service (FIS) gives information, advice and guidance for children, young people and families across the Ealing borough on the following areas:
For information, advice and guidance, please contact Ealing’s Family Information Service
Ealing Directory
We hold information on all Ofsted-registered childcare providers in Ealing borough. We also support existing childcare providers and people looking to register as childminders.
Find out more in the Ealing Families Directory.
The FIS also manage the Ealing Local Offer website. This has information on support available to children and young people aged 0-25, with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
They also have a SEND officer in the team who can give advice to parents, carers, professionals and young people.
Ealing has a network of 25 children’s centres – led by seven main centres – each offering a range of activities and access to services for young children (aged pre-birth-5) and their families such as;
Each centre provides a wide range of services for young children and their families to ensure that young children get the best start in life and that their families are well supported.
To find your nearest children’s centre – click on your area from the left hand side of the page, then enter your postcode. If you know the name of the centre you’d like to visit – click on their name from the right hand side of this page.
If you have any difficulties contacting a children’s centre directly, you can call the Family Information Service on 020 8825 5588 (Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm), or email children@ealing.gov.uk
https://www.ealingfamiliesdirectory.org.uk/kb5/ealing/directory/family.page?familychannel=2
Support with food
Information on local food banks and how you can use them.
We know it might be a challenging time for some people. Ealing foodbank can help you if cannot afford to buy food. The steps of using Ealing foodbank are:
1. Get a food bank referral code
Please call 0808 2082138 for free (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) to talk confidently with Citizens Advice about your circumstances. They can issue you with a local food bank referral code.
If you can afford food but are unable to get it, please visit Ealing Together or call 020 8825 7170 for help.
2. Bring your food bank referral code to one of the foodbanks in Ealing:
3. Get your food parcel with three days’ worth of food.
If you live in Southall and you are struggling to buy food, you can get help from Southall Food Hub. It is open on Tuesday and Friday, 8am-2pm with food parcel collection from 11am to 1am.
Address: St John’s Parish Church, Southall UB2 4RP
Telephone: 07510 353284
Email: ben@youngealingfoundation.org.uk
https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201148/community_advice/2819/vital_help_and_support_for_residents/7
Cost of Living Guidance
The borough has provided its residence who are facing a tough winter ahead with information and guidance from how to save on your utilities bills to finding a new better paying job.
Support & Recommendations for Debt Advice
If you are struggling to make ends meet or your debt is increasing each month then you may need some help to improve your finances. Asking for help is the best start. Ignoring it will only make it worse. The following organisations provide free 12 and support to help you deal with your debt or benefit problems.
Ealing Advice Service gives confidential advice on benefits, benefit assessment and debt.
0208 579 8429, (option 1) or 03000 125464
Turn2Us Benefits Calculator – free and confidential benefits calculator to find out what benefits you are entitled to claim. https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/
StepChange – free and expert advice service that helps deal with debt issues. Helpline open Mon-Fri from 8am to 8pm or Saturday from 8am to 4pm on 0800 138 1111 https://www.stepchange.org/
Support & Recommendations for local career advice
Ealing Council’s employment, learning and skills team offers practical support to those looking for a new or better job.
https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201320/cost_of_living_support_and_advice/3095/jobs_and_training
Find a job service – https://www.gov.uk/find-a-job
National Careers Service (NCS) – https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ provides free careers information, training and learning advice and guidance.
Top 6 job websites – Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, TotalJobs, CV-Library
Support & Recommendations for rising energy costs
Contact your energy supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Priority Services Register – is a free support service that energy suppliers run to help people in vulnerable situations. Apply by contacting your energy supplier.
Install A Smart Meter – having a Smart Meter installed in your home so you only pay for the energy you use – https://www.smartenergygb.org/
MoneySavingExpert – financial website providing regular updated information on saving costs, finding deals and other useful research. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/energy/
Always remember to keep an eye on your energy bills and to regularly check with price comparison sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Ofgem – the energy regulator for Great Britain. See website for information and advice on energy supply or to make a complaint. https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households
Energy Bill Support Scheme – £400 is available for all households to help with rising energy bills regardless of income or size of house. The discount will be made automatically by the energy supplier. The £400 will be received in 6 instalments in Oct and Nov 2022 and from Dec to March 2023.
Older prepayment meters will be sent an energy voucher by post, whilst most smart prepay meters will be automatically credited every 1st week of the month.
If you have not received your first 2 payments than please call your energy provider and lodge a complaint.
Support & Recommendations for rising water costs
Contact your water supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Thames Water – Low income households (earning less than £20,111) can get discounts of up to 50% through its WaterHelp programme. See website for eligibility criteria and application form – https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/account-and-billing/financial-support/waterhelp
Affinity Water – From April 2022, our low income, fixed tariff (LIFT) is available to customers who are earning less than £16, 480 a year, or who are currently claiming certain benefits; such as Universal Credit or Job Seekers Allowance.
Support & Recommendations for broadband
Affordable broadband – Some broadband providers can offer social tariffs for Westminster residents that receive certain types of benefit.
Check the handy comparison chart showing offers and eligibility. https://airtable.com/shrPejmyjWsvBttoX/tblR71A2iYOFHEPB8
Support in Enfield
The borough of Enfield has information about all the different sources of help, benefits, grants and money-saving discounts the council has on offer.
We will update you with the latest news and updates as they come.
Enfield Programmes 22/23
The HAF programme is a Department for Education (DfE) funded initiative. The aim of the programme is to encourage children and young people to:
The programme is also aimed at families to increase their understanding of nutrition and food budgeting.
https://hafenfield.co.uk/haf-programme/
Support offered directly by the council
Across Enfield, warm spaces are being set up and offered to the public. We want to make sure that nobody is left to suffer on their own this winter. Enfield Libraries are offering a warm and friendly welcome.
Visit Warm Welcome to find a warm space near you. Why not share the link with friends and family?
The 17 libraries throughout Enfield provide support from staff, volunteers and one of our many partners that can help with:
Warm space activities and events are being held at the four hub libraries (Edmonton Green Library, Enfield Town Library, Ordnance Unity Centre Library and Palmers Green Library), so if you want comfort, information, advice and support, visit a library in Enfield, pull up a chair and make yourself at home.
With our late-night closures and Sunday opening, you have daily access to:
For residents that are feeling isolated, there are a range of activities designed to provide them with a sense of community.
See our library opening times.
Other library services
Also, at Edmonton Green Library and Enfield Town Library we offer visa verification services, a food pantry and Enfield Town Library has a café facility attached.
At Edmonton Green and Enfield Town you can also find our Community Hubs that connect you with support for money and debt, wellbeing and food, housing and jobs and skills.
Get involved
Did you know Enfield Knitting group based at Enfield Town Library are knitting for charity this winter? If you would like to become a volunteer and support our community, please speak with a member of staff.
Community hubs is a face-to-face service that connects residents with support across 4 pillars:
The hubs are open to all residents, and you do not need an appointment.
We are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and are based in Edmonton Green and Enfield Town libraries.
Please note that the Edmonton hub is closed from 2pm and Enfield Town hub from 2:45pm on the third Wednesday of each month for training purposes.
Edmonton Community Hub
Edmonton Green Library
36-44 South Mall
Edmonton
N9 0TN
Enfield Community Hub
Enfield Town Library
66 Church Street
Enfield
EN2 6AX
£2,847,994.64 of funding has been provided to Enfield by the government to allocate to those most in need between 1 October 2022 and 31 March 2023.
The fund is intended to cover a wide range of low-income households, including families with children of all ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers, and people with disabilities.
The Household Support Fund should be used to support households who may not be eligible for other support the government has recently made available.
Holiday activities will be held in a warm space and will include food.
Children receiving free school meals and children who have been identified by their school will receive a £40 Edenred food voucher (this is per child). These will be arranged and issued via the child’s school.
Funding is available at a child’s school in the London Borough of Enfield to support with school uniforms.
Funding has made been available to schools who wish to run a food bank.
Post office vouchers will be issued to those identified with specific needs by the end of November 2022, to be redeemed by 31 January 23. These include:
https://www.enfield.gov.uk/services/benefits-and-money-advice/household-support-fund
You can apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) if you get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing costs and think that you need extra help paying your rent.
Before applying, you must make sure that the help you currently get, either through Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, is based on your correct income and circumstances.
The DHP fund is limited so we will look at your income and expenses to decide.
You may need to give evidence of:
If you get Universal Credit, you must also provide the following:
You should answer all the questions and give your contact details so we can get in touch if we have any queries.
If your claim is successful, we will send you a letter with details of the payment.
https://www.enfield.gov.uk/services/benefits-and-money-advice/discretionary-housing-payment
A person is threatened with homelessness if they:
If you’re threatened with homelessness and are eligible for help, we can help to prevent your homelessness. You can find more details on who is eligible by visiting Shelter – Council housing: immigration and habitual residence conditions. If you’re subject to immigration control, you will be asked for further information to determine what type of assistance can be offered.
A person could be homeless if they:
If you think you may be homeless or threatened with homelessness, we may be able to help you to stay in your home or move to another home. The earlier you contact us the more we’ll be able to help.
If you’re homeless and eligible, we’ll look at whether you have local connections in the area including:
If you don’t have a local connection to Enfield, we may refer your application to the council you do have a local connection with.
We will carry out an assessment of your circumstances to help us understand your situation and what help and support you need. We will complete a personal housing support plan to set out what you need to do and what we will do to help you. Over the course of your application we will update you with what we are doing. You will also need to contact us regularly to let us know what you have done from your personal housing support plan.
We will first try to prevent you from becoming homeless. This may include talking to your landlord, mortgage lender or family to find a way to resolve your current threat of homelessness. We may also refer you to other organisations for help with your current housing or
to find alternative accommodation. If we’re unable to prevent your homelessness within 56 days, we will try to relieve your homelessness. This may be with an offer of private rented accommodation or placement into temporary accommodation whilst we help you secure longer term accommodation. See our advice
on how to find a property to rent.
For information about what duties you may be owed, visit Shelter – Local authority homelessness duties.
Enfield Early Help work with the whole family to improve wellbeing, relationships, behaviour and communication by offering advice, support and direct interventions at any point in a child or young person’s life, from pre-birth to adulthood. The type of support offered will depend on the needs of the family. The Enfield Early Help Hub has services that support children young people and families.
Support with food
If you are finding your money does not stretch far enough and you are struggling to afford the cost of food, a food pantry can provide you with a heavily discounted food shop. To receive support from a food pantry you will pay a weekly membership fee (between £3.50 and £4.50), which will allow you to shop at the pantry each week. Pantries look similar to shops and you are able to select a certain amount of food based on your own food preferences. There are 5 pantries located across Enfield.
Enfield Town Library
66 Church Street
Enfield
EN2 6AX
Open Thursdays and Fridays. Referral only through the Welfare advice and support team – make a referral to the team.
Edmonton Green Library
36-44 South Mall
Edmonton
N9 0TN
Open Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Referral only through the Welfare advice and support team – make a referral to the team.
Ordnance Road Methodist Church
100 Ordnance Road
Enfield
EN3 6BW
Open Saturdays, from 1pm to 3pm. No referral required. For more information, email ordnancepantry@gmail.com.
229 Bounces Road
Edmonton
N9 8LN
Open Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 9am to 3pm No referral required. For more information, email sadiyaam@hotmail.co.uk.
Edmonton Methodist Church
Fore Street
Edmonton
N9 0PN
Open Saturdays, from 11am to 1pm. No referral required.
Food co-ops are small buying groups, providing their members with free and affordable groceries, sourced in bulk and distributed at a very low price. Cooperation Town food co-ops are owned by their members and run according to local needs. Members decide collectively on how to organise and are responsible for the day to day running of the co-op. While each Cooperation Town co-op is independent, the network is designed to share resources and support across the movement. For more information on joining a food co-operative in Enfield, email will@cooperation.town or visit Cooperation Town.
If you find yourself struggling and have no money to afford food, a food bank can provide you with emergency food support. Food banks do not charge you for food and will provide you with a food parcel to last a few days. To view food banks in your area, zoom into the map below and click on the blue pins.
The Enfield Food Alliance can also help with accessing food.
Support in Hammersmith& Fulham
The cost-of-living crisis team can help you to access support for the cost-of-living crisis. They can provide guidance and advice on services and support across the council and wider. If you need urgent support with food or are on a prepaid meter and need help contact us.
You can contact us on our free phone number 0800 917 6994 (8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday) or via our contact form which will enable us to respond to you quicker. Alternatively, you can email us at costoflivingteam@lbhf.gov.uk.
Hammersmith & Fulham Programmes 22/23
Hammersmith & Fulham Council and Let Me Play have again worked with local organisations to support a range of FREE activities with food for children, young people and families over the winter break.
Details of the activity and booking information can be found below. Featured events are listed alphabetically by event name.
Please contact the individual providers for further information.
https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/children-and-young-people/winter-festive-fun
Support offered directly by the council
Helping residents through the cost-of-living crisis is our urgent priority at H&F.
With bills increasing and inflation at 9 per cent, we’re doing all we can to support local residents. This includes:
We will also build an alliance of support – just as we did during the pandemic – working with residents, local businesses, third sector organisations and others to find new ways to help people through these difficult times.
We will develop and implement a Financial Inclusion Strategy with strategic partners to improve access to financial information, including debt advice, better access to affordable credit and financial services, and building residents’ financial understanding and capability.
We will host a cost-of-living conference in autumn 2022, bringing partners together to find new ways of helping residents navigate this crisis.
We will maintain our close support for charities like the Hammersmith and Fulham Foodbank and the Nourish Hub. We will work with businesses and third sector organisations to expand these schemes where they are most needed.
We will switch all council housing tenants from top-up electricity to central heating and smart meters via a green provider.
And amid rising rates of mental health problems among children and young people, exacerbated by the pandemic, we will provide access to counsellors at every school, all year round.
To support residents with the cost of living, H&F is distributing funds to local groups and residents in need from the Household Support Fund (HSF). This funding will be used to help people in need with things such as energy bills and food. We’re working with a range of local charities, voluntary groups and partners to make sure we can get the right help to those who need it, at the right time.
While residents cannot apply directly for the Household Support Fund, we may still be able to help. Please call our team on 020 8753 5566 for more details. If support is available, it will be based on your current situation and we may ask a few questions about your financial situation.
After receiving housing benefit, if you are still in financial difficulty due to a shortfall between your benefit entitlement and the rent you are charged, you can apply for a discretionary housing payment (DHP).
We will look closely at your personal circumstances and your finances, and may make an additional award of benefit if you are suffering hardship. This benefit is paid from a fixed annual fund and is a discretionary payment and is not awarded to everyone who claims it.
(Housing benefit refers to either housing benefit awarded by H&F Council or the housing element of Universal Credit)
We will award you a DHP for a fixed period and never for more than a year. When completing an application we’ll ask how long the applicant will need extra financial help and what they will do to avoid needing additional payments in the long term.
Other than any situations mentioned above, there are no rules about who can get discretionary housing payments.
We will usually take into account any special circumstances that contribute to your financial difficulties, for example, if:
You will be asked to give evidence of your expenditure (the money you have going out). This could be a copy of a bill or your bank statements. You should also provide any information about your circumstances that make things difficult for you financially.
For the claimant (and partner, if applicable)
For everyone in the household
Depending on reason(s) for applying we may require
For further information, please contact the benefits team or fill in the Discretionary Housing Payments form. You will be asked to log in to or register with My Account to access the form.
https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/benefits/make-new-claim/discretionary-housing-payments
If your at risk of being homeless
If you have become homeless suddenly and have not had time to make alternative arrangements, please use our housing advice contact form to find the best way to get in contact with us for your situation.
Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. If you become homeless outside these office hours, call our night or weekend emergency housing service on 020 8753 4200.
We will carry out an assessment of your situation. Due to the Covid pandemic, the majority of our staff are working from home so we are delivering this service remotely, primarily by phone.
You’ll need to provide certain documents so that we can help you, such as:
Your housing officer can talk you through how you can submit these documents electronically. It will help to speed up the process if you have photos or scanned copies of these documents ready.
If you don’t have ID, you may have a letter from the home office confirming your immigration status which we will ask to see.
If you don’t provide any documentation it will be very difficult for us to help you.
We can help you if you’re eligible and homeless but we follow a legal process to prioritise who we rehouse.
If we don’t consider you to be homeless, we will always provide you with advice and guidance to find a solution.
For us to consider providing housing, we need to establish that you have a local connection with Hammersmith & Fulham.
You have a local connection with Hammersmith & Fulham if you:
This is not the only way you can establish a local connection. Visit the Shelter website to find more about local connection.
If we assess that you don’t have a local connection with Hammersmith & Fulham, we may then refer you to a council you have a local connection with.
If you are at risk of violence or domestic abuse in your current area, the local connections rules do not apply.
The family information service (FIS) provides impartial information and advice on facilities for children and young people aged up to 19.
It covers services provided by the council and organisations in the voluntary, private and independent sectors in Hammersmith & Fulham.
We can advise you on how to choose the type of childcare or early years service that best suits your needs and send you up-to-date lists, including contact details for:
https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/children-and-young-people/early-years/family-information-service
Our children’s centres are here to help families in Hammersmith & Fulham thrive.They are places where mums, dads, carers and children can make new friends and enjoy play and learning experiences together.
Children’s centre services in Hammersmith & Fulham offer a range of experiences for families with children including learn and play sessions, baby massage, health visitor clinics, English language classes, sleep workshops and much more.
https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/children-and-young-people/early-years/children-s-centres
Support with food
For those who are able to use them, we want to make sure that our food banks are operating well and that they have food supplies and volunteers to support them. Find out about foodbanks in Hammersmith & Fulham.
If you need urgent support with food, loneliness or isolation, our Community Connect team may be able to help. Please email communityconnect@lbhf.gov.uk
For a Food Bank voucher please call the Help Through Hardship Citizens Advice dedicated service 0808 208 2138
The Nourish Hub is a new community kitchen and space for local residents to meet and also receive culinary training. It has been created by H&F Council by refurbishing a disused space on the ground floor of Swanscombe House at 1 St Ann’s Road on the Edward Woods Estate in W11. See the location on Google Maps.
The hub is run by food charity, UK Harvest, and provides opportunities for local people to come together to cook, eat and learn about how to eat more healthily.
Their services include:
For more details, visit: Nourish Hub.
There are lots of ways to save money and make your food go further. Try Full Time Meals with Marcus Rashford and Tom Kerridge for pocket-friendly, easy recipes for ‘hearty home cooked grub’.
Or Jack Monroe (aka Bootstrap Cook) is a former foodbank user and food poverty campaigner who’s carved a career out of sharing budget recipes designed with the simplest, cheapest ingredients. Check out the Cooking on a Bootstrap website or social media channels.
Funded by H&F Council, the Rose Vouchers Project helps residents living in poverty with children under the age of five get fresh fruit and vegetables from local market stalls.
Every day, delicious, fresh food goes to waste at cafes, restaurants, hotels, shops and manufacturers – just because it hasn’t sold in time.
The Too Good To Go app lets you buy and collect this food – at a great price – so it gets eaten instead of wasted. You won’t know exactly what’s in your order until you pick it up – it’s all part of the surprise.
Find out more and download the app at Too Good To Go.
Join millions of neighbours all over the world who are using OLIO to share more, care more and waste less.
Give and get free stuff and borrow and lend household items – all directly from your community. Find out more and download the app at OLIO – Free Sharing App (olioex.com)
Cost of Living Guidance
The borough has provided its residence who are facing a tough winter ahead with information and guidance from how to save on your utilities bills to finding a new better paying job.
Support & Recommendations for Debt Advice
If you are struggling to make ends meet or your debt is increasing each month then you may need some help to improve your finances. Asking for help is the best start. Ignoring it will only make it worse. The following organisations provide free 121 and support to help you deal with your debt or benefit problems.
https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/cost-living-crisis-find-help-here
Citizens Advice Hammersmith & Fulham
General enquiries 0300 330 1162
Help to claim Universal Credit number – 0800 144 8 444
Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm
www.cahf.org.uk
Welfare benefits team
020 8753 5566
Monday and Friday, 9am to 12.30pm
Wednesday, 1.30pm to 4.30pm
welfare.benefit@lbhf.gov.uk
Welfare benefits advice for council tenants
Turn2Us Benefits Calculator – free and confidential benefits calculator to find out what benefits you are entitled to claim. https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/
StepChange – free and expert advice service that helps deal with debt issues. Helpline open Mon-Fri from 8am to 8pm or Saturday from 8am to 4pm on 0800 138 1111 https://www.stepchange.org/
Support & Recommendations for local career advice
Hammersmith & Fulham Adult Learning Service (HFALS) offers more than 500 part-time courses for adults at venues and community groups across the borough.
We can help you develop new skills, gain a qualification, further your career, find employment, share an interest or attend for health and well being.
Courses are taught by skilled and qualified staff, who specialise in teaching adults. Many qualification courses are free for those on benefits.
We pride ourselves on being a friendly and welcoming service and value feedback from our learners and the community.
The service offers a broad range of courses at different levels from beginner’s ESOL, to proficiency/mastery conversational language courses (entry level 1 – level 3).
Find a job service – https://www.gov.uk/find-a-job
National Careers Service (NCS) – https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ provides free careers information, training and learning advice and guidance.
Top 6 job websites – Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, TotalJobs, CV-Library
Support & Recommendations for rising energy costs
Contact your energy supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Priority Services Register – is a free support service that energy suppliers run to help people in vulnerable situations. Apply by contacting your energy supplier.
Install A Smart Meter – having a Smart Meter installed in your home so you only pay for the energy you use – https://www.smartenergygb.org/
MoneySavingExpert – financial website providing regular updated information on saving costs, finding deals and other useful research. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/energy/
Always remember to keep an eye on your energy bills and to regularly check with price comparison sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Ofgem – the energy regulator for Great Britain. See website for information and advice on energy supply or to make a complaint. https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households
Energy Bill Support Scheme – £400 is available for all households to help with rising energy bills regardless of income or size of house. The discount will be made automatically by the energy supplier. The £400 will be received in 6 instalments in Oct and Nov 2022 and from Dec to March 2023.
Older prepayment meters will be sent an energy voucher by post, whilst most smart prepay meters will be automatically credited every 1st week of the month.
If you have not received your first 2 payments than please call your energy provider and lodge a complaint.
Support & Recommendations for rising water costs
Contact your water supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Thames Water – Low income households (earning less than £20,111) can get discounts of up to 50% through its WaterHelp programme. See website for eligibility criteria and application form – https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/account-and-billing/financial-support/waterhelp
Affinity Water – From April 2022, our low income, fixed tariff (LIFT) is available to customers who are earning less than £16, 480 a year, or who are currently claiming certain benefits; such as Universal Credit or Job Seekers Allowance.
Support & Recommendations for broadband
Affordable broadband – Some broadband providers can offer social tariffs for Westminster residents that receive certain types of benefit.
Check the handy comparison chart showing offers and eligibility. https://airtable.com/shrPejmyjWsvBttoX/tblR71A2iYOFHEPB8
Support in Hillingdon
Hillingdon council understands the pressures many people are facing with the cost of living. The following schemes and programmes offer support to households in Hillingdon.
We will update you with the latest news and updates as they come.
Hillingdon Programmes 22/23
Through there programme of healthy food and fun activities, children and young people can develop new skills, take part in creative and physical activities, learn about food and cooking, and enjoy free nutritious meals each day.
Their next Holiday Activity and Food programme will run from Monday 19 to Friday 23 December, with lots of fun sessions for eligible families on benefit-related free school meals.
Support offered directly by the council
If you are a Hillingdon Council tenant and struggling financially, our welfare reform and tenancy support team may be able to help.
Our welfare reform and tenancy support team can carry out a welfare benefit health check to ensure you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to.
They can also help you :
Where appropriate, our team can also:
To get in touch, please email housingsupportworkerteam@hillingdon.gov.uk
Heater Loan Scheme runs throughout the winter, offering support to older people when the weather gets colder.
The scheme provides the short-term loan of electric heaters to Hillingdon homeowener aged over 65.
Emergency heater loans are usually available for up to 2 weeks.
To request a heater loan, eligible residents can call 01895 556633 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm).
For emergencies during evenings and weekends, call 01895 250111.
The fund will run until Friday 31 March 2023 and will be used to support low-income households who need help with food, energy and other essential costs.
Further information and guidance on how to apply for this fund will be made available soon.
If your at risk of being homeless
Hillingdon council’s priority is to work with you early in your eviction process to avoid a situation where you become homeless.
The earlier we talk to you about your housing issue, the more options will be available to you.
Before you make a request for assistance, complete the housing advice self assessment below to explore the appropriate housing options for you.
Once you have completed the assessment, you will be transferred to our external housing service, Housing Jigsaw, to register for our assistance. You must have an email address to proceed with your registration.
The registration process will take approximately 45 to 60 minutes to complete. If you do not submit the form, we cannot take any action. A star (*) next to a question means the question must be answered before you can move forward.
Once your request for assistance has been submitted, you will be assigned a caseworker who will make contact with you within 10 days. We will then work together to resolve your housing issue.
Using our customer portal, you will be able to review your Personal Housing Plan, upload supporting documents, manage the tasks that have been assigned to you and monitor the progress of your case.
https://www.hillingdon.gov.uk/article/2153/At-risk-of-being-homeless
The Stronger Families Hub operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide families in Hillingdon with information, advice and support.
If you’re a parent/carer in Hillingdon, we can provide you and your family with lots of different help about a range of things, including:
You can also contact us if you’re worried about another child who may be at risk.
Get in touch by emailing strongerfamilieshub@hillingdon.gov.uk or call 01895 556006.
https://www.hillingdon.gov.uk/article/7934/Stronger-Families-Hub
Cost of Living Guidance
The borough has provided its residence who are facing a tough winter ahead with information and guidance from how to save on your utilities bills to finding a new better paying job.
Support & Recommendations for Debt Advice
If you are struggling to make ends meet or your debt is increasing each month then you may need some help to improve your finances. Asking for help is the best start. Ignoring it will only make it worse. The following organisations provide free 121 and support to help you deal with your debt or benefit problems.
https://hillingdon.gov.uk/article/9443/Further-support-for-residents-struggling-financially
Citizens Advice Hillingdon provides services to local people, including those who may be disadvantaged in their access to services.
Turn2Us Benefits Calculator – free and confidential benefits calculator to find out what benefits you are entitled to claim. https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/
StepChange – free and expert advice service that helps deal with debt issues. Helpline open Mon-Fri from 8am to 8pm or Saturday from 8am to 4pm on 0800 138 1111 https://www.stepchange.org/
Support & Recommendations for local career advice
Find a job service – https://www.gov.uk/find-a-job
National Careers Service (NCS) – https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ provides free careers information, training and learning advice and guidance.
Top 6 job websites – Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, TotalJobs, CV-Library
Support & Recommendations for rising energy costs
Contact your energy supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Priority Services Register – is a free support service that energy suppliers run to help people in vulnerable situations. Apply by contacting your energy supplier.
Install A Smart Meter – having a Smart Meter installed in your home so you only pay for the energy you use – https://www.smartenergygb.org/
MoneySavingExpert – financial website providing regular updated information on saving costs, finding deals and other useful research. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/energy/
Always remember to keep an eye on your energy bills and to regularly check with price comparison sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Ofgem – the energy regulator for Great Britain. See website for information and advice on energy supply or to make a complaint. https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households
Energy Bill Support Scheme – £400 is available for all households to help with rising energy bills regardless of income or size of house. The discount will be made automatically by the energy supplier. The £400 will be received in 6 instalments in Oct and Nov 2022 and from Dec to March 2023.
Older prepayment meters will be sent an energy voucher by post, whilst most smart prepay meters will be automatically credited every 1st week of the month.
If you have not received your first 2 payments than please call your energy provider and lodge a complaint.
Support & Recommendations for rising water costs
Contact your water supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Thames Water – Low income households (earning less than £20,111) can get discounts of up to 50% through its WaterHelp programme. See website for eligibility criteria and application form – https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/account-and-billing/financial-support/waterhelp
Affinity Water – From April 2022, our low income, fixed tariff (LIFT) is available to customers who are earning less than £16, 480 a year, or who are currently claiming certain benefits; such as Universal Credit or Job Seekers Allowance.
Support & Recommendations for broadband
Affordable broadband – Some broadband providers can offer social tariffs for Westminster residents that receive certain types of benefit.
Check the handy comparison chart showing offers and eligibility. https://airtable.com/shrPejmyjWsvBttoX/tblR71A2iYOFHEPB8
Support in Hounslow
In response to the growing cost of living crisis Hounslow Council is launching a comprehensive programme of support to help residents struggling this winter.
From dedicated warm spaces to support with the household, Hounslow has it all.
We will update you with the latest news and updates as they come.
Hounslow Programmes 22/23
If your family is on a lower income your child could be entitled to a place on Hounslow’s Holiday Activities and Food programme, which gives local children the chance to experience engaging and dynamic activities when term time’s over.
Tasty food is also part of the deal, with every child who attends being provided with free, nutritious meals during the holidays.
All children who receive free school meals are eligible for a place on the programme, which is funded by the Department for Education.
Keep an eye on this page as more activities will be added throughout the winter months including our own and our partners to cater to everyone who wants to keep warm over the coming months.
https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/news/article/2740/could_your_kids_take_part_in_free_holiday_activities
Support offered directly by the council
Until March 2023, warm spaces are being opened across Hounslow so that people have somewhere they can go if they are struggling to heat their homes.
Everyone is welcome at any of the warm spaces and they can stay as long as they like (as long as it does not become crowded).
All 11 of the boroughs libraries and four leisure centres are offering warm spaces, in addition to many others which are being operated by charities and voluntary organisations. Please see below for details of where they are located, when they are open and what is on offer.
Hounslow’s Community Solutions team is hosting a series of events across the borough to give residents access to guidance and support on everyday issues connected with the rising cost of living in a pressure free environment.
Many of the events are being delivered in partnership with other local organisations, to provide advice on a wide range of issues. See the table below for details of the sessions near you.
* Community Solutions and 2 or more partner organisations
** Community Solutions and 10 or more partner organisations
https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/homepage/252/cost_of_living_marketplace_roadshow
The Council has received funding for the Household Support Grant. The funding is available from October 2022 to March 2023
The Household Support Grant provides households with payments to help with essentials such as food and utilities.
To qualify for help
https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/info/20004/community_and_living/2225/household_support_grant
We now administer the scheme for customers who would have normally sought help from the Department of Work and Pensions Social Fund scheme.
Examples of where Hounslow may assist are:
If you have any queries about the process, you can call us 020 8583 2000 with general enquiries but the call centre will not be able to give you any update on any application you have made at present.
Apply Here:
Homelessness can happen to anybody for many reasons, some of which can be prevented.
It is a result of a change in circumstances that may have caused you to leave or lose your home.
The good news is that we can prevent this from happening and have outlined a range of services and tools that we think are the most helpful.
Hounslow also has a team in place, ready to provide you with advice and ongoing support.
They provide help and support to children, young people and their families from before birth up to the age of 19.
All families face challenges and sometimes need support. Early Help is about providing this support as soon as possible to tackle difficulties for children, young people and families before they become more serious. We work with the whole family and the child is at the centre of everything we do.
https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/info/20027/early_years_and_childcare
Children’s Centre’s offer services across Hounslow broken down into 3 locality areas (Central, East and West). Alongside our fun playgroups we support families with advice and information on helping families to prepare for nursery, supporting healthy lifestyles, parenting support groups/courses, support in returning to work and meeting other families in the local community.
Support with food
Hounslow provides several food support services. We’ve listed their details below and split them based on the days of the week they’re available.
If you cannot afford to buy food and need emergency items, there are a number of food banks in Hounslow that may be able to support you:
https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/info/20209/community_hub/2294/emergency_food_support
If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be eligible for Healthy Start Vouchers, which help towards the cost of some fresh foods.
In addition your school-aged children may be eligible for Free School Meals.
https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/info/20025/schools_and_colleges/61/free_school_meals
Cost of Living Guidance
The borough has provided its residence who are facing a tough winter ahead with information and guidance from how to save on your utilities bills to finding a new better paying job.
Support & Recommendations for Debt Advice
If you are struggling to make ends meet or your debt is increasing each month then you may need some help to improve your finances. Asking for help is the best start. Ignoring it will only make it worse. The following organisations provide free 12 and support to help you deal with your debt or benefit problems.
https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/info/20087/paying_your_rent/1357/money_advice_and_debt_counselling
Citizens Advice Bureau gives confidential advice on benefits, benefit assessment and debt.
Telephone 0808 278 7830 to find out more about CAB offices (below) and outreach locations across the borough:
You can also go to the CAB website.
Turn2Us Benefits Calculator – free and confidential benefits calculator to find out what benefits you are entitled to claim. https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/
StepChange – free and expert advice service that helps deal with debt issues. Helpline open Mon-Fri from 8am to 8pm or Saturday from 8am to 4pm on 0800 138 1111 https://www.stepchange.org/
Support & Recommendations for local career advice
If you live in the borough and you are unemployed, we can offer you support to find work, as part of the Work Hounslow initiative.
The type of support you can get is:
Work Hounslow can help you find new job opportunities and vacancies
Alternatively contact us by email or telephone 020 8583 6174.
If you would like to speak with the Work Hounslow team, visit the team at one of their drop-in sessions across Hounslow borough.
Work Hounslow will run drop-in sessions for residents who are unemployed, in low paid work and seeking work, training or upskilling opportunities.
The drop-in sessions will allow residents to have a one-to-one conversation with an Employment Advisor and find out how we can support you with jobs and training opportunities.
Visit the Work Hounslow website to be informed of the weekly drop-in schedule. Or follow the London Borough of Hounslow on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to keep updated on the weekly schedule.
Find a job service – https://www.gov.uk/find-a-job
National Careers Service (NCS) – https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ provides free careers information, training and learning advice and guidance.
Top 6 job websites – Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, TotalJobs, CV-Library
Support & Recommendations for rising energy costs
Contact your energy supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Priority Services Register – is a free support service that energy suppliers run to help people in vulnerable situations. Apply by contacting your energy supplier.
Install A Smart Meter – having a Smart Meter installed in your home so you only pay for the energy you use – https://www.smartenergygb.org/
MoneySavingExpert – financial website providing regular updated information on saving costs, finding deals and other useful research. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/energy/
Always remember to keep an eye on your energy bills and to regularly check with price comparison sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Ofgem – the energy regulator for Great Britain. See website for information and advice on energy supply or to make a complaint. https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households
Energy Bill Support Scheme – £400 is available for all households to help with rising energy bills regardless of income or size of house. The discount will be made automatically by the energy supplier. The £400 will be received in 6 instalments in Oct and Nov 2022 and from Dec to March 2023.
Older prepayment meters will be sent an energy voucher by post, whilst most smart prepay meters will be automatically credited every 1st week of the month.
If you have not received your first 2 payments than please call your energy provider and lodge a complaint.
Support & Recommendations for rising water costs
Contact your water supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Thames Water – Low income households (earning less than £20,111) can get discounts of up to 50% through its WaterHelp programme. See website for eligibility criteria and application form – https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/account-and-billing/financial-support/waterhelp
Affinity Water – From April 2022, our low income, fixed tariff (LIFT) is available to customers who are earning less than £16, 480 a year, or who are currently claiming certain benefits; such as Universal Credit or Job Seekers Allowance.
Support & Recommendations for broadband
Affordable broadband – Some broadband providers can offer social tariffs for Westminster residents that receive certain types of benefit.
Check the handy comparison chart showing offers and eligibility. https://airtable.com/shrPejmyjWsvBttoX/tblR71A2iYOFHEPB8
Support in Lambeth
Lambeth Council has many support mechanisms and funds available to families that live in the borough and are facing financial hardships.
The borough has much to offer in terms of support and we will update you with the latest news and updates as they come.
Winter Programmes 22/23
Lambeth council will be offering sports, games, arts and crafts, cooking, quizzes and more.
Free for all entitled to free school meals, £20 for those who can afford it. We are only taking bookings, no walk ins.
Suitable for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
SEND children that need it will be offered a young leader as a buddy, please contact us for more information.
https://beta.lambeth.gov.uk/family-information-directory/11662-syct-winter-haf-project
Support offered directly by the council
As the cost of living crisis continues, many of us face tough decisions this Winter. Some of us cannot afford to heat our homes or are worried about doing so.
To support the community, we have partnered with the voluntary sector and other organisations to open a network of Warm Spaces across Lambeth that you can visit for free, relax, stay warm and meet others in the community.
Each Warm Space is slightly different; you can find some in libraries, community halls and hubs. Some offer hot food, activities and services. Whichever Warm Space you visit, all will be safe, heated, welcoming, kind and inclusive.
Find a Warm Space below.
Lambeth’s Emergency Support Scheme can help if you’re a resident facing hardship, a crisis, emergency or disaster, including struggling to pay bills or afford food.
The scheme provides in-kind support, such as vouchers, wherever possible, rather than cash grants.
We can help your household meet living costs through:
• high street vouchers
• food vouchers
• fuel payments
• second-hand furniture
• refurbished white goods
• a handy-man service
• a removals and storage service
The Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) scheme helps people who need more financial help with their housing costs. We can pay DHP on top of your normal Housing Benefit.
Discretionary Housing Payment is not available to help meet Council Tax costs anymore. DHPs are not benefits – they are separate payments we can make at our discretion. We have a limited amount of money for DHP so not all claims are successful.
A lump sum DHP cannot be awarded to clear rent arrears as so many applications made are purely for this purpose and have to be refused.
Get advice on homeless prevention and access help and information for rough sleepers.
https://beta.lambeth.gov.uk/housing/finding-home/homelessness-prevention-housing-advice
Families information service provides free, reliable and impartial information and assistance to parents, carers, professionals and young people about local services and activities available to you and your family.
https://beta.lambeth.gov.uk/children-young-people-families/families-information-service
Children’s centres are the main base for the delivery of Better Start services for babies and children aged from 0-4 and their families in Lambeth. Our network of children’s centres offers a wide range of activities, help and support for young children and their families.
These include health services like:
* ante-natal and post-natal care
* baby clinics
* groups to support breastfeeding and infant feeding
* support around children’s diet and nutrition.
Speech and language therapists can support and guide you on children’s early communication and language skills, and some centres provide additional specialist support for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Centres also offer small group stay and play sessions and activities for babies, toddlers and young children to attend with parents and carers, and some centres provide childcare, including free early learning for 2 year olds.
There are lots of services for parents and carers too, including:
* family learning courses
* parenting support groups
* ESOL classes
* support around training and employment.
You can get information about accessing benefits or dealing housing difficulties from a skilled advisor, and the centre’s Better Start workers can give you additional help and support about a wide range of topics including parenting and child development, finding childcare, and signposting to other services that may be able to support you or your child. They will aim to provide this support as soon as you need it so that by the time your child is 5 years old they are happy, healthy and ready for school.
Some services are delivered on a face-to-face basis, and others may be delivered virtually or by phone. You will need to book a place in a group before attending.
Support with food
The Lambeth Larder website has useful information about where to find local help and support, including emergency support.
Brixton Advice Centre and the Lambeth Larder have also produced a directory of tips for healthy, cheap food, saving money and reducing waste.
Cost of Living Guidance
The borough has provided its residence who are facing a tough winter ahead with information and guidance from how to save on your utilities bills to finding a new better paying job.
Support & Recommendations for Debt Advice
If you are struggling to make ends meet or your debt is increasing each month then you may need some help to improve your finances. Asking for help is the best start. Ignoring it will only make it worse. The following organisations provide free 121 and support to help you deal with your debt or benefit problems.
https://beta.lambeth.gov.uk/cost-living-crisis-support
Citizens Advice Bureau gives confidential advice on benefits, benefit assessment and debt.
Turn2Us Benefits Calculator – free and confidential benefits calculator to find out what benefits you are entitled to claim. https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/
StepChange – free and expert advice service that helps deal with debt issues. Helpline open Mon-Fri from 8am to 8pm or Saturday from 8am to 4pm on 0800 138 1111 https://www.stepchange.org/
Support & Recommendations for local career advice
If you’re looking for work and live in Lambeth, Opportunity Lambeth could help.
Opportunity Lambeth is a Lambeth Council initiative that sees the council joining together with local organisations to offer local people access to jobs, and provide employment and business support services to Lambeth citizens and businesses.
Please contact the Opportunity Lambeth for more jobs team at opportunitylambeth@lambeth.gov.uk to find out about the latest vacancies and training opportunities available for Lambeth residents.
https://beta.lambeth.gov.uk/jobs-skills
Find a job service – https://www.gov.uk/find-a-job
National Careers Service (NCS) – https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ provides free careers information, training and learning advice and guidance.
Top 6 job websites – Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, TotalJobs, CV-Library
Support & Recommendations for rising energy costs
Contact your energy supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Priority Services Register – is a free support service that energy suppliers run to help people in vulnerable situations. Apply by contacting your energy supplier.
Install A Smart Meter – having a Smart Meter installed in your home so you only pay for the energy you use – https://www.smartenergygb.org/
MoneySavingExpert – financial website providing regular updated information on saving costs, finding deals and other useful research. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/energy/
Always remember to keep an eye on your energy bills and to regularly check with price comparison sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Ofgem – the energy regulator for Great Britain. See website for information and advice on energy supply or to make a complaint. https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households
Energy Bill Support Scheme – £400 is available for all households to help with rising energy bills regardless of income or size of house. The discount will be made automatically by the energy supplier. The £400 will be received in 6 instalments in Oct and Nov 2022 and from Dec to March 2023.
Older prepayment meters will be sent an energy voucher by post, whilst most smart prepay meters will be automatically credited every 1st week of the month.
If you have not received your first 2 payments than please call your energy provider and lodge a complaint.
Support & Recommendations for rising water costs
Contact your water supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Thames Water – Low income households (earning less than £20,111) can get discounts of up to 50% through its WaterHelp programme. See website for eligibility criteria and application form – https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/account-and-billing/financial-support/waterhelp
Affinity Water – From April 2022, our low income, fixed tariff (LIFT) is available to customers who are earning less than £16, 480 a year, or who are currently claiming certain benefits; such as Universal Credit or Job Seekers Allowance.
Support & Recommendations for broadband
Affordable broadband – Some broadband providers can offer social tariffs for Westminster residents that receive certain types of benefit.
Check the handy comparison chart showing offers and eligibility. https://airtable.com/shrPejmyjWsvBttoX/tblR71A2iYOFHEPB8
Support in Lewisham
It’s estimated that one in four households in Lewisham are now affected by food and fuel poverty. Lewisham is lucky to have an incredible network of community groups, charities and other local organisations, that offer a wide range of support.
The borough has much to offer in terms of support and we will update you with the latest news and updates as they come.
Winter Programmes 22/23
https://www.lewishamcfc.org.uk/lewisham-winter-holiday-food-and-fun/
Support offered directly by the council
We know many local people are worried about rising energy costs and heating their homes. We want to extend a warm welcome to anyone who needs a warm, inviting space through the Cost of Living Crisis. We are working with local partners to identify local spaces that can provide warm spaces free of charge for residents. These includes our libraries, find your nearest library and see their opening times.
Community groups are also coming together to offer spaces where people can pop in. Our partners at Lewisham Local are working with us to coordinate these. All spaces are currently different, some may be providing hot drinks, others may be providing hot food, others may be providing social activities and additional support. Check the warm spaces map to find your nearest space and get more information.
Contact Lewisham on 0808 178 0939 if you are homeless, or likely to be homeless. We will:
They will help you develop a personalised housing and wellbeing plan, which sets out what actions we will both take to prevent or relieve your homelessness.
The Family Information Service (FIS) is part of the Early Years Quality and Sufficiency Service.
https://lewisham.gov.uk/organizations/family-information-service
Families can access a range of services and information from health, education and social care professionals at centres across the borough.
If you visit one of the Lewisham children and family centres, you can access the following services:
family and parenting support, including family learning and parenting courses
advice on early-years education and childcare, including eligibility for free education and childcare for 2–4-year-olds
child and family health services, including baby hubs and breastfeeding support
volunteering and employment support, including links to Jobcentre Plus
information and advice about children’s services and schools
drop-in services covering health, education and a range of other areas such as debt management, counselling and SENDIASS.
https://lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/education/earlyyears/childrens-centres
Support with food
Community projects offering free or low-cost food.
Lewisham Foodbank: People must have an e-voucher which can be obtained from a professional, or by calling Community Connections Lewisham: 0330 058 3464 or the National Citizens Advice Freephone Helpline on 0808 208 2138. There are five centres: Salvation Army Deptford, Mary Ann Gardens, SE8 3DP, Mondays 12pm – 2pm, Salvation Army Lewisham, 4 Albion Way, SE13 6BT Tuesdays 10am – 12pm, St John the Baptist Church (Downham) 353 Bromley Road, SE6 2RP, Wednesdays 12pm – 2pm, Perry Rise Baptist Church, Perry Rise, SE23 2QL, Thursdays 12- 2pm, Salvation Army Catford, 23 – 25 Brownhill Road, SE6 2HE, Fridays 10am–12pm.
https://lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/cost-of-living/food-services
Cost of Living Guidance
The borough has provided its residence who are facing a tough winter ahead with information and guidance from how to save on your utilities bills to finding a new better paying job.
Support & Recommendations for Debt Advice
If you are struggling to make ends meet or your debt is increasing each month then you may need some help to improve your finances. Asking for help is the best start. Ignoring it will only make it worse. The following organisations provide free 121 and support to help you deal with your debt or benefit problems.
https://lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/cost-of-living
Advice Lewisham can be reached on 0800 231 5453 for enquiries about benefits, housing, debt, employment, immigration, family & consumer issues.
Turn2Us Benefits Calculator – free and confidential benefits calculator to find out what benefits you are entitled to claim. https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/
StepChange – free and expert advice service that helps deal with debt issues. Helpline open Mon-Fri from 8am to 8pm or Saturday from 8am to 4pm on 0800 138 1111 https://www.stepchange.org/
Support & Recommendations for local career advice
Lewisham Works is a free service to support unemployed residents in to good jobs.
We work closely with training partners and businesses to provide pathways into a range of jobs in various sectors.
We offer:
If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.
If you are a business who would like to recruit local talent, then Lewisham Works can support you too at no cost to your business.
Lewisham Works will assign you a dedicated Account Manager who can recruit local talent to your vacancies
https://lewisham.gov.uk/lewishamworks
Find a job service – https://www.gov.uk/find-a-job
National Careers Service (NCS) – https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ provides free careers information, training and learning advice and guidance.
Top 6 job websites – Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, TotalJobs, CV-Library
Support & Recommendations for rising energy costs
Contact your energy supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Priority Services Register – is a free support service that energy suppliers run to help people in vulnerable situations. Apply by contacting your energy supplier.
Install A Smart Meter – having a Smart Meter installed in your home so you only pay for the energy you use – https://www.smartenergygb.org/
MoneySavingExpert – financial website providing regular updated information on saving costs, finding deals and other useful research. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/energy/
Always remember to keep an eye on your energy bills and to regularly check with price comparison sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Ofgem – the energy regulator for Great Britain. See website for information and advice on energy supply or to make a complaint. https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households
Energy Bill Support Scheme – £400 is available for all households to help with rising energy bills regardless of income or size of house. The discount will be made automatically by the energy supplier. The £400 will be received in 6 instalments in Oct and Nov 2022 and from Dec to March 2023.
Older prepayment meters will be sent an energy voucher by post, whilst most smart prepay meters will be automatically credited every 1st week of the month.
If you have not received your first 2 payments than please call your energy provider and lodge a complaint.
Support & Recommendations for rising water costs
Contact your water supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Thames Water – Low income households (earning less than £20,111) can get discounts of up to 50% through its WaterHelp programme. See website for eligibility criteria and application form – https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/account-and-billing/financial-support/waterhelp
Affinity Water – From April 2022, our low income, fixed tariff (LIFT) is available to customers who are earning less than £16, 480 a year, or who are currently claiming certain benefits; such as Universal Credit or Job Seekers Allowance.
Support & Recommendations for broadband
Affordable broadband – Some broadband providers can offer social tariffs for Westminster residents that receive certain types of benefit.
Check the handy comparison chart showing offers and eligibility. https://airtable.com/shrPejmyjWsvBttoX/tblR71A2iYOFHEPB8
Support in Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea has many support mechanisms and funds available to families that live in the borough and are facing financial hardships.
The borough has much to offer in terms of support and we will update you with the latest news and updates as they come.
Winter Programmes 22/23
This autumn and winter, the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea has a variety of free & low-cost community and cultural activities for residents to enjoy; all will take place in warm and safe locations around the city.
There directory will help you to find things to do over the colder months, from your local library to the National Gallery there will be plenty to do for you and your family.
Keep an eye on this page as more activities will be added throughout the winter months including our own and our partners to cater to everyone who wants to keep warm over the coming months.
Support offered directly by the council
They offer advice and information on a wide range of subjects including Consumer, Legal, Tax, Family law, Energy suppliers and Immigration & Nationality.
Services are available via pre-booked appointments or by telephone.
Citizens Advice Kensington & Chelsea, Chelsea Manor Gardens at the back of Chelsea Old Town Hall, Kings Road, London SW3 5EB
Tel: 0808 278 7982
Find more information on its website. https://www.citizensadvicekc.org.uk/
The council can award a discretionary housing payment (DHP) to top up housing benefit and the housing costs element of universal credit if entitlement is less than the full rent. ‘Discretionary’ means that we decide whether to award the top-up payment. It’s discretionary because we don’t have enough money to help everyone who applies. We use the information you give us on this form to decide whether to award you a DHP.
When may we award a discretionary housing payment?
We may award a DHP if:
– you receive Universal Credit with a housing element or your entitled to housing benefit
Apply now: https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/benefits/benefits-provided-council/discretionary-housing-payments
Local Support Payments are for low-income recipients that have suffered a crisis or emergency (such as flooding) and come in the form of quality second-hand furniture and white goods, or store vouchers.
Apply Here: https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/oadarbkc/scripts/orev.wsc/ibsxmlpr.p?docid=da_screenTree&pageid=1&org=01
There is help available for residents of the Borough struggling with household bills, food and clothing.
The Council has made available £1.15m to those most in need of support. Payments will be made to the following residents:
There is no need for residents to apply to this fund. The Council will contact eligible residents directly to make a payment.
Council tenants that are struggling financially and are at risk of getting into arrears should contact or visit:
RBKC Customer Service Centre
Kensington Town Hall
Hornton Street
London
W8 7NX
Tel: 0207 361 3008
For more information on RBKC Housing Services:
https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/housing/help-housing-homelessness-and-finding-new-home
For all other housing needs visit: https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/housing
They provide help and support to children, young people and their families from before birth up to the age of 19.
All families face challenges and sometimes need support. Early Help is about providing this support as soon as possible to tackle difficulties for children, young people and families before they become more serious. We work with the whole family and the child is at the centre of everything we do.
How to access RBKC Early Help Services:
Tel: 020 7598 4601
https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/children-and-families/early-help-families
Family Hubs are a new way of bringing together all the support you may need as a family from pregnancy through to young people turning 19 (or 25 if they have a disability).
The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea has a few hubs. There should be one in walking distance, or a short bus ride, of where you live.
There is a children’s centre in each of the Family Hubs with all the activities for very young children as well as a wider range of support for families with children of older ages.
Your Family Hub will be able to give you information and support such as:
Family Hubs are run by the services that support you from health, council and the voluntary sector working together in a more joined-up way, to give you the right help at the right time.
https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/kb5/rbkc/fis/family.page?familychannel=2
Support with food
RBKC provides several food support services. We’ve listed their details below and split them based on the days of the week they’re available.
Westminster Chapel food bank:
Westminster Foodbank
Westminster Chapel
Buckingham Gate
London
SW1E 6BS
Email: foodbank@westminsterchapel.org.uk
Tel: 020 7834 1731 ext.224
Offers support by referral only. Find more information on its website.
Notting Hill Methodist Church (Kensington and Chelsea Foodbank)
240 Lancaster Road, Notting Hill, W11 4AH
Email: info@kensingtonchelsea.foodbank.org.uk
Tel: 020 3728 9003
You will need a voucher from a support agency such as Citizens Advice. Once you receive this, you can exchange it for three days of emergency food.
Tuesdays, 11am to 1pm
St Michael’s, North Kensington (WAND UK)
35 St Lawrence Terrace, W10 5SR
Email: info@wanduk.org
Tel: 020 8962 4132
Registration in advance required either online or in person.
Tuesdays, 11am to 4pm
North Paddington Food Bank
Westbourne Park Pantry, Porchester Road, W2 5DX
Email: info@npfoodbank.org.uk
Tel: 07932 623443
North Paddington Food Bank are currently offering supermarket food vouchers, alongside food collection in partnership with Westbourne Park Food Pantry by referral only
Wednesdays, 11am to 4pm
Granville Community Kitchen Food Aid
The Granville, 140 Carlton Vale, London NW6 5HE
Email: info@granvillecommunitykitchen.org.uk
Tel: 07952 616352
Open for collections.
Wednesdays, 3pm to 4.30pm
North Kensington Community Kitchen
Notting Hill Community Church, 92 Kensington Park Road, W11 2ES
Email: nkcommunitykitchen@gmail.com
Registration on arrival, no referral necessary, hot meals and possible delivery
Wednesdays, 11.30am to 1pm
St Matthew’s Food Bank
29 St Petersburgh Place, W2 4LA
Tel: 020 7229 2192
Open to all. No voucher or booking required. Coffee and tea also served.
Wednesdays, 4pm to 6pm
Bay 20
71 St Marks Road, W10 6JG
Email: info@bay20.org
Tel: 020 3579 0384
Providing hot takeaway meals
Thursdays, 2pm to 4pm
Dalgarno Trust
1 Webb Close, Dalgarno Way, W10 5QB
Email: pam@dalgarnotrust.org.uk
Tel: 020 8969 6300
Open to local residents only. Registration required online or in person between 10am to 1pm.
Thursdays, 2.30pm to 6.30pm
North Paddington Food Bank
Westbourne Park Pantry, Porchester Road, W2 5DX
Email: info@npfoodbank.org.uk
Tel: 07932 623443
North Paddington Food Bank are currently offering supermarket food vouchers, alongside food collection in partnership with Westbourne Park Food Pantry by referral only
Thursdays, 4pm to 5.30pm
North Paddington Food Bank
Westbourne Park Pantry, Porchester Road, W2 5DX
Email: info@npfoodbank.org.uk
Tel: 07932 623443
North Paddington Food Bank are currently offering supermarket food vouchers, alongside food collection in partnership with Westbourne Park Food Pantry by referral only
Fridays, 11am to 1pm
Notting Hill Methodist Church (Kensington and Chelsea Foodbank)
240 Lancaster Road, Notting Hill, W11 4AH
Email: info@kensingtonchelsea.foodbank.org.uk
Tel: 020 3728 9003
You will need a voucher from a support agency such as Citizens Advice. Once you receive this, you can exchange it for three days of emergency food.
Fridays, 1pm to 3pm
Granville Community Kitchen Food Aid
The Granville, 140 Carlton Vale, London NW6 5HE
Email: info@granvillecommunitykitchen.org.uk
Tel: 07952 616352
Open for collections.
Fridays, 4pm to 5.30pm
Venture Centre
Faraday House, 103a Wornington Road, W10 5YB
Email: pattrina@venturecentre.org.uk
Tel: 020 8960 3234
No referral needed, people are encouraged to bring a bag or trolley to carry items.
Saturdays, registration from midday to 2pm, collection from 3pm to 4pm (assigned time slot)
Cost of Living Guidance
The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea has provided its residence who are facing a tough winter ahead with information and guidance from how to save on your utilities bills to finding a new better paying job.
Support & Recommendations for Debt Advice
Debt can be a major cause of concern, but if you’re finding it a struggle to make ends meet, there are options open to you. Whether coping with a sudden and unexpected expense or just figuring out how to stretch your income far enough to cover the bills.
RBKC Citizens Advice – free, confidential and impartial advice on a range of subjects including benefits or grants entitlement. Tel: 0808 278 7834 https://www.citizensadvicekc.org.uk/
Turn2Us Benefits Calculator – free and confidential benefits calculator to find out what benefits you are entitled to claim. https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/
StepChange – free and expert advice service that helps deal with debt issues. Helpline open Mon-Fri from 8am to 8pm or Saturday from 8am to 4pm on 0800 138 1111 https://www.stepchange.org/
Support & Recommendations for local career advice
The right job can make all the difference when it comes to making ends meet. To help you find local employment options, RBKC Training & Employment page https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/kb5/rbkc/fis/family.page?familychannel=9 can provide you with useful information and guidance.
FACES offers professional and friendly one-to-one support to help you into work, training or education.
Registered users will receive the following support:
Call us on 07971026709
Find a job service – https://www.gov.uk/find-a-job
National Careers Service (NCS) – https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ provides free careers information, training and learning advice and guidance.
Top 6 job websites – Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, TotalJobs, CV-Library
Support & Recommendations for rising energy costs
Contact your energy supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Priority Services Register – is a free support service that energy suppliers run to help people in vulnerable situations. Apply by contacting your energy supplier.
Install A Smart Meter – having a Smart Meter installed in your home so you only pay for the energy you use – https://www.smartenergygb.org/
MoneySavingExpert – financial website providing regular updated information on saving costs, finding deals and other useful research. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/energy/
Switching your energy provider could be a good way of saving money on your energy bills. Westminster residents can take part in the London-wide Big London Energy Switch
Always remember to keep an eye on your energy bills and to regularly check with price comparison sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Ofgem – the energy regulator for Great Britain. See website for information and advice on energy supply or to make a complaint. https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households
Energy Bill Support Scheme – £400 is available for all households to help with rising energy bills regardless of income or size of house. The discount will be made automatically by the energy supplier. The £400 will be received in 6 instalments in Oct and Nov 2022 and from Dec to March 2023.
Older prepayment meters will be sent an energy voucher by post, whilst most smart prepay meters will be automatically credited every 1st week of the month.
If you have not received your first 2 payments than please call your energy provider and lodge a complaint.
Support & Recommendations for rising water costs
Contact your water supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Thames Water – Low income households (earning less than £20,111) can get discounts of up to 50% through its WaterHelp programme. See website for eligibility criteria and application form – https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/account-and-billing/financial-support/waterhelp
Affinity Water – From April 2022, our low income, fixed tariff (LIFT) is available to customers who are earning less than £16, 480 a year, or who are currently claiming certain benefits; such as Universal Credit or Job Seekers Allowance.
Support & Recommendations for broadband
Affordable broadband – Some broadband providers can offer social tariffs for Westminster residents that receive certain types of benefit.
Check the handy comparison chart showing offers and eligibility. https://airtable.com/shrPejmyjWsvBttoX/tblR71A2iYOFHEPB8
Support in Westminster
The cost of living crisis is affecting everyone in some way in the borough of Westminster. A recent study found that around a quarter of households in Westminster, more than 31,000, face a serious reduction in living standards due to rising costs, such as fuel, energy bills and food.
In July, the borough has begun implementing a strategy committing an £8m package of support to help families in Westminster that are struggling with the rising cost of living.
The borough has much to offer in terms of support and we will update you with the latest news and updates as they come.
Winter Programmes 22/23
This autumn and winter, Westminster has a variety of free community and cultural activities for residents to enjoy; all will take place in warm and safe locations around the city.
There directory will help you to find things to do over the colder months, from your local library to the National Gallery there will be plenty to do for you and your family.
Keep an eye on this page as more activities will be added throughout the winter months including our own and our partners to cater to everyone who wants to keep warm over the coming months.
Support offered directly by the council
They offer advice and information on a wide range of subjects including Consumer, Legal, Tax, Family law, Energy suppliers and Immigration & Nationality.
If you are a Westminster resident you can access their services online, over the phone and face-to-face from several venues across the bureau.
Citizens Advice Westminster, The Stowe Centre, 258 Harrow Road, London W2 5ES
Tel: 0808 278 7834
Find more information on its website.https://www.westminstercab.org.uk/
The council can award a discretionary housing payment (DHP) to top up housing benefit and the housing costs element of universal credit if entitlement is less than the full rent. ‘Discretionary’ means that we decide whether to award the top-up payment. It’s discretionary because we don’t have enough money to help everyone who applies. We use the information you give us on this form to decide whether to award you a DHP.
When may we award a discretionary housing payment?
We may award a DHP if:
– your benefit is less than your rent because your income is too high to qualify for the maximum benefit
– your benefit is less than the rent you have to pay your landlord because of a rent restriction
– your benefit has been reduced because other adults are living with you
– your benefit has been reduced because you are affected by the Benefit Cap.
Apply now: https://www.westminster.gov.uk/benefits/apply-discretionary-housing-payment
Local Support Payments are for low-income recipients that have suffered a crisis or emergency (such as flooding) and come in the form of quality second-hand furniture and white goods, or store vouchers.
Apply Here: https://www.westminster.gov.uk/benefits/apply-local-support-payment
The Hardship Fund aims to help Westminster residents who are struggling due to the cost-of-living increases and that may not be getting other help from the Household Support Fund.
Households with incomes of around £21,500 or in receipt of a welfare benefit, that are struggling with bills, can apply to the local Hardship Fund which is a joint effort between the council and Citizens Advice Westminster. Help comes in the form of supermarket vouchers of between £150 and £320. Applications can be made through advice organisations, council or housing association staff and councillors and anyone applying needs to discuss their financial situation with an advice agency, to make sure they are getting everything they are entitled to.
Apply Here: https://www.westminstercab.org.uk/advice/westminster-local-hardship-fund/
The School Uniform Support Scheme will help Westminster resident families of children in Reception Year of a Westminster primary school from September 2022 and those Year Six pupils in Westminster primary schools that have now moved onto secondary school from September 2022 and are in receipt of (FSM) Free School Meals. You will need to contact your current or previous primary school if you have not yet received the grant for both Reception age children and new Year 7 children.
Council tenants that are struggling financially and are at risk of getting into arrears should contact the income services team on 0800 358 3783 (option 1, then option 2) 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday to discuss the help available.
For more information on Westminster Housing Services:
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/about-council/contact-us/housing-services
For all other housing needs visit: https://www.westminster.gov.uk/housing
They provide help and support to children, young people and their families from before birth up to the age of 19.
All families face challenges and sometimes need support. Early Help is about providing this support as soon as possible to tackle difficulties for children, young people and families before they become more serious. We work with the whole family and the child is at the centre of everything we do.
How to access Westminster Early Help Services:
Family Hubs are a new way of bringing together all the support you may need as a family from pregnancy through to young people turning 19 (or 25 if they have a disability).
Westminster has three Family Hubs. There should be one in walking distance, or a short bus ride, of where you live.
There is a children’s centre in each of the Family Hubs with all the activities for very young children as well as a wider range of support for families with children of older ages.
Your Family Hub will be able to give you information and support such as:
Family Hubs are run by the services that support you from health, council and the voluntary sector working together in a more joined-up way, to give you the right help at the right time.
Support with food
Westminster provides several food support services. We’ve listed their details below and split them based on the days of the week they’re available.
Westminster Chapel food bank:
Westminster Foodbank
Westminster Chapel
Buckingham Gate
London
SW1E 6BS
Email: foodbank@westminsterchapel.org.uk
Tel: 020 7834 1731 ext.224
Offers support by referral only. Find more information on its website.
Notting Hill Methodist Church (Kensington and Chelsea Foodbank)
240 Lancaster Road, Notting Hill, W11 4AH
Email: info@kensingtonchelsea.foodbank.org.uk
Tel: 020 3728 9003
You will need a voucher from a support agency such as Citizens Advice. Once you receive this, you can exchange it for three days of emergency food.
Tuesdays, 11am to 1pm
St Michael’s, North Kensington (WAND UK)
35 St Lawrence Terrace, W10 5SR
Email: info@wanduk.org
Tel: 020 8962 4132
Registration in advance required either online or in person.
Tuesdays, 11am to 4pm
North Paddington Food Bank
Westbourne Park Pantry, Porchester Road, W2 5DX
Email: info@npfoodbank.org.uk
Tel: 07932 623443
North Paddington Food Bank are currently offering supermarket food vouchers, alongside food collection in partnership with Westbourne Park Food Pantry by referral only
Wednesdays, 11am to 4pm
Granville Community Kitchen Food Aid
The Granville, 140 Carlton Vale, London NW6 5HE
Email: info@granvillecommunitykitchen.org.uk
Tel: 07952 616352
Open for collections.
Wednesdays, 3pm to 4.30pm
North Kensington Community Kitchen
Notting Hill Community Church, 92 Kensington Park Road, W11 2ES
Email: nkcommunitykitchen@gmail.com
Registration on arrival, no referral necessary, hot meals and possible delivery
Wednesdays, 11.30am to 1pm
St Matthew’s Food Bank
29 St Petersburgh Place, W2 4LA
Tel: 020 7229 2192
Open to all. No voucher or booking required. Coffee and tea also served.
Wednesdays, 4pm to 6pm
Bay 20
71 St Marks Road, W10 6JG
Email: info@bay20.org
Tel: 020 3579 0384
Providing hot takeaway meals
Thursdays, 2pm to 4pm
Dalgarno Trust
1 Webb Close, Dalgarno Way, W10 5QB
Email: pam@dalgarnotrust.org.uk
Tel: 020 8969 6300
Open to local residents only. Registration required online or in person between 10am to 1pm.
Thursdays, 2.30pm to 6.30pm
North Paddington Food Bank
Westbourne Park Pantry, Porchester Road, W2 5DX
Email: info@npfoodbank.org.uk
Tel: 07932 623443
North Paddington Food Bank are currently offering supermarket food vouchers, alongside food collection in partnership with Westbourne Park Food Pantry by referral only
Thursdays, 4pm to 5.30pm
North Paddington Food Bank
Westbourne Park Pantry, Porchester Road, W2 5DX
Email: info@npfoodbank.org.uk
Tel: 07932 623443
North Paddington Food Bank are currently offering supermarket food vouchers, alongside food collection in partnership with Westbourne Park Food Pantry by referral only
Fridays, 11am to 1pm
Notting Hill Methodist Church (Kensington and Chelsea Foodbank)
240 Lancaster Road, Notting Hill, W11 4AH
Email: info@kensingtonchelsea.foodbank.org.uk
Tel: 020 3728 9003
You will need a voucher from a support agency such as Citizens Advice. Once you receive this, you can exchange it for three days of emergency food.
Fridays, 1pm to 3pm
Granville Community Kitchen Food Aid
The Granville, 140 Carlton Vale, London NW6 5HE
Email: info@granvillecommunitykitchen.org.uk
Tel: 07952 616352
Open for collections.
Fridays, 4pm to 5.30pm
Venture Centre
Faraday House, 103a Wornington Road, W10 5YB
Email: pattrina@venturecentre.org.uk
Tel: 020 8960 3234
No referral needed, people are encouraged to bring a bag or trolley to carry items.
Saturdays, registration from midday to 2pm, collection from 3pm to 4pm (assigned time slot)
Cost of Living Guidance
Westminster has provided its residence who are facing a tough winter ahead with information and guidance from how to save on your utilities bills to finding a new better paying job.
Support & Recommendations for Debt Advice
Debt can be a major cause of concern, but if you’re finding it a struggle to make ends meet, there are options open to you. Whether coping with a sudden and unexpected expense or just figuring out how to stretch your income far enough to cover the bills.
Westminster Citizens Advice – free, confidential and impartial advice on a range of subjects including benefits or grants entitlement. Open weekdays from 10am to 4pm. Virtual drop in sessions available Mon, Tues and Wednesdays 10am to 11am. Tel: 0808 278 7834 https://www.westminstercab.org.uk/
Turn2Us Benefits Calculator – free and confidential benefits calculator to find out what benefits you are entitled to claim. https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/
StepChange – free and expert advice service that helps deal with debt issues. Helpline open Mon-Fri from 8am to 8pm or Saturday from 8am to 4pm on 0800 138 1111 https://www.stepchange.org/
Support & Recommendations for local career advice
The right job can make all the difference when it comes to making ends meet. To help you find local employment options, Westminster Employment Service (WES) is a recruitment service that help residents like you connect with local businesses to find work opportunities on your doorstep. Find out more on the Westminster Employment Service website.
Find a job service – https://www.gov.uk/find-a-job
National Careers Service (NCS) – https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ provides free careers information, training and learning advice and guidance.
Top 6 job websites – Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, TotalJobs, CV-Library
Support & Recommendations for rising energy costs
Contact your energy supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Priority Services Register – is a free support service that energy suppliers run to help people in vulnerable situations. Apply by contacting your energy supplier.
Install A Smart Meter – having a Smart Meter installed in your home so you only pay for the energy you use – https://www.smartenergygb.org/
MoneySavingExpert – financial website providing regular updated information on saving costs, finding deals and other useful research. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/energy/
Switching your energy provider could be a good way of saving money on your energy bills. Westminster residents can take part in the London-wide Big London Energy Switch
Always remember to keep an eye on your energy bills and to regularly check with price comparison sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Ofgem – the energy regulator for Great Britain. See website for information and advice on energy supply or to make a complaint. https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households
Energy Bill Support Scheme – £400 is available for all households to help with rising energy bills regardless of income or size of house. The discount will be made automatically by the energy supplier. The £400 will be received in 6 instalments in Oct and Nov 2022 and from Dec to March 2023.
Older prepayment meters will be sent an energy voucher by post, whilst most smart prepay meters will be automatically credited every 1st week of the month.
If you have not received your first 2 payments than please call your energy provider and lodge a complaint.
Support & Recommendations for rising water costs
Contact your water supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Thames Water – Low income households (earning less than £20,111) can get discounts of up to 50% through its WaterHelp programme. See website for eligibility criteria and application form – https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/account-and-billing/financial-support/waterhelp
Affinity Water – From April 2022, our low income, fixed tariff (LIFT) is available to customers who are earning less than £16, 480 a year, or who are currently claiming certain benefits; such as Universal Credit or Job Seekers Allowance.
Support & Recommendations for broadband
Affordable broadband – Some broadband providers can offer social tariffs for Westminster residents that receive certain types of benefit.
Check the handy comparison chart showing offers and eligibility. https://airtable.com/shrPejmyjWsvBttoX/tblR71A2iYOFHEPB8
Support in Wandsworth
The cost of living crisis is affecting everyone in some way in the borough of Westminster. A recent study found that around a quarter of households in Westminster, more than 31,000, face a serious reduction in living standards due to rising costs, such as fuel, energy bills and food.
In July, the borough has begun implementing a strategy committing an £8m package of support to help families in Westminster that are struggling with the rising cost of living.
The borough has much to offer in terms of support and we will update you with the latest news and updates as they come.
Winter Programmes 22/23
Wandsworth HAF is part of the winter programme of activities ‘Wandsworth Connected – Winter Fun’
The Wandsworth Connected – Winter HAF programme is for young people and families in receipt of benefit related free school meals, from school years reception to Year 11, to access activities and services during the Winter Holidays, including a nutritious meal and a fun physical activity every day.
All Wandsworth Connected – Winter HAF activities will provide an element of nutritional education and the meals provided will meet dietary requirements and food standards.
Keep an eye on this page as more activities will be added throughout the winter months including our own and our partners to cater to everyone who wants to keep warm over the coming months.
https://thrive.wandsworth.gov.uk/kb5/wandsworth/fsd/service.page?id=lcU0-vtwmMc&familychannel=0
Support offered directly by the council
Wandsworth Council provides a comprehensive guide for all its services to local residents.
Support with food
Wandsworth Council provides a comprehensive guide for several food support services.
If you cannot afford to buy food and need emergency items, there are a number of food banks in Wandsworth that may be able to support you:
https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/cost-of-living-hub/cost-of-living-food/
If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be eligible for Healthy Start Vouchers, which help towards the cost of some fresh foods.
Cost of Living Guidance
Wandsworth has provided its residence who are facing a tough winter ahead with information and guidance from how to save on your utilities bills to finding a new better paying job.
Support & Recommendations for Debt Advice
Debt can be a major cause of concern, but if you’re finding it a struggle to make ends meet, there are options open to you. Whether coping with a sudden and unexpected expense or just figuring out how to stretch your income far enough to cover the bills.
Wandsworth Citizens Advice – free, confidential and impartial advice on a range of subjects including benefits or grants entitlement. Open weekdays from 10am to 4pm.
Tel: 0808 278 7833 https://cawandsworth.org/
Turn2Us Benefits Calculator – free and confidential benefits calculator to find out what benefits you are entitled to claim. https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/
StepChange – free and expert advice service that helps deal with debt issues. Helpline open Mon-Fri from 8am to 8pm or Saturday from 8am to 4pm on 0800 138 1111 https://www.stepchange.org/
Support & Recommendations for local career advice
Work Match employment service offers support, advice, guidance and training to help residents access new and existing jobs in Wandsworth. We can match you with local employers who value local people and can offer a wide range of jobs in different sectors.
Find a job service – https://www.gov.uk/find-a-job
National Careers Service (NCS) – https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ provides free careers information, training and learning advice and guidance.
Top 6 job websites – Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, TotalJobs, CV-Library
Support & Recommendations for rising energy costs
Contact your energy supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Priority Services Register – is a free support service that energy suppliers run to help people in vulnerable situations. Apply by contacting your energy supplier.
Install A Smart Meter – having a Smart Meter installed in your home so you only pay for the energy you use – https://www.smartenergygb.org/
MoneySavingExpert – financial website providing regular updated information on saving costs, finding deals and other useful research. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/energy/
Always remember to keep an eye on your energy bills and to regularly check with price comparison sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Ofgem – the energy regulator for Great Britain. See website for information and advice on energy supply or to make a complaint. https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households
Energy Bill Support Scheme – £400 is available for all households to help with rising energy bills regardless of income or size of house. The discount will be made automatically by the energy supplier. The £400 will be received in 6 instalments in Oct and Nov 2022 and from Dec to March 2023.
Older prepayment meters will be sent an energy voucher by post, whilst most smart prepay meters will be automatically credited every 1st week of the month.
If you have not received your first 2 payments than please call your energy provider and lodge a complaint.
Support & Recommendations for rising water costs
Contact your water supplier – all energy supplier companies have staff available to talk to review current payments, work out affordable payment plans and arrange for payment breaks.
Thames Water – Low income households (earning less than £20,111) can get discounts of up to 50% through its WaterHelp programme. See website for eligibility criteria and application form – https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/account-and-billing/financial-support/waterhelp
Affinity Water – From April 2022, our low income, fixed tariff (LIFT) is available to customers who are earning less than £16, 480 a year, or who are currently claiming certain benefits; such as Universal Credit or Job Seekers Allowance.
Support & Recommendations for broadband
Affordable broadband – Some broadband providers can offer social tariffs for Westminster residents that receive certain types of benefit.
Check the handy comparison chart showing offers and eligibility. https://airtable.com/shrPejmyjWsvBttoX/tblR71A2iYOFHEPB8
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