Cost of Living Crisis
We know that times are difficult at the moment, and many people are worried about rising costs. This page gives some practical advice and links to organisations and charities that may be able to help.
Help for Households
For help available nationally with benefits eligibility, energy bills, transport costs, and discounts with national retailers.
🌍 helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk
Benefits Check
Anyone who is struggling financially can get a benefit check to ensure that you are receiving all the money you’re entitled to, especially if your circumstances have changed recently.
🌍 benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/
StepChange
Debt can happen to anyone. StepChange is a debt charity which provides free advice and support can help you find ways to manage your debts and reduce how much you pay each month.
📞 0800 138 1111
Shelter
Shelter can provide free housing advice on a range of issues like landlords failing to make repairs, mortgage arrears, what to do if you're threatened with eviction and more.
📞 0808 800 4444
Citizens Advice Waltham Forest
Provides free, confidential, independent and impartial advice to help people resolve their problems with money, housing, employment, certain legal issues, and much more besides.
📞 08082787838
🌍 www.citizensadvice.org.uk/local/waltham-forest
Winter Spaces Network
The council has opened 44 venues across the borough to give residents a warm space they can visit for free.
🌍 www.walthamforest.gov.uk/get-involved/winter-spaces-network
If you are on low income you may be eligible for Housing Benefit, Discretionary Housing Payments and Council Tax Support from Waltham Forest Council.
🌍 www.walthamforest.gov.uk/council-tax/discounts-exemptions-and-reductions/council-tax-support
Jobcentre Plus
If your benefits have been sanctioned, you may be able to request a hardship payment from the Jobcentre. Hardship payments are not always paid immediately, they are not available to everyone, and you may have to pay them back later.
If you’re seeking work, you may be able to get six months worth of broadband through your local Jobcentre Plus.
📞 0800 169 0190
🌍 www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus
Ofcom
Lists the cheaper broadband and phone packages (social tariffs) available on their website.
AgeUK Waltham Forest
Age UK provides support and advice for residents over 60 and their families.
📞 020 8558 5512
🌍 www.ageuk.org.uk/walthamforest/
Free Early Years Childcare
Children under five years old may be eligible for up to 15 hours per week of free early learning and education. Check your eligibility at the websites below.
🌍 Free Early Education for two year olds
🌍 Free early education for three and four year olds
Healthy Start Vouchers
To help buy fruit, vegetables and milk if you’re on a low income, pregnant or have a child under 4. You can get vouchers for up to £4.50 per week which can be used to buy fruit, vegetables, pulses, cow’s milk, and infant formula.
📞 0345 607 6823
National Energy Action
For advice and support for heating your home, or steps to help you manage your energy bills and keep your home warm this winter,
📞 0800 304 7159
Energy Supplier
If necessary you can ask your energy supplier for a grant or hardship fund:
- British Gas Energy Grants: www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/grants-available
- EDF Energy Customer Support Fund: www.edfenergy.com/for-home/help-support/energy-bill-debt-advice
- E.ON Energy Efficiency Grants: www.eonenergy.com/energy-efficiency-grants
- E.ON Next Energy Fund: www.eonnextenergyfund.com
- Octopus Energy “Octo Assist Fund”: octopus.energy/blog/struggling-to-pay
- Ovo Energy Payment Support: www.ovoenergy.com/payment-support
- Scottish Power Hardship Fund: www.scottishpower.co.uk/support-centre/help-paying-your-bill/hardship-fund
Food Banks
There are a number of food banks in Waltham Forest. Some require referrals before they can be used but others will welcome anyone.
Charis Christian Centre
020 8988 0000
78 Capworth Street, E10 7HA
Eat or Heat
eatorheat.org/
1A Jewel Road, E17 4QU
Elim Pentecostal Church Food Bank
www.elim.org.uk/
Hainault Road, E11 1EL
Holy Trinity Church Pop Up Shop
07913 388 689
Corn Way, E11 4LD
Leytonstone Community Fridge
34 Church Lane,, E11 1HG
People’s Kitchen
020 8558 6880
458 Hoe Street, E17 9AH
Rukhsana Khan Foundation
www.rukhsanakhanfoundation.org/projects
6-8 Greenleaf Road, E17 7NX
Sally’s Kitchen
en-gb.facebook.com/SallysKitchenE11/
Southwell Grove, E11 4PP
St Margaret’s Church Pop Up Shop
www.achurchnearyou.com/church/6475/
Woodhouse Road, E11 3NG
Is there anything we've missed? Let us know at info@walthamforestlibdems.org and we will update this page.