Newcastle residents may be able to benefit from some extra support with the rising cost of living. With many unable to make ends meet due to soaring energy prices, increases on other household bills and the rise of the cost of groceries, many more need help than ever before.
For low-income families on certain benefits, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) are helping out with the extra cost of living payments made throughout the year. Pensioners and those with disabilities are also expected to receive extra payments, too.
But for those who don’t get these benefits or those who need a different kind of help, Newcastle City Council has put support networks in place to help as many as possible. Here’s what they offer and how to access it.
Read more: 67% of Brits say Government not doing enough to combat cost of living crisis
Wellbeing hubs
A network of well-being hubs opened up across the city ahead of winter in order to support those in need, especially the elderly. Hubs are available in many public and community buildings and as well as offering somewhere warm, they provide a chance to meet, learn new skills and socialise.
You can access a list of the hubs available and what services they offer on the council website.
Energy bills
The council’s Sustainable Warmth scheme offers a range of insulation and renewable energy measures to help you save money on bills. If you are a homeowner or a private
tenant and have a low annual income, you could benefit from work from the Warm Works scheme.
As well as this scheme, Newcastle residents may be entitled to some government support including the warm home discount, winter fuel payments and cold weather payments. Check the DWP website to see if you qualify for any of these.
Crisis support
Newcastle Council can also offer access to a crisis support scheme, which provides support for people who have suffered an emergency that has left them without access to necessities, with a health and safety risk or unable to secure funding from another source.
The scheme can help with emergency travel, small food parcels or shopping and gas and electricity top-ups. To check if you’d be eligible and to find out what specific support is available, contact the crisis team.
Debt and money advice
The council runs the Supporting Independence Scheme for basic items to help you live independently, for example, beds, cookers, fridges or removal costs. It’s for people on low incomes who are being supported by Adult Social Care or Children’s Social Care, Community Mental Health Teams, Housing Advice Centres, Probation, Your Homes Newcastle Advice and Support Workers and other housing support workers/resettlement teams.
For further money advice and support, Citizen’s Advice can provide free, confidential, independent and impartial advice by email or phone.
Foodbanks
Foodbanks in Newcastle give emergency food parcels to people who are in crisis. They are usually run by volunteers.
Emergency food parcels usually contain dried or tinned food that has long expiration dates and you can cook at home to make meals. You may need a referral from a professional to get a voucher and get a parcel.
Find up-to-date information on their locations, opening times and how to use their services on the Information Now website.
If you need access to any of the council’s cost-of-living support services or need advice and information, do not hesitate to contact the team. You can fill in your details on their cost of living support request form or call 0800 170 7001.
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