Debt and Managing your Money
Help with budgeting
- Citizens Advice online can help with working out your budget
- also try MoneyHelper’s budget planner tool
Check what benefits you’re entitled to
- contact your local Citizens Advice: in England and Wales, Scotland or Advice NI
- use the government’s financial support tool
- use the EntitledTo online benefits calculator
Other websites that can help you manage your debt
Support with Housing Concerns
Have a look at the government’s ‘Help for households’ information about housing and the cost-of-living crisis. If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland there may be different or additional help available:
- Help during the cost-of-living crisis in Scotland
- Help with the cost of living in Wales
- Cost of living information and advice in Northern Ireland
If you are a tenant finding it hard to pay your rent, see MoneyHelper’s guide on handling rent problems.
Know your rights as a homeowner or tenant
- Citizens Advice or Shelter in England and Wales
- Citizens Advice Scotland or Shelter Scotland
- Advice NI or Housing Advice NI in Northern Ireland
Problems with housing or homelessness
- in England, Wales and Scotland, contact Shelter
- in Northern Ireland, contact the Simon Community
Worried about energy costs
- Money Saving Expert’s website has lots of help and advice around managing household bills
- check the Warm Welcome Campaign website to find a free, warm space being offered within your area
Support with Work or Unemployment
For information about your rights at work, check the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS).
If you are unemployed
- check what support you can receive from the government if you’re looking for work
- have a look at MoneyHelper’s guide for redundancy or job loss
Support with Concerns about Affording Food
If you are having problems buying food essentials:
- check the Trussell Trust website – once you have been referred with a food bank voucher they can help you find your nearest food bank. They can also offer advice via their Help though Hardship helpline and provide emergency food for people in crisis
- the Association of UK Dieticians has tips for cooking on a budget
- the BBC has lots of budget recipes, advice and tips
- if you have children, check if your child is eligible for free school meals, either by discussing this with their school or through your local council
If you are Worried about your Mental Health
Mental Health & Money Advice:
The Samaritans
The Samaritans offer emotional support 24 hours a day – in full confidence.
Call 116 123 – it’s FREE.
Or email jo@samaritans.org.uk.
Shout Crisis Text Line
For support in a crisis, Text Shout to 85258.
If you’re experiencing a personal crisis, are unable to cope and need support.
Shout can help with urgent issues such as:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Abuse or assault
- Self-harm
- Bullying
- Relationship challenges
Rethink Mental Illness
You can call the Rethink advice and information line Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm for practical advice on:
- different types of therapy and medication
- benefits, debt, money issues
- police, courts, prison
- your rights under the Mental Health Act.
Call Rethink on 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).
MIND
Mind’s services
- Mind’s helplines provide information and support by phone and email.
- Local Minds offer face-to-face services across England and Wales. These services include talking therapies, peer support and advocacy.
- Side by Side is our supportive online community for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
The Mind infoline
Mind offer an information line to answer questions about:
- types of mental health problem
- where to get help
- drug and alternative treatments
Call the Mind infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary considerably). Or email info@mind.org.uk.
The Mind Legal Advice service
If you need legal advice, you can speak to Mind about:
- mental health
- mental capacity
- community care
- human rights and discrimination/equality related to mental health issues.
Call the Mind Legal Advice service on 0300 466 6463 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary considerably). Or email legal@mind.org.uk.
CALM Helpline and Webchat
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide.
You can talk to CALM about anything.
Call the CALM helpline on 0800 58 58 58 or use their webchat here.
The helpline and webchat are both open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.
Other Sources of Support
Tell someone you trust
You may find it helpful to talk to your partner, a relative or a friend about your problems. They may be concerned about you and welcome the opportunity to hear what you have to say. If this is not possible, you may prefer to talk to someone else you can trust, like a faith leader or a tutor.
Talk to your GP
Your GP may be the first person you talk to about your mental health problems. If you have a good relationship with your doctor, you may find it helpful just to know there is someone you can talk to about the feelings you are having. Your GP may refer you to specialist services if he/she feels they will help you
If you are unhappy with your own doctor, you can ask to see another doctor at the same practice or make an appointment with a different practice in your area. If you are unsure where to find other doctor’s surgeries, look in your local Yellow Pages or try the NHS Choices website.
Find a warm hub.
In response to the crisis, ‘ warm hubs’ or spaces have been set up across local areas to provide a warm place for people to go.
Speak to your local Healthwatch.
Need advice and information about health and care services, or what support is available from your local council? Contact local Healthwatch