Supporting our citizens with the rising cost of living

Free support and advice for our communities

As the cost of living is rising, we know this can place a lot of pressure on households locally and across the country.

Across Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and Bassetlaw there is lots of support available to help with:

• Mental health wellbeing support
• Money, debt and finances
• Food
• Energy and fuel
• Tips and advice

We encourage anyone who is struggling or has any concerns to access the free support available.

Bassetlaw cost of living support – a booklet has been produced by Bassetlaw Community and Voluntary Service and Bassetlaw District Council to ensure that everyone living in Bassetlaw knows where and how to access the help and support available in our area.

Nottingham City Council cost of living support – find activities and support in Nottingham on the Ask Lion website.

Nottinghamshire County Council cost of living support – information about financial support for Nottinghamshire residents and community groups who are most in need.

Hardship support

There is also support available to help you with debt and benefits, housing advice, help with household costs and foodbanks:

• Find your nearest foodbank
• Help for Households
• Cost of living support factsheet
• Severn Trent Trust Fund
• Food clubs – FOOD clubs offer families a range of good quality food including fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and dried and tinned foods each week worth approximately £10 – 15 for just £3.50.
• Healthy Start – The scheme offers funds worth £4.25 per week to pregnant women and children (0-4 years) who are in low-income families, as well as to all pregnant women under the age of 18. Funds can be used to purchase fruit, vegetables, milk and infant formula. Eligible families with a baby under the age of 1 receive £8.50 per week. 
  
  

Financial advice

Learn more about how you can improve your financial wellbeing and gain more control of your finances. You can also reach out to your bank and citizens advice bureau for advice:

• MoneyHelper – Find out what benefits you’re entitled to, how to claim them, when you qualify, and what to do if things go wrong
• MoneyHelper – help for people struggling financially
• MoneyHelper – help for people in debt
• The Money Charity – Financial Wellbeing + Financial Education
• StepChange Debt Charity – Free Expert Debt Advice
• Cost of Living Payment – GOV.UK
• EntitledTo – Money Calculator
• National Debt Line
• Pension Credit
• Turn2Us Benefits Calculator
• Money Saving Expert

Budget planning

• Budget Planner – get to know where your money is being spent and how much you have coming in by tracking and recording
• The Bill Prioritiser – this can help people sort bills and payments in the right order and tell you what you need to do if you are struggling to pay
• Living on a squeezed income – this tool supports people to: keep track of spending; provides information on how to save money and cut back on cost, and details of extra support available

Mental health and wellbeing

The mental health crisis line is available 24/7 to anyone who has concerns about their mental health or is in crisis: 0808 196 3779.

Visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/mentalhealth to find information and support in Nottinghamshire.