Cost of living help and advice

Question

Answer 1

Visit the link below for information and guidance on managing debts.

Answer 2

Citizens Advice are holding a Managing Your Money webinar, which is designed to help with information, tips and strategies to help you to take control of your finances. There are six dates to choose from for the webinar, all in October.Monday 10 October 11am

Friday 14 October 11am
Tuesday 18 October 1pm
Thursday 20 October 1pm
Friday 28 October 1pm
Monday 31 October 11am

In their webinar, which will last around 1–2 hours, they’ll go through
the following with you:

How to check if you are entitled to receive any benefits or if you are receiving the correct amount
What grants and further support is out there to help with the Cost of Living crisis
How to prepare a budget that gives an overview of what comes in against what goes out and how to try and set a little aside
Money saving tips, how to make sure you’re not paying too much and are on the best tariffs/deals
How to get further help if you’re struggling

If you are interested in attending the webinar, please click on this Managing Your Money webinar link for full details on how to join.

Register for the webinar

Answer 3

Monday 17 October 2022, 1.30pm to 4.30pm

I.T suite, First Floor, Barnstaple Library

As part of their Libraries for Life campaign, in collaboration with Wiser Money, Barnstaple Library are holding an informal budgeting workshop.

Have fun playing the ‘Bodgit to Budgit’ game and create a basic, personal budget – take a free template to plan a brighter financial future!

They’ll also be exploring the Benefits Calculator and other budgeting tools, discussing priorities, giving advice on how to make budgets realistic and providing tips on saving money.

Answer 4

The Cabinet Office has recently launched the ‘Help for Households’ campaign which explains the 41 different government schemes available to help with the cost of living, including new one-off payments as well as existing benefits and schemes.

These schemes have now been brought onto one Help for Households website

Help for Households Website

Answer 5

Warm home discount scheme

The Warm home scheme will re-open in November 2022. If you qualify, you will receive £140 off your electricity bill. You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity.

Winter fuel payment

If you were born on or before 25 September 1956 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills.

Cold weather payment

You may get a cold weather payment if you’re getting certain benefits or support for mortgage interest.

You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over 7 consecutive days, between 1 November and 31 March.

Find ways to save energy in your home

Visit the government website for home improvement ideas that could make your property cheaper to heat and keep it warm.

Home energy checklist

The information in this leaflet will help guide you through financial help available and practical steps you can take to help keep your home feeling warmer this winter.

Citizens Advice energy page

Answer 6

South West Water

Answer 7

Projects that support Devon communities can apply for funding through the Growing Communities Fund.

Growing Communities Fund

Grants are available ranging from £500 to £3,000.

Devon County Council have established the new fund to assist projects which directly benefit communities, either by helping to build self-reliance and resilience, tackle hardship such as food and fuel inequality, improve mental health and wellbeing, address loneliness and isolation, or respond to the climate emergency.

Answer 8

Devon Connect

This platform has been co-ordinated by Northern Devon Voluntary Service and is now being used as a central resource for community activities and events taking place. It also includes volunteering opportunities.

Answer 9

Everyone is welcome to use this free service. You can also find them on Facebook: South Molton Community Fridge and Kitchen | Facebook

Healthy Start

What is Healthy Start?

If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk. If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops. Your benefit will be added onto this card every four weeks

Answer 10

Every Mind Matters give expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health.

Every Mind Matters Page

Answer 11

Wisermoney is a partnership between Encompass Southwest and Navigate, two well established charities. Their services provide free, impartial, confidential and effective money and debt management advice, delivered predominately through home visits.

You can contact them directly by telephone on 01823 299050, or by email to wisermoney@navigatecharity.org.uk

Answer 12

Cheaper broadband and phone packages

Social tariffs can provide a safety net for customers who might be struggling to afford their broadband or phone services. Ofgem have produced a list of broadband and mobile services which you may be eligible for.

Answer 13

If you have a low income, the NHS Low Income Scheme could help you pay for:

NHS prescription charges
NHS dental treatment charges
the cost of sight tests, glasses and contact lenses
the cost of travelling to receive NHS treatment
NHS wigs and fabric supports (check with your hospital for their arrangements for supplying NHS wigs

How much help you get depends on your weekly income and necessary outgoings, plus any savings or investments you have at the time you apply. If the amount you have left is low, you may be able to get help through the NHS Low Income Scheme. Any help you’re entitled to is also available to your partner, if you have one.

Visit NHS Low Income Scheme