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Financial wellbeing support and help with the cost of living

Rising energy prices, food and bills means that many colleagues are struggling to keep up with the cost of living. If you’re having a tough time, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone and there are people and organisations that can support you.

Help with the cost of living  has information about benefits, grants and discounts you can get if you’re in financial difficulty, from the Mayor of London, the government, your local council, charities and advice centres. This includes information for migrants, deaf and disabled people and money and mental health.
 

We have put together some information about available practical support for you if you’re in financial difficulty, or to share with someone you know who may need this.

Discounts to save you money

If you work in health and social care, then you are also eligible to sign up with London Proud to Care Rewards. You can sign up for free but you will need the “scheme ID code”  which can be obtained by speaking with one of the KeepingWellNEL wellbeing advisers.

Blue Light Card provides NHS and social care sector staff with discounts online and in-stores. Costs £4.99 for 2 years access. Current helpful offers include ASDA 10% discount in-if you present your Blue Light Card at the checkout or self-service area.

Free money advice for squeezed incomes

The MoneyHelper website has living on a squeezed income, bill prioritising and talking to people you owe money to, as well as making sure you’re getting the right entitlements  which covers guidance on claiming any benefits you’re entitled to, finding extra sources of income and understanding the support available to help you manage household bills and save money.

You can also call them for money guidance on 0800 011 3797 (Monday to Friday 8am-6pm) or, if you prefer not to speak, you can fill in an online money enquiry form.

Practical assistance

Grants

Turn2Us offers a Grants Search tool. Many charities and funds give grants based on your circumstances, such as what work you do or did in the past or if you are suffering from a particular health condition. The best way to find these type of funds is to choose from the occupation, health, religion or nationality categories in the tool.

Help with energy bills

Applications to the British Gas Energy Trust are welcomed from families and individuals in need, suffering or other distress (you do not need to be a British Gas customer).

Help with housing costs 

Discretionary Housing Payments are one-off or regular payments provided by local councils/ local authorities to help tenants whose rent is only partially covered by their Housing Element or Housing Benefit.

Free furniture

Freecycle is a free-to-use non-profit platform where people give away unwanted items for free. You may well find good quality bed frames, tables, chairs and other furniture being given away freely on your local Freecycle page.

Free children’s clothes and toys

YoungPlanet is an app where you can give and get children’s things for free.

 

Debt advice

StepChange provides free and expert advice to help you deal with your debts and get the support you need. You can get advice online or over the phone at a time that suits you, and after they’ve looked at your budget, they will recommend a range of practical debt solutions based on your situation.

You can also contact the National Debtline for free, confidential and independent advice on dealing with debt problems.

Or The Money Advice Service, an independent service set up by government, offering free, impartial money advice through its online portal, over WhatsApp, and over the phone.

Foodbanks

Barking & Dagenham

 City of London

 Hackney

 Havering

 Newham

Redbridge

Tower Hamlets

Waltham Forest

 

Please get in touch if you’d like to talk to us about about your financial wellbeing. All conversations are confidential, independent and inclusive.
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