Worried about money?
Household Support Fund
The government has given local authorities some additional money for households most in need. The funds will be distributed by the Council principally through local partner voluntary and community groups.
It is a grant that you do not have to pay back.
Please note that this cannot be used to cover council tax, pay mortgages or personal debts.
Additional resources
The Government has launched the National Living and Minimum Wage campaign to encourage workers to check their pay.
Those in financial difficulty can access money and debt guidance for free. The Money Navigator Tool from Money Helper UK can provide guidance based upon individual circumstances and help find support in their area.
There is information on what issues individuals need to deal with first, ways of staying on top of bills, how to find extra support and where to get extra help.
Budgeting loans are available to people currently claiming Jobseekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support or Pension Credit. Loans can be provided for items such as furniture and white goods.
Unscrupulous lenders could try to cash in as households struggle to cope with rising food, fuel and energy bills. Loan sharks target vulnerable people seeking credit and trapping them into a cycle of debt with exorbitant interest rates and threats of violence.
If you’re thinking about borrowing money, it’s important to check that your lender is genuine. Loan sharks operate illegally without the correct permission from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Do your research first and check the firm or person you're dealing with is listed on the Financial Services Register.
If you are worried about loan sharks or concerned about a friend or family member who is being taken advantage of by a loan shark contact the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 Helpline on 0300 555 2222 for support or visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk. Live Chat is available on the website between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
The Greenwich and Bexley Credit Union is a savings and loans cooperative owned and run by its members. All profits are put back into the business or paid out to members as a dividend on savings.
If you are worried about your Council Tax payments don’t delay. Get in touch as soon as possible to seek help and advice.
Although most NHS treatment is free, there are still some costs you might need to pay, for example, to get your prescriptions or to travel to your hospital appointment. Find out how you could get help to pay for these health costs.
The School Uniform Shop is open every Tuesday from 3.30pm to 4.30pm in the Revival Café (next door to our Mind in Bexley office). We now offer great quality, second-hand uniforms for an affordable cost of 50p per item or £1 per coat/blazer. There’s no need to book, just come and see what we have.
If you are worried about money. Get in touch as soon as possible to seek help and support.