The price of everyday essentials is going up; you have probably noticed it at the supermarket and in your monthly bills. Inflation and interest rate rises mean that your money might not stretch as far as it used to.
If you are behind on your bills or going into debt to pay them, the best thing you can do is take action. You might be able to claim extra support, cost of living grants, or payments to help you increase your income.
If you are worried about rising rents, covering higher energy costs or tackling debt, we ‘have put together some useful information to try and support our residents in these challenging times.
If you or someone you know is struggling and need to chat, please contact:
Citizens Advice 0808 278 7837 to book an appointment
You can contact Citizens Advice if you need help or advice on any of the following:
- Claiming Universal Credit
- You have no recourse to public funds
- Money, benefits, housing and employment
Enfield Council 0208 379 1000 or online
For advice on how to 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.
Grace Advocacy graceadvocacy.org/book-an-appointment
A UK charity that offers a free advocacy service that has been designed to help people who are struggling with multiple complex problems. They work with their clients to stabilise their affairs and can help in the areas of:
- Benefits;
- Disability;
- Housing;
- NHS;
- Adult Social Care; and
- Debt.
stepchange.org/how-we-help/debt-advice
Stepchange will look at your budget and recommend a range of practical debt solutions based on your situation.
Debt Advice Foundation 0800 043 40 50
How to get a food voucher
In order to get help from a food bank you will need to be referred with a voucher, which a number of local community organisations (for instance schools, GPs and advice agencies) can issue. Your local food bank can advise which agencies can help.
- The foodbank has been established to provide short term, emergency food to individuals and families in crisis.
- Our food parcels include cereal, milk, fruit juice, soup, pasta, meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, biscuits, and pudding etc. providing balanced and nutritional meals for a minimum of three days. All the food given out to clients is non-perishable and is in tins or packets. The quantity of food given is dependent upon the number of adults and children in the family. Fresh fruit, vegetables and meat will be given if available.
- Up to three vouchers (or voucher code) within a six month period can be issued depending on the individuals circumstances. This is to support families get back on their feet.
If you are struggling to pay your rent and need advice, contact the income team at Christian Action Housing: Elaine Mochar 07775 503 745
