Cost of living support

Community Friendly Nottinghamshire are working with local district and borough councils to deliver cost of living events across the county. Residents can access help and support from a range of council services and local organisations at these events.

Free to attend. No booking required, just drop in.

• Ladybrook Community Centre, Wednesday 15 February 10am to 4pm
• The Hive, Four Seasons Shopping Centre, Friday 17 February 11am to 2pm
• Switch Up, Ravensdale, Tuesday 21 February 1pm to 3pm
• Children's Centre, Mansfield Woodhouse, Thursday 23 February 10am to 12noon
• St Helen’s Church Hall, Stapleford, Wednesday 22 February 11am to 1pm 
• Hucknall Leisure Centre, Saturday 25 February 1pm to 5pm
• Middle Street Resource Centre, Beeston, Wednesday 1 March 1pm to 3pm 
• Ashfield Council Offices, Kirkby in Ashfield, Wednesday 8 March 9.30am to 3pm
• Rumbletums Café, Kimberley, Wednesday 22 March 11.30am to 1.30pm 

Savings for those with combi-boilers

• Did you know changing one setting on a combi boiler could help you save up to around £250 on heating bills a year?
• Watch the video below to find out how:

• If you need a helping hand to make this adjustment or have a vulnerable family member or friend who might benefit, we have partnered up with Nottingham Energy Partnership to help those most in need.
• To get a free home visit from an expert who will also share other tips on keeping warm in the home contact  Let’s Optimise your Heating - Nottingham Energy Partnership (nottenergy.com)
• Or call 0115 985 3006

The Nottinghamshire Household Support Fund (HSF) Phase 3

• The Government has extended the Household Support Fund (HSF) to March 2023. For this phase, a one-off Winter Support payment worth on average around £100 for each eligible household to use towards energy and food bills. Find out more.

Warm Home Discount Scheme

• The Government Warm Home Discount Scheme offers money off your electricity bill till March 2023. Find out more. 

Severn Trent Water Big Difference Scheme

• Severn Trent's Water Big Difference Scheme helps reduce the amount you pay for your bill. The scheme is based on household income eligibility criteria. 

British Gas Energy Trust

• British Gas have hardship funds for existing and non-customers to help with gas and electric debt. Find out more and who can apply. 

Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)

•  If you are claiming Housing Benefit a discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) can be applied. Applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Shelter

• If you are behind on rent, Shelter may be able to help. How to deal with rent arrears - Shelter England

Fuel direct scheme

• If you’re struggling to pay for your energy and you’re on certain benefits, you may be able pay directly from your benefit payments instead. This arrangement is called Fuel Direct. Contact your local Job Centre for more details: Jobcentre Plus Local Office Search - GOV.UK (dwp.gov.uk)

Energy grants

• To help find grants for certain energy suppliers: Financial Grants for Individuals

Prepayment meter credit

• If you use a prepayment meter for electricity or gas ask your supplier for temporary credit, or contact your local council for a fuel voucher. 

Childcare costs

• There is a range of support available to help with childcare costs, subject to eligibility. Find out more and apply.

Claim benefits 

• You may be entitled to benefits and financial support, check your eligibility.

Worried about money?

• Access free and impartial advice for managing your money in uncertain times via Money Helper. This scheme is backed by the government.

Online debt advice services

• Online services are secure and you can get immediate, personalised help. Some services are available 24 hours a day.
• Money Adviser Network - Money Helper
• StepChange Debt Charity - Free Expert Debt Advice.
• Financial Wellness Group
• National Debtline offers free debt advice online through its digital advice tool and its web guides, fact sheets and sample letters. 
• PayPlan | Free Debt Advice and Free Debt Management. IVAs and DMPs

Further support

• Access benefits and other government support

Food banks 

• Find a local food bank in your area via NottsHelpYourself

Healthy Start

• Get help to buy food and milk through the Health Start scheme, find out more and check if you’re eligible.

Free school meals 

•  Find out if you're eligible for free school meals and apply.

The Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF)

• HAF supports children that receive benefits-related free school meals during school holidays providing activities and food. Find out more about HAF.

If you need urgent mental health support, call the Nottinghamshire Mental Health Crisis Line on 0808 196 3779 (24/7).

There are a range of mental wellbeing services and support available locally in Nottinghamshire for both adults and children.

The Mental Health Breathing Space (MHBS)

• Scheme run by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) to provide support to individuals who are indebt and receiving mental health crisis treatment. Guidance on mental health crisis breathing space [PDF]

Parent line

• Emotional support, information, advice, and guidance on any aspect of parenting and family life. Call 0808 800 2222.

Family Action

• Family Action transforms lives by providing practical, emotional and financial support to those who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage and social isolation across the country. Family Action, Building stronger families (family-action.org.uk)

Find out about community hubs, warm spaces and more in your local area:

• Ashfield District Council 
  • Cost of living support - Ashfield District Council
  •  Accessing Help - Ashfield Voluntary Action
• Bassetlaw District Council - Cost of living | Bassetlaw District Council
• Broxtowe Borough Council - Cost of living : Broxtowe Borough Council
• Gedling Borough Council - Cost of living support - Gedling Borough Council
• Mansfield District Council - Cost of Living – Mansfield District Council
• Newark and Sherwood District Council - Here to help | Newark & Sherwood District Council (newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk)
• Rushcliffe Borough Council - Cost of living - Rushcliffe Borough Council

Support for veterans

Royal British Legion Cost of Living Grants

• Open to those eligible for our support struggling to pay for items and services they need. Cost of Living Grants

Blue Light Together

• The place for UK emergency services staff, volunteers, retirees and friends and family to find information, ideas and support to help look after your mental health. Blue Light Together

Other support

• The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust | RNBT
• ABF The Soldiers’ Charity - The Soldiers' Charity
• Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund | Leading welfare charity