Cost of living crisis: Support from Camden Council Our community is facing an incredibly tough winter and everyone is likely to need a bit of help. It is unacceptable that so many people across Camden are being forced to make difficult choices – no one should have to choose between staying warm or paying for food or other essentials. Together with our partners and voluntary sector organisations, we’re stepping in to provide a package of much-needed support. This includes a £2 million Cost of Living Crisis Fund for residents facing the most severe financial hardship. Last week, we also brought together around 90 local organisations from across Camden for our first Cost of Living Alliance, to talk about how we can work together to support
our communities through the cost of living crisis. We’ve also made ‘warm welcome’ spaces available across the borough to help everyone stay warm this winter, along with running events where you can get advice in person. I’m hearing from people who are starting to get behind on bills or have debt, and I don’t underestimate the stress this causes. If you’re in this position, please reach out for help – you’re not alone. Lastly, I’m proud of how Camden is pulling together – please keep looking out for each other. If you or anyone you know needs help, we are here for you. Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council
We’re here for you. Visit camden.gov.uk/costofliving or scan the QR code
Sign up to Camden’s e-newsletter
Contact one of the organisations in the Camden Advice EN CAMD TTER E L S NEW
Network – visit camden.gov.uk/can Call Camden Council on 020 7974 4444 (option 9)
for the latest support, news, service updates and more camden.gov.uk/newsletter
Call Citizens Advice Camden on 0808 278 7835
Check if you can increase your income
BENEFITS CALCUATOR
1.1 Check you’re receiving all the benefits you’re benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk entitled to 2.2 Check you’re being paid the National Minimum Wage gov.uk/am-i-getting-minimum-wage 3.3 See if you’re eligible for Council Tax Support for a reduction in camden.gov.uk/council-tax-support council tax 4.4 If you live alone, apply for a ‘single person’ 25% discount on your council tax camden.gov.uk/council-tax-single-person-discount 5.5 Check you’re on the lowest tariff for all of your bills. If you’re approaching the end of a contract, shop around and ask your current provider for a better deal.
Find your nearest ‘warm welcome’ space ‘Warm welcome’ spaces are available across Camden where you can relax, meet up with others and get support with the cost of living crisis in a safe and warm space – including libraries, children’s centres and community buildings. camden.gov.uk/warmwelcome
camden.gov.uk/costofliving
Support with food
How to help others this winter
If you’re in urgent need of support with food: findfood.camden.gov.uk communityresponse@camden.gov.uk camden.gov.uk/access-food 020 7974 4444 (option 9)
If you’re one of the people who has got in touch with the Council to find out how you can support others, here are some ideas that you could consider:
If you are pregnant or have a child: Please check you’re receiving all of the food support you’re entitled to – including free school meals and the NHS Healthy Start Scheme. camden.gov.uk/costofliving Find out more at If you have a child aged 5 to 16 and they are eligible for free school meals: You can also your book them in for free activities, which include a free meal, via Camden’s Holiday and Food (HAF) programme. Find out more at haf.youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk
Struggling with debt? Help is available If you have debt, several organisations provide free, confidential advice and can help you understand your rights: 1. StepChange stepchange.org 0300 303 5300 2. Citizens Advice citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/help-with-debt 3. Mary Ward Legal Centre marywardlegal.org.uk 020 7269 5455 ! If you need to take out a loan, don’t be tempted to approach a loan shark or get a payday loan. Instead, consider credit unions or other ethical loan providers. credit-union.coop info@credit-union.coop 020 7561 1786
020 7974 4444 (option 9)
2. Donating what you can afford: The Young Camden Foundation support Camden-based charities to provide services and support for children and young people, including tackling holiday hunger localgiving.org/charity/youngcamdenfoundation Camden Giving’s Cost of Living Appeal funds local organisations supporting people through the cost of living crisis camdengiving.org.uk/cost-of-living-appeal 3. Finding a local volunteering opportunity: volunteercentrecamden.org.uk 020 7424 9990
Help with energy bills If you’re in debt to your energy supplier, speak to them. They may be able to offer you a payment plan or a grant to help pay off energy debts. If you have a pre-payment meter and cannot top-up: ask your energy supplier for temporary credit and if you run out, ask them how they can help. For more advice to reduce energy bills and GAS energy consumption: camden.gov.uk/energysavingtips greencamden@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 4444 (option 9)
4. Got a good idea to support your community? Apply for funding to get it started through the Council’s We Make Camden Kit. Find out more at: camdengiving.org.uk/we-make-camden-kit
Electricity
Cost of Living Crisis Fund If you’re in severe financial hardship and cannot afford essentials including food, heating, water, electricity and rent, you may be eligible for a payment of up to £500 through our Cost Of Living Crisis Fund. To apply: Contact one of the organisations in Camden Advice Network camden.gov.uk/can If you’re a council tenant, contact your neighbourhood housing officer Call Citizens Advice Camden on 0808 278 7835 For more information: camden.gov.uk/colcfund 020 7974 4444 (option 9)
1. Donating food and other essential items to food banks or local charities: littlevillagehq.org/donate-stuff trusselltrust.org/donate-food Find a local organisation that supports people with food findfood.camden.gov.uk
If you’re feeling down, anxious or worried, you’re not alone. Please speak to someone for support:
Free events and activities
Speak to your GP Visit icope.nhs.uk Call iCope on 020 3317 6670 Visit camden.gov.uk/mental-health
Many voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations are providing free or low-cost events and activities this winter, where you can also meet new people. Get in touch with your local VCS organisation to find out what’s on offer or find out more at: camden.gov.uk/winterevents
@CamdenCouncil
@LBCamden
Mental health help and support
! @WeMakeCamden
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, phone the 24-hour mental health crisis line on 020 3317 6333. In an emergency, always call 999.