Government Support:

You may be eligible for benefits or financial support from the Government and not know it. Use this calculator to find out: https://www.gov.uk/check-benefits-financial-support

This web page: https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/help-with-your-bills/ provides an overview of the Government support available for energy bills. You can also contact your energy supplier if you are struggling – many are providing support at the moment.

 The NHS Healthy Start Scheme: https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/

  • If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be able to get help to buy healthy food and milk

 Household Support Fund: Lancaster City Council: https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/sites/cost-of-living/financial-support-for-households

  • A scheme aimed at providing longer term support to residents struggling financially – working with Citizens Advice
  • See application information at the link above

Local Support:

 Local Food Banks and Food Clubs: There are many different local food banks or food clubs who are there to help you if you are struggling to afford food and necessities. Lancaster and Wyre Councils have both listed what is available at the links below:

 Warm Welcome: https://www.warmwelcome.uk/#find-a-space

  • Organisations that have opened their doors to provide a warm, safe and welcoming space to meet others in the community whilst keeping warm and having a cup of tea

 Cosy Homes in Lancashire: https://www.chil.uk.com/

  • Access to cost effective ways of keeping your house warm

 Useful Links:

These are some of the many organisations providing free, independent and typically confidential advice about any financial worries you may have:

Local Energy Advice Partnership: https://applyforleap.org.uk/

  • Offers free energy and money saving advice for low-income households

 MoneyHelper: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en#

  • Free guidance e.g. bill prioritiser, debt advice locator, budget planner

Money Saving Expert Cost of Living: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/cost-of-living-survival-kit/

  • Martin Lewis provides over 90 ways to save money and cope with the rising cost of living

Citizens Advice: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/get-help-with-the-cost-of-living/

National Debt Line: https://nationaldebtline.org/

  • Free phoneline or web chat about any money problems or debts

Financial worries can also hugely impact your mental health. If you find yourself struggling, it is so important to reach out and talk to somebody. These are some of the many free helplines you can contact:

  • Samaritans: 116 123
  • SANEline: 0300 304 7000
  • CALM: 0800 58 58 58
  • If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, you can call Switchboard on 0300 330 0630
  • If you are a student at Lancaster University call Spectrum Life Student Helpline: 0800 0318227
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