COST OF LIVING - Support in Redbridge

The document below is a map of the community food and clothing support that is currently available from a range of organisations and voluntary groups in Redbridge. There is also details of the Baby & Toddler Banks provided by Redbridge Children's Centres. Click on the link below for details:

• Community food and clothing support in Redbridge

https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

The Childcare Choices website has information on the wide range of support available for parents and carers accessing childcare, including:

• Tax-Free Childcare
• 30 Hours Free Childcare
• Tax Credits for Childcare
• Universal Credit for Childcare
• Support while you study

For the 15 hours of free early education for 2 year olds, or 3 and 4 year olds please visit our pages here on the Family Services Directory. 

https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk

For guidance from GOV UK on the following:

• Cost of Living Payments
• Energy saving tips to save money
• Winter Fuel Payment
• Warm Home Discount
• Household costs
• Income support
• Transport costs

You may be finding the impact of the cost of living impacting your mental health and wellbeing. If you are, please reach out for support:

• Mind - Offering advice and support for those living with a mental health problem
• Samaritans - Always there to listen. Call free on 116 123 at any time of the day or night
• Mental Health & Money Advice - Clear, practical advice and support for people experiencing issues with mental health and money
• NHS - Mental health information and support
• YoungMinds - A charity for children, young people and their parents, making sure all young people can get the mental health support they need

Being active is great for physical and mental health, raising self-esteem and helping achieve goals.

• Ideas of activities that can help with fitness can be found on the NHS website at www.nhs/live-well/free-fitness-ideas
• The NHS website also provide ideas for people with a disability or long term health condition at www.nhs/live-well/get-active-with-a-disability

Energy Saving Trust has 30 years’ experience in delivering expert energy efficiency and renewables advice to consumers.

Expert advisors can provide advice and signpost callers to a range of local support and financial assistance including referrals to the Warmer Homes Advice Service for emergency support and home visits to vulnerable clients.

The website includes a directory of local support services including cost of living support

Visit https://energyadvice.london for more information. 

View the Energy Advice London's leafet 'Smart Ways to Save' here. 

https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk

If you’re struggling with your energy bills, the British Gas Energy Trust is an independent charity that can help – no matter who your energy supplier is.

https://www.nationaldebtline.org

National Debtline is a charity offering free and independent debt advice over the phone and online. 

They also have a Cost of Living Hub section on their website which offers advice on making the most of your money, dealing with debts and high energy bills, help with your bills and what to do if you can't afford essential costs. Click here for their Cost of Living Hub. 

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice

Shelter helps people in housing need by providing advice and practical assistance. Find information on a range of topics, including:

• Homelessness
• Private renting
• Eviction
• Tenancy deposits
• Repairs
• Benefits and money problems
• Council housing
• Mortgage repossession

https://www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus

Free help and advice is available from a Jobcentre Plus adviser for those who are unemployed and looking for work

A Library of Things – No need to buy, borrow various items for a small donation.

Reuse Network – Supporting the repair and reuse of items. Find reuse charities in your area

In Kind Direct - In Kind Direct distribute quality consumer products, donated by some of the UK’s best known manufacturers, retailers and brands, to charitable organisations across the UK.

https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk

If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk.

If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops. We’ll add your benefit onto this card every 4 weeks.

How to apply

For support to apply, you can visit your local Children's Centre or any of the hubs below, or contact the national Healthy Start contact centre on 0300 330 7010...

• Loxford and Cranbrook Hub at Loxford Polyclinic
• Fairlop Hub at Hainault Health Centre
• Seven Kings Hub at Seven Kings Health Centre
• Wanstead and Woodford Hub at South Woodford Health Centre

Additional support from Sainsbury's until 11 April 2023

From Wednesday 12th October 2022 until Tuesday 11th April 2023, customers receiving Healthy start scheme will automatically receive a £2 printed coupon at Sainsbury’s every week whenever they use their Healthy Start card.

The coupon is valid when purchasing fresh, frozen, and tinned fruit and vegetables.

Customers can only redeem coupons at big Sainsbury stores but can use the coupons at both the big and small Sainsbury stores.

The Too Good To Go app is free to use and allows you to purchase 'Mystery Bags' of food from a number of local retailers including supermarkets, local businesses and restaurants. It's aim is to reduce food waste but can also provide you with food at discounted prices. 

Download from your phone's app store. 

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com

Money Saving Expert is a private website that contains information and advice on most things money related, including:

• Cards and loans
• Household bills
• Complain & reclaim
• Banking & savings
• Mortgages & homes
• Travel Insurance
• Deals & shopping
• Income & Budgeting
• Students

The Early Years Alliance offer support to childcare providers but have also published a number of guides for parents and carers, including:

• Free and low-cost fun activities for children
• How to reduce food costs this winter