Cost of Living Support and Advice

If you’re worried about your finances, there is help available. Remember, the sooner you take control, the better – don’t ignore the problem.

If you have any money concerns, we’re here to help. Please get in touch, and our specialist Income Team can talk to you about:
– managing your rent account
– downsizing to make your home more affordable
– where you can get advice if you have lost your job

Additional support available

The government has launched Help for Households, its latest campaign which aims to assist with the ongoing cost of living crisis, involving discount schemes from retailers and supermarkets, and a new webpage that groups together its related help and advice. Brands taking part include Amazon, Asda, Morrisons and Vodafone – with deals intended to bring costs down and make certain activities cheaper for families

The agencies below can offer free help and advice about avoiding debt, and what to do if you have debts.

Direct.gov – Benefit Adviser Service 

This is a free online service to check the benefits that you may be entitled to.
Click here then follow the onscreen instructions.

Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) 

CAB offers free, confidential advice either face-to-face or by telephone.  They may also offer home visits and some give email advice.
Visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk to find your local bureau.

National Debtline 

This is a free, confidential service that gives independent advice about coping with debt.
You can find information online or by calling the helpline on 0808 808 4000 (9am to 9pm Mon-Fri, 9.30am to 1pm Sat).
www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

StepChange Debt Charity 

StepChange Debt Charity offer free advice via their online service,  StepChange Debt Remedy.
You can also call the helpline free on 0800 138 1111 (8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday).  

 StepChange can also have a useful online benefits checker, which has been updated with all the latest changes to the UK benefit system.  Click here to see how you’re affected.

Community Legal Advice 

Community Legal Advice offers free information about legal problems and can put you in touch with local advisers. 

 You can call the helpline on 0845 345 4345 (9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday).  Visit www.direct.gov.uk for further information.

Turn2us 

Turn2us helps people in financial need gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help

 You can find information online at www.turn2us.org.uk or by calling the helpline on 0808 802 2000 (8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday).

My Advice Gateway 

This is a free online resource that gathers together lots of guides on subjects including benefits and tax credits, finding work and accessing education, bank accounts and insurance, managing debt and knowing your rights.

Visit www.myadvicegateway.org

Money Helper 

Money Helper is a free impartial service which has been set up by the government to help everyone in the UK make the most of their money.

This is a really useful resource whether you are about to embark on a big life event, such as getting married or having a child or if you just need some advice on how to manage your day to day budget. There is also an online Money Health Check which will give you a personalised action plan to help you sort out your finances and plan for the future.

Visit www.moneyhelper.org.uk

Money Saving Expert

Martin Lewis’s Money Saving Expert website offers free, impartial advice on a whole range of day to day issues. 

Utility Bills

If you’re struggling to afford your gas and electricity bills, contact your supplier to discuss ways to pay what you owe them. Your supplier has to help you come to a solution. Visit the website for Ofgem for advice on what you can do.

Food banks

Trussell Trust (National charity)

AskLion (Nottingham)

Leicester South Foodbank

Burton YMCA Foodbank

Derby City Mission

Ashfield Voluntary Action

Mental Health Support

Headwize offer free mental health support to all Tuntum tenants and you can self-refer on their website.