Where to find help in Bath & North East Somerset?
A list of agencies who may be able to help if you’re facing challenges due to the rising cost of living.
Debt support
Business Debtline
Providing free, impartial, expert debt advice to small business owners and self-employed people.
Website: businessdebtline.org/
Christians Against Poverty (CAP)
Offering free debt advice and other services if you are struggling with money.
Website: capuk.org
Telephone: 0800 328 0006
National Debtline
Providing free, impartial, expert debt advice; helping people take control of their debts.
Website: nationaldebtline.org
Step Change
Offering free, independent advice to help people deal with their debts.
Website: stepchange.org
Energy saving advice and support
Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE)
Providing advice on saving money on energy bills and heating your home.
Website: cse.org.uk
Telephone: 0800 082 2234
Warmer Homes, Advice and Money (WHAM)
Supporting B&NES’s most vulnerable residents by giving advice on energy, money, and carrying out home repairs.
Website: cse.org.uk/my-home/advice-projects/wham-warmer-homes-advice-and-money/
National Energy Action (NEA)
Providing energy advice and support to householders regarding their bills and keeping warm and healthy in their home. Help is also provided with benefits advice and income maximisation. A British Sign Language interpreter service is available via the website.
Website: https://www.nea.org.uk/get-help/energy-advice-and-support-service/
Tel: 0800 304 7159 Mon – Thurs 10.00am-4.00pm, Fri 10.00am-12.30pm
Food support
B&NES Food Finder
A list of food clubs and pantries offering affordable food or emergency food parcels.
Website: banesfoodfinder.org.uk
Trussell Trust Foodbanks
Working to combat poverty and hunger. Food parcels are given in exchange for a voucher from a referring agency.
Website: trussell.org.uk
Telephone: 0808 208 2138
Government and Council support
Bath and North East Somerset Council
Resources, signposting and information related to finances and available support.
Gov.uk
Details of cost-of-living support, including income and disability benefits, bills and allowances, childcare, housing, and travel.
Website: gov.uk/cost-of-living
Welfare Support
Help for B&NES residents with basic essential items such as food and energy costs or help with certain debts.
Website: bathnes.gov.uk/apply-welfare-support
Telephone: 01225 47 72 77
Health and well-being support
Community Well-being Hub
A central place to access services to improve your health and well-being. One contact to the Hub can connect you to multiple services.
Website: communitywellbeinghub.co.uk/
Telephone: 0300 247 0050
Housing support
Housing Advice and Support, Bath & North East Somerset Council
For anyone in B&NES threatened with homelessness or in need of housing advice.
We Care Home Improvements
Not for profit organisation improving homes so people can live independently for as long as they wish.
Website: wecr.org.uk
Telephone: 0300 323 0700
Technology
Good Things Foundation
Providing free sim cards, mobile data and devices to people who cannot afford them. Search the map on the website for local support from the National Databank and the National Device Bank.
Website: goodthingsfoundation.org/find-support
Email: hello@goodthingsfoundation.orgInformation and advice
Age UK Bath and North East Somerset
Providing free information and advice to people over 50 on a large range of topics from claiming benefits to health and well-being.
Website: ageuk.org.uk/bathandnortheastsomerset
Telephone: 01225 466 135 (option 2)
National Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602 (8.00am-7.00pm)
Citizens Advice Bath & North East Somerset
Offering free, confidential, impartial and independent advice.
Website: citizensadvicebanes.org.uk
MIND
Welfare benefits line for people with mental health problems who are navigating the benefits system
Website: mind.org.uk
Telephone: 0300 222 5782
Money Saving Expert
Website offering help with the cost-of-living crisis including a guide about what you can do if you are struggling with energy bills and budgeting.
Website: moneysavingexpert.com
Website on debt: moneysavingexpert.com/budgeting-debt-help
Turn2Us
Providing information to individuals facing financial hardship. By entering your details, their system can electronically search their database to connect you with relevant assistance and resources.
Website: turn2us.org.uk
Grants
St John's Foundation
Delivering a Crisis Programme that supports individuals and families in Bath & North East Somerset with essential costs, such as white goods, furniture, counselling, debt support, and basic employment skills and training.
Website: stjohnsbath.org.uk/how-we-can-help/funding-support/
Telephone: 01225 486 400
Family Action
Offering a Welfare Grants Programme providing emergency grants to meet essential personal and household needs. Applicants must be in receipt of means tested benefits and meet further criteria. Application is by professional referral.
Website: family-action.org.uk/grant-programmes
Phone: 0781 640 8119 Tuesday to Friday from 1.00pm to 3.00pm.