Dorset Council, in conjunction with Citizens Advice, have put together a helpful list of resources that might be able to help you to save money over the next few months.
Money is tight, life is worrying and many of us haven’t asked for help before, but one thing that people recognise is that it is important to act early to prevent smaller problems turning into bigger ones.
Check out what help is available on the Dorset Council website at https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/cost-of-living-help
Access to Food:
- Find details of the local Food Banks, Community Fridges and Social Supermarkets at https://www.helpandkindness.co.uk/search/dorset/Foodbank
Housing:
- DC Housing Advice Team have lots of practical advice about dealing with landlords, accessing benefits and preparing budgets: see https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/-/housing-advice-team or email housinghelp@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
- The Healthy Homes Dorset team can offer residents free, impartial energy advice over the phone, and help eligible residents claim free loft & wall insulation. Free heating improvements may also be available. https://www.healthyhomesdorset.org.uk/
Money/Debt and benefits
- There is lots of information on council tax, housing benefits and universal credit claims on https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/benefits/benefits. For example, you can contact ‘Help to Claim’, a national helpline run by Citizens Advice, or speak to Universal Credit claims on 0800 144 8444.
- The Revenue Services team can help with council tax issues revenueservices@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
- You can also get cost of living advice and tips from Which?and StepChange on coping with the cost of living
Support for children
- See details on how to access Free school meals and holiday clubs: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/children-families/childcare/childcare-funding/childcare-funding-options.
- Read about the Healthy Start vouchers and how pregnant women and families on a low income with a child under 4 can access vouchers to buy basic food items.
- There is also information on Childcare funding options available to help childcare costs from age 0 to 15.
Support for older people
- Detail of the Household Support Fund and Pension Credit which can help pensioners on a low income.
There is also further advice relating to Mental health and wellbeing, Energy, water, phone and broadband and Employment
You can download your own copy of the detailed leaflet here (as a PDF) or the poster (also embedded below) as a PDF.
If you think there a need for a local support here in Lytchett Matravers please do let us know.
Cost of Living Help A4 poster - printer friendly