Where to find help in South Gloucestershire?
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
Talking Money
Providing free independent debt advice, energy advice and financial education. They hold advice sessions at Kingswood and Yate One Stop Shops.
Website: talkingmoney.org.uk
Telephone: 0800 121 4511 or 0117 9543 990
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
Warm and Well
Offering energy advice and support to people who own or privately rent their home in South Gloucestershire, including access to grants to improve energy efficiency.
Website: warmandwell.co.uk
Food support
Foodbanks
Helping people who are struggling to afford food. Food parcels are given in exchange for a voucher from a referring agency.
Website: nbsg.foodbank.org.uk
Telephone: 0117 472 5172
Government and Council 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
One Stop Shop
Providing an in-person service to answer questions, resolve problems and receive advice. Various locations around South Gloucestershire – check website for details.
Website: beta.southglos.gov.uk/one-stop-shops
South Gloucestershire Council
Information about where to find advice, support and financial help with the cost of living.
Website: beta.southglos.gov.uk/ community-and-living/cost-of-living-help/
Website: beta.southglos.gov.uk/financial -support-for-residents/
Health and well-being support
Community Welcome Spaces
Designed to signpost anyone in need of warmth and community to a warm space. Community Welcome Spaces may offer hot drinks, activities and information on local financial support, energy saving tips and help with the cost of living.
Housing support
HomeChoice
Housing advice surgery for housing related difficulties such as possible eviction, rent or mortgage arrears, debt, and repairs. Drop-in service at Kingswood One Stop Shop Monday to Friday 9.00am - 12.30pm.
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/map
Email: hello@goodthingsfoundation.orgInformation and advice
Age UK South Gloucestershire
Providing free information and advice to older people, carers, and family members on a large range of topics, from benefits to health and well-being.
Website: ageuk.org.uk/ southgloucestershire
Local Telephone: 01454 411 707
National Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602 (8.00am-7.00pm)
Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire
Offering free, confidential, and impartial advice on a range of issues.
Website: southgloscab.org.uk
Telephone: 0808 278 7947
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
North Bristol Advice Centre
Providing free and independent advice in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
Website: northbristoladvice.org.uk
Telephone: 0808 278 7947
Minicom: 0117 952 7681
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
WECIL
Providing advice and support to disabled people on a range of issues, including benefits advice.
Website: wecil.org.uk