We understand that money is tight right now. The increase in energy bills and cost of living crisis means that we really do have to stretch as much as we can out of every single penny. Some people will be struggling more than others and might not know who to turn to for help.
Our Money Solutions team have put together this directory of organisations that can offer support and advice on a wide range of things from energy bills to personal care. If you still can’t find the help that you’re looking for, please speak to your Neighbourhood Manager or Money Solutions Officer.
British Gas Energy Trust
Facing bills you can’t afford? The British Gas Energy Trust are an independent charitable trust. They support people and families who are facing financial difficulties and energy debt.
Turn 2 Us
This national charity works to fight poverty in the UK. Their website has lots of information about schemes and grants if you are struggling to pay your energy and water bills.
National Energy Action
This charity makes sure that people can afford to heat their homes. They also support with gas and electricity accounts, water rates, energy efficiency, and switching suppliers.
Winter Fuel Support Scheme
Eligible households can claim a one off £200 payment from their local authority to provide support towards paying their fuel costs.
Welsh Water HelpU Tariff
The HelpU tariff helps low income households by putting a cap on the amount they have to pay for their water.
Energy Saving Trust
For information on how to improve energy efficiency at home. Try out their quick and easy #EnergySavingHacks to start saving on energy bills today!
Tremorfa Pantry
A pantry run by members of the community to share food and toiletries for people who might be struggling.
Telephone: 029 2046 8490
Email: tremorfapantry@outlook.com
Cardiff Food Bank
Able to provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to them in crisis.
OLIO
OLIO connects people and local businesses so surplus food can be shared, not thrown away. This includes food nearing its sell-by date in local shops, or spare home-grown vegetables. OLIO can also be used for non-food household items too!
Too Good to Go
When cafes or restaurants don’t sell their food items in time, they can often be thrown away. As a result, Too Good to Go lets you buy this food at a discount so it doesn’t go to waste. You won’t know exactly what’s in your order until you pick it up, but it’s all part of the surprise. (Available as an app via Google Play or the App Store.)
Efficient Cooking Methods
This article by Jamie Oliver talks about the best appliances to save you cash when cooking.
Money Saving Expert
Martin Lewis remains a firm money favourite with our Money Solutions Team! If you can take the time to read through the website, there’s plenty to be found. You’ll find tips on how to save money, and advice on how to manage the rising living costs.
Money Supermarket
Grab a tea or coffee and take some time to compare your utility providers. You’ll discover if you are really getting the best deal available to you. Answering a few questions could save you some pounds in the long run!
Money Helper
Access to free and informative money advice and support – Lots of information, calculators, budgets and more!
Help to Save – Government Scheme
Help to Save is a type of savings account. It allows certain people entitled to Working Tax Credit or receiving Universal Credit to get a bonus of 50p for every £1 they save over 4 years. Help to Save is backed by the government so all savings in the scheme are secure.
Stepchange
Stepchange provide free, confidential and expert debt advice and money guidance.
Citizens Advice
Can offer more in-depth advice such as PIP appeals, court processes and a number of other issues such as employment, family and consumer. They also run an advance benefits assessment team who can help tenants to ensure their benefits are correct and they are in receipt of every benefit they should be.
Cardiff Money Advice
They can help with income maximisation, budgeting, benefits and outgoings. They can also talk to tenants about debts, such as priority and non-priority. They are not debt specialists, so they cannot deal with PIP appeals, DHP appeals or anything relating to the court system for financial issues.
Riverside Advice
Offer a quality Welfare Rights Advice service in: Welfare Benefits, Debt, Housing, Fuel Debt. Advice is confidential, free, impartial and independent.
Cost of Living payment
Millions of the lowest-income households across the UK will get up to £1,350 from the Government in 2023/4 to help with the cost of living. Exact payment windows will be announced closer to the time but are spread across a longer period to ensure a consistent support offering throughout the year. They will be broadly as follows:
- £301 – First Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2023
- £150 – Disability Cost of Living Payment – during Summer 2023
- £300 – Second Cost of Living Payment – during Autumn 2023
- £300 – Pensioner Cost of Living Payment – during Winter 2023/24
- £299 – Third Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2024
Those eligible will be paid automatically, and there will be no need to apply. For more information
NuLife Furniture
NuLife Furniture is part of Cadwyn Housing Association. This project was set up as a response to the amount of people who were being housed without any furniture. They take re-useable furniture and white goods and sell them at an affordable cost to those in need.
Turn2Us: Back to School Support
Find out about school uniform help, free school meals, transport costs and childcare costs. Plus, search for grants and support schemes to help you with Back to School costs in general.
Cwtch Baby Bank
Cwtch Baby Bank provides essential equipment, clothing and toiletries for newborn to 24 month old babies through referrals from social care, health professionals and other relevant support agencies and all the donations received go directly to the people who need it.
Cardiff Hygiene Bank
The Hygiene Bank Cardiff works with the local community to tackle hygiene poverty within Cardiff. Email: thbcardiff1@gmail.com
Shelter Cymru
Defending the right to a safe home in Wales.