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H&F Cost of Living Booklet 2023

Our cost-of-living guide is packed with details about the help you can get – including many new, innovative sources of assistance.

Our cost-of-living guide is packed with details about the help you can get – including many new, innovative sources of assistance.

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Winter <strong>2023</strong>-24<br />

Help with the<br />

cost-<strong>of</strong>-living crisis<br />

Need help? Struggling to manage?<br />

Find out about the support and<br />

advice available to you<br />

A stronger, safer, kinder borough


<strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-living help<br />

Contents<br />

We are here to help you 3<br />

Someone you can talk to 4<br />

Winter support 5<br />

Help with food and supplies 6<br />

Grants and funds 7<br />

Help with money worries 8<br />

Resolving debt problems 9<br />

Money-saving tips 10<br />

Taking control 11<br />

Help with travel 12<br />

Disability benefits 13<br />

Help with energy costs 14<br />

Help with housing 16<br />

Help with homelessness 17<br />

Other help on <strong>of</strong>fer 18<br />

Mental health support 20<br />

Community wellbeing 21<br />

Local partners who can help 22<br />

If you would like any <strong>of</strong> this information in large print,<br />

braille or a different language, call 0800 917 6994<br />

or email cost<strong>of</strong>livingteam@lbhf.gov.uk


<strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-living help<br />

We are here<br />

to help you<br />

As a compassionate council, a key priority<br />

is helping everyone in our borough<br />

through the cost-<strong>of</strong>-living crisis<br />

We know how worried residents are<br />

about food and fuel bills, keeping<br />

warm and the rising cost <strong>of</strong> owning<br />

and renting a home.<br />

The council has come together<br />

with community groups, residents<br />

and organisations to <strong>of</strong>fer lots <strong>of</strong><br />

support for residents and businesses<br />

this winter.<br />

This includes hardship crisis<br />

payments, fuel vouchers, funding<br />

for warm meals and food banks,<br />

free school breakfasts and free<br />

home care, support for businesses,<br />

advice stalls in shopping areas,<br />

money management classes and<br />

much more.<br />

Our <strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-<strong>Living</strong> team is<br />

available to help everyone get the<br />

support they need. Call them for<br />

free on 0800 917 6994 or email<br />

cost<strong>of</strong>livingteam@lbhf.gov.uk.<br />

This booklet is packed full <strong>of</strong><br />

details about the help on <strong>of</strong>fer,<br />

including many new resources.<br />

It is also available in more than<br />

100 languages.<br />

I hope you find it useful.<br />

Best wishes<br />

Cllr Rebecca Harvey<br />

H&F Cabinet Member for Social<br />

Inclusion and Community Safety<br />

3


<strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-living help<br />

Someone you<br />

can talk to<br />

H&F has a dedicated <strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-<strong>Living</strong> team<br />

to help you through this difficult time<br />

They will talk to you about<br />

your money worries, and give<br />

help and advice on:<br />

• Council tax<br />

• Rent and discretionary<br />

housing payments<br />

• H&F’s Crisis Prevention Fund and<br />

other available financial support<br />

• Free school meals<br />

• Clothing grants<br />

• Winter Ready Homes grants<br />

and other energy support<br />

• Fuel bank vouchers<br />

• Signposting to budgeting advice.<br />

If you are struggling to heat your<br />

home or buy food, we can connect<br />

you to local organisations and<br />

services within the council that<br />

can help.<br />

If you are a Disabled person, you<br />

may be eligible for a grant to adapt<br />

your home to improve accessibility.<br />

If you are a business, contact<br />

our 1-2-1 Business support team:<br />

lbhf.gov.uk/business-support.<br />

Help with benefits and grants<br />

If you are a council tenant and<br />

need advice on benefits, grants<br />

or budgeting, please call the<br />

H&F Welfare Benefits team<br />

on 020 8753 5566 or email:<br />

welfare.benefit@lbhf.gov.uk.<br />

Coming to you<br />

Look out for our pop-up stalls<br />

in community locations, estates<br />

and shopping areas across H&F,<br />

with information about benefits,<br />

debts, health and wellbeing.<br />

Call the <strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-<strong>Living</strong> team<br />

for details or visit our website:<br />

lbhf.gov.uk/cost<strong>of</strong>living.<br />

Call our <strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-<strong>Living</strong> team for<br />

free on 0800 917 6994. Lines are open<br />

8am-6pm, Monday to Friday<br />

Or email: cost<strong>of</strong>livingteam@lbhf.gov.uk<br />

4


<strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-living help<br />

Winter<br />

support<br />

Warm, friendly places to go<br />

H&F is helping your local<br />

organisations host free Warm<br />

Welcomes. These are warm spaces,<br />

open to everyone, where you can<br />

enjoy refreshments, socialise with<br />

neighbours and get involved in a<br />

mix <strong>of</strong> activities.<br />

For more details about the<br />

scheme, including participating<br />

venues, activities and opening<br />

hours, please visit our website:<br />

lbhf.gov.uk/warmwelcomes.<br />

Winter Ready Homes<br />

This year we have launched our<br />

Winter Ready Homes scheme.<br />

You could be eligible for free<br />

energy efficiency improvements,<br />

designed to help keep your home<br />

warmer and which could reduce<br />

your energy bills. These include<br />

LED lighting, radiator foils and<br />

draught-pro<strong>of</strong>ing.<br />

To find out more, visit our website<br />

or call our <strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-<strong>Living</strong> team for<br />

free on 0800 917 6994.<br />

Crisis Prevention Fund<br />

for <strong>2023</strong>/24<br />

You may be able to claim up to £900<br />

from H&F’s Crisis Prevention Fund for<br />

basics like food, gas and electricity.<br />

The Fund is for one-<strong>of</strong>f awards to<br />

help households that are in crisis<br />

meet day-to-day essential living<br />

costs and is designed to provide<br />

immediate financial support.<br />

Find out more about the scheme<br />

and what the payments can and<br />

can’t be used for on our website:<br />

lbhf.gov.uk/crisis-fund.<br />

5


<strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-living help<br />

Help with food<br />

and supplies<br />

Nobody should go hungry. Here are a few local<br />

organisations that can <strong>of</strong>fer help with nutritious meals<br />

H&F Foodbank<br />

Open every week across four<br />

locations. Offers free food parcels<br />

to residents in need upon referral.<br />

020 7731 3693<br />

hammersmithfulham.foodbank.<br />

org.uk<br />

Dads House<br />

Based in Fulham, open every week.<br />

Offers free food to residents in<br />

need upon referral.<br />

07765 183504<br />

dadshouse.org.uk<br />

The Upper Room W12<br />

Offers free, hot meals every weekday<br />

between 3pm and 6pm to anyone<br />

in need, with toiletries, bedding and<br />

clothing also <strong>of</strong>ten supplied.<br />

020 8740 5688<br />

theupperroom.org.uk<br />

Nourish Hub<br />

Offers hot meals every weekday on<br />

a ‘pay as you can’ basis, plus free<br />

cookery classes and breakfasts.<br />

020 7967 1302<br />

nourishhub.org.uk<br />

Rose Vouchers<br />

Helps families with children under<br />

five, and pregnant women, buy<br />

fresh fruit and veg from North End<br />

Road & Shepherds Bush markets.<br />

Check your eligibility for the voucher<br />

scheme on the website or ask at<br />

children’s centres.<br />

alexandrarose.org.uk<br />

Barons Court Project<br />

Day centre for people on low<br />

income, or who are homeless<br />

and/or vulnerable to mental health<br />

issues. You can have something to<br />

eat, do your laundry, shower and<br />

enjoy wellness activities.<br />

020 7603 5232<br />

baronscourtproject.org<br />

Free sharing apps<br />

You can pick up free (or low cost)<br />

household items and unsold food<br />

from businesses via a number <strong>of</strong><br />

good local sharing apps, including<br />

Olio and Too Good To Go.<br />

olioex.com<br />

toogoodtogo.co.uk<br />

For urgent help with food or if you’re feeling isolated<br />

or lonely, please call us for free on 0800 917 6994<br />

6


<strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-living help<br />

Grants<br />

and funds<br />

There are numerous grants, and free or<br />

low-interest loans available. Here are some<br />

that you may be eligible for<br />

Charitable grants<br />

If you need help to purchase white<br />

goods or other items, you may be<br />

able to apply to a charity. You can<br />

search for charities on websites<br />

Turn2Us and EntitledTo. Visit:<br />

turn2us.org.uk or entitledto.co.uk.<br />

Some charities give grants depending<br />

on where you live, your occupation,<br />

age or other criteria.<br />

Family Fund<br />

The Family Fund provides grants<br />

for essential items for low-income<br />

families raising a disabled or seriously<br />

ill child. Visit: familyfund.org.uk.<br />

Crisis Prevention Fund<br />

for <strong>2023</strong>/24<br />

Grants are available from H&F’s<br />

Crisis Prevention Fund for residents<br />

struggling to pay their gas, electric<br />

and food bills.<br />

If you are in severe financial crisis<br />

and need immediate help, you may<br />

be able to claim up to £900.<br />

Visit lbhf.gov.uk/crisis-fund to see<br />

what is covered by the emergency<br />

crisis payments.<br />

DWP interest-free budgeting<br />

loans and advance payments<br />

If you receive benefits from the<br />

Department for Work and Pensions<br />

(DWP) you may be eligible for a<br />

budgeting loan or budgeting advance<br />

payment. This can go towards the<br />

cost <strong>of</strong> white goods, replacing a<br />

broken cooker, or staying in work.<br />

It is an interest-free loan and you<br />

only pay back what you borrow. Visit:<br />

gov.uk/budgeting-help-benefits.<br />

7


<strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-living help<br />

Help with<br />

money worries<br />

If you’re struggling with money, you can get<br />

free advice from the following organisations<br />

Crosslight<br />

Provides free debt advice,<br />

budgeting support and money<br />

management classes.<br />

020 7052 0318 or email:<br />

info@crosslightadvice.org<br />

Citizens Advice<br />

Hammersmith & Fulham<br />

Free debt advice.<br />

Debt line 020 3137 6295<br />

Nucleus Legal Advice Centre<br />

Free legal help for money,<br />

welfare, housing and job issues.<br />

020 7373 4005<br />

nucleus.org.uk<br />

StepChange<br />

Offers debt support and works<br />

with you through budget<br />

challenges and debt solutions.<br />

0800 138 1111<br />

stepchange.org.uk<br />

Money Helper<br />

A national organisation that<br />

provides free advice on debts<br />

and benefits.<br />

moneyhelper.org.uk<br />

CAP London Fulham Reach<br />

Debt Centre<br />

Free pr<strong>of</strong>essional advice.<br />

0800 328 006<br />

capuk.org/i-want-help<br />

National Debtline<br />

A national organisation that<br />

provides free, impartial debt<br />

advice, factsheets and an<br />

online budgeting tool.<br />

Freephone 0808 808 4000<br />

nationaldebtline.org<br />

Tax Aid<br />

Free, independent tax advice<br />

for people on low incomes<br />

when things go wrong.<br />

0345 120 3779<br />

taxaid.org.uk<br />

Crisis Prevention Fund for <strong>2023</strong>/24<br />

You may be able to claim up to<br />

£900 from H&F’s Crisis Prevention<br />

Fund for day-to-day essential costs.<br />

The Fund is for one-<strong>of</strong>f awards to<br />

help households that are in crisis.<br />

lbhf.gov.uk/crisis-fund<br />

8


<strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-living help<br />

Resolving<br />

debt problems<br />

Struggling with credit, in debt, or worried<br />

about bailiffs? You are not alone. Help is available.<br />

Here are some <strong>of</strong> the ways you can resolve<br />

debt problems<br />

Debt Respite Scheme<br />

(or ‘Breathing Space’)<br />

Under this scheme, residents will<br />

be given legal protection from their<br />

creditors for 60 days, with most<br />

interest and penalty charges frozen,<br />

and bailiffs paused. During this time,<br />

you can focus on getting advice and<br />

support to manage your debts.<br />

Pro-rata payments<br />

If you are struggling with your debts,<br />

including credit cards, store cards<br />

and payday loans, you can get advice<br />

on agreeing a repayment plan with<br />

your creditors. This includes asking<br />

for lower monthly payments based<br />

on your disposable income.<br />

Debt relief orders<br />

A Debt Relief Order (DRO) is a<br />

solution to deal with personal debts<br />

that you cannot pay. You apply<br />

through an approved debt adviser<br />

and must meet certain eligibility<br />

criteria. A Debt Relief Order normally<br />

lasts 12 months. If approved, you<br />

stop making payments towards the<br />

debts and interest listed in the Order.<br />

Visit our “Help with money worries”<br />

webpage for help with debt and<br />

to access free debt advice. If you<br />

are a council tenant, you can<br />

call 020 8753 5566 for support<br />

if you need help, or email<br />

welfare.benefit@lbhf.gov.uk.<br />

Bankruptcy – get advice<br />

If the amount you owe is more<br />

than the value <strong>of</strong> your belongings<br />

and you cannot pay your debts,<br />

you can apply for bankruptcy.<br />

This is a serious decision that<br />

will affect things like your credit<br />

rating, pensions and life insurance.<br />

It could also severely affect your<br />

ability to run a business or borrow<br />

money in the future. Please seek<br />

independent advice.<br />

There is also helpful information<br />

on the Citizens Advice website on<br />

benefits, debt, housing and more:<br />

citizensadvice.org.uk. Or check<br />

out page 8 <strong>of</strong> this booklet for<br />

organisations providing free debt<br />

support and advice.<br />

9


<strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-living help<br />

Money-saving<br />

tips<br />

Get cheaper energy<br />

Need a cheaper energy tariff?<br />

Compare prices at uswitch.com,<br />

get help and assistance from Citizens<br />

Advice, or ask your current provider<br />

about social tariffs.<br />

uswitch.com<br />

citizensadvice.org.uk/energy<br />

Save on water bills<br />

If your household income is below<br />

£21,749 the WaterHelp scheme<br />

can provide a 50 per cent discount.<br />

Other schemes include WaterSure<br />

and Customer Assistance Funds if<br />

you get into debt.<br />

ccw.org.uk<br />

thameswater.co.uk/help<br />

Save mobile or broadband costs<br />

Struggling to afford your broadband<br />

or phone services? Most providers<br />

<strong>of</strong>fer a wide range <strong>of</strong> ‘social tariffs’.<br />

<strong>of</strong>com.org.uk/social-tariffs<br />

NHS<br />

The NHS Low Income Scheme<br />

could help you pay for NHS<br />

prescriptions, dental treatment,<br />

eyesight tests, and more.<br />

www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-lowincome-scheme<br />

Energy-saving tips<br />

You can save up to £60 a year if you<br />

draught-pro<strong>of</strong> windows and doors,<br />

£43 a year if you don’t overfill the<br />

kettle, and £65 if you don’t put devices<br />

on standby. More helpful energy tips:<br />

energysavingtrust.org.uk<br />

Freecycle furniture<br />

Give and get stuff for free, recycle<br />

and reuse unwanted items and save<br />

useful things from landfill.<br />

uk.freecycle.org<br />

Hammersmith BID Privilege<br />

Card Scheme<br />

Get this to enjoy discounts from<br />

local shops and businesses.<br />

hammersmithbid.co.uk<br />

Money saving and price<br />

comparison websites<br />

Lots <strong>of</strong> tips and ideas on how to<br />

save money and get the best deals.<br />

moneysavingexpert.com<br />

H&F Business Support<br />

Help and advice for new and<br />

established businesses,<br />

specifically with finding and<br />

winning new customers.<br />

lbhf.gov.uk/business-support<br />

For more cost-<strong>of</strong>-living help, visit lbhf.gov.uk/cost<strong>of</strong>living<br />

or call us for free on 0800 917 6994<br />

10


<strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-living help<br />

Taking<br />

control<br />

H&F is <strong>of</strong>fering new cost-<strong>of</strong>-living courses at the<br />

Macbeth Centre in Hammersmith. Our Multiply<br />

Programme will <strong>of</strong>fer Money Matters, where<br />

residents can learn how to make informed choices<br />

about personal finances and budgeting<br />

You can also learn to feed yourself<br />

or your family for less in our<br />

Ready, Steady, Cook on a Budget<br />

course. H&F Adult Learning Service<br />

also <strong>of</strong>fers a range <strong>of</strong> free and<br />

concessionary courses to support<br />

residents struggling with the<br />

cost-<strong>of</strong>-living crisis.<br />

Visit one <strong>of</strong> our three centres:<br />

The Macbeth Centre<br />

Macbeth Street, W6 9JJ<br />

Uxbridge Road Centre<br />

239a Uxbridge Road, W12 9DL<br />

Normand Cr<strong>of</strong>t Community Centre<br />

Lillie Road, SW6 7SR<br />

Visit hfals.ac.uk for details on how<br />

to enrol, or phone 020 8753 3600.<br />

We can also help with course fees.<br />

11


<strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-living help<br />

Help with<br />

travel<br />

Disability travel support<br />

If you are in receipt <strong>of</strong> certain<br />

Disability benefits you may<br />

automatically qualify for help with<br />

travel costs. To find out more visit:<br />

gov.uk/cost-<strong>of</strong>-living/disabled-orhealth-condition.<br />

Blue Badge<br />

Helps people with significant walking<br />

difficulties to park close to places<br />

they wish to visit. Email us at<br />

bluebadges@lbhf.gov.uk or call<br />

020 8753 6681. This line is open<br />

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.<br />

Older person’s Freedom Pass<br />

Allows free travel across London<br />

and free local bus journeys nationally.<br />

Visit lbhf.gov.uk/freedom-passes or<br />

call 0300 330 1433. This line is open<br />

Monday to Sunday, 8am to 8pm.<br />

Disabled person’s<br />

Freedom Pass<br />

Disabled people can travel for free<br />

if they are eligible. Email us at<br />

freedompasses@lbhf.gov.uk or<br />

call 020 8753 6681. This line is open<br />

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.<br />

Taxicard<br />

If you are Disabled or blind and need<br />

to be picked up at your door, you<br />

can travel in designated licensed<br />

London radio taxis at a reduced rate.<br />

Call 020 8753 6681, from Monday<br />

to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or email<br />

taxicards@lbhf.gov.uk.<br />

12


<strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-living help<br />

Disability<br />

benefits<br />

If you or someone you know is a Disabled person,<br />

or has a long-term health condition, you may be<br />

entitled to receive a Disability benefit<br />

Disability benefits can be claimed<br />

from the Department for Work and<br />

Pensions (DWP) even if you work,<br />

have savings or are in full-time<br />

education. Here are some <strong>of</strong> the<br />

under-claimed Disability benefits:<br />

Disability <strong>Living</strong> Allowance (DLA)<br />

For children aged up to 16 years old.<br />

The child must need extra care and<br />

attention and/or supervision, or have<br />

long-term mobility problems and<br />

difficulty getting around.<br />

Disabilities can include ADHD, asthma<br />

and autism. Call 0800 121 4600.<br />

Personal Independence<br />

Payments (PIP)<br />

For adults over 16 to state pension<br />

age. You can qualify if you need<br />

help with daily living or if you<br />

have difficulties with mobility.<br />

Call 0800 917 2222.<br />

Attendance Allowance (AA)<br />

This benefit is for people over<br />

state pension age who need help<br />

with care, attention, or supervision<br />

from another person, and who<br />

are not already receiving PIP/DLA.<br />

Call 0800 731 0122.<br />

Health problems that could help<br />

you qualify for PIP or AA payments<br />

include long-term health conditions<br />

such as arthritis, asthma, heart<br />

problems, cancer, bowel or<br />

bladder incontinence, Crohn’s<br />

disease, depression, PTSD, epilepsy<br />

and dementia.<br />

It’s not the condition or impairment<br />

itself, but the help you need and<br />

the difficulties you experience due<br />

to how it affects you.<br />

If you are unsuccessful, seek<br />

advice from a welfare rights<br />

adviser about appealing the DWP<br />

decision. You can look at the full<br />

range <strong>of</strong> benefits <strong>of</strong>fered and check<br />

your eligibility with the DWP at:<br />

gov.uk/browse/benefits.<br />

Qualifying for one <strong>of</strong> these benefits<br />

may entitle you to other benefits<br />

such as Carers Allowance or Disabled<br />

Child element in your Tax Credits or<br />

Universal Credit. There is also helpful<br />

information on the Citizens Advice<br />

website on benefits, debt, housing<br />

and more: citizensadvice.org.uk.<br />

13


<strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-living help<br />

Help with<br />

energy costs<br />

Run out <strong>of</strong> gas or electricity?<br />

Your energy supplier should give<br />

you temporary credit if you can’t<br />

top up. If you are on a pre-payment<br />

meter or just struggling to heat<br />

your home, you may be eligible<br />

for Fuel Payment Vouchers.<br />

To find out more, call our<br />

<strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-<strong>Living</strong> team for free,<br />

8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday,<br />

on 0800 917 6994.<br />

Warm Home Discount Scheme<br />

You could get £150 <strong>of</strong>f your<br />

electricity bill this winter. The money<br />

is not paid to you. It is a one-<strong>of</strong>f<br />

discount on your electricity bill.<br />

You may qualify if you are on a low<br />

income or pension credit. You can<br />

still qualify for the discount if you<br />

use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go<br />

electricity meter. Contact your<br />

supplier to find out.<br />

Energy efficiency grants<br />

The government has grant funding<br />

available for energy efficiency<br />

works, such as insulation and boiler<br />

upgrades, through the Energy<br />

Company Obligation and the Great<br />

British Insulation Scheme.<br />

To check your eligibility, contact<br />

your energy supplier or the Better<br />

Housing Better Health service<br />

on 0800 107 0044 or online at<br />

bhbh.org.uk/make-a-referral.<br />

Winter Ready Homes<br />

You could be eligible for free energy<br />

efficient improvements, designed to<br />

help keep your home warmer and<br />

which could reduce your energy<br />

bills. These include LED lighting,<br />

radiator foils and draught-pro<strong>of</strong>ing.<br />

To find out more, visit our website<br />

or call our <strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-<strong>Living</strong> team for<br />

free on 0800 917 6994.<br />

14


<strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-living help<br />

Hardship fund energy grants<br />

If you are in debt to your energy<br />

supplier, you might be able to get<br />

a grant to help pay it <strong>of</strong>f. Firms<br />

<strong>of</strong>fering hardship fund grants<br />

include British Gas, EDF, Shell,<br />

Octopus, E.ON Next, Ovo Energy<br />

Trust and Scottish Power. Check<br />

with your supplier.<br />

If you can’t get help, you could<br />

still qualify for a grant from the<br />

British Gas Energy Trust. Visit<br />

britishgasenergytrust.org.uk.<br />

Priority Services Register<br />

The register is a free service <strong>of</strong>fered<br />

throughout the energy industry<br />

to support customers in need. It<br />

provides priority support in the event<br />

<strong>of</strong> an emergency or power cut.<br />

Contact your energy supplier, or visit:<br />

<strong>of</strong>gem.gov.uk.<br />

Green Doctors<br />

Energy experts can visit your<br />

home and <strong>of</strong>fer free tips and<br />

advice to help keep your home<br />

warm. You’re eligible if you are<br />

over 65, a Disabled person, have<br />

a long-term health condition or<br />

are on a low income.<br />

Call 0300 365 5003 or email:<br />

greendoctorsldn@groundwork.<br />

org.uk.<br />

Help from the Mayor<br />

The Mayor <strong>of</strong> London’s website<br />

has useful tips and suggestions<br />

to help people struggling. Visit<br />

london.gov.uk/cost-<strong>of</strong>-living.<br />

15


<strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-living help<br />

Help with<br />

housing<br />

Responsible landlords<br />

If you’re renting privately, your<br />

landlord is required to keep your<br />

appliances working, make sure<br />

water, gas and electricity are<br />

supplied, and fix any problems<br />

such as damp or mould.<br />

If you need help, ask us to<br />

inspect your home. We can<br />

instruct your landlord to put<br />

things right. Call 020 8753 1081,<br />

email: phs@lbhf.gov.uk, or visit:<br />

lbhf.gov.uk/private-tenants.<br />

Support with your<br />

private landlord<br />

For advice about housing rights and<br />

your landlord’s responsibilities, visit<br />

our website: lbhf.gov.uk/housing.<br />

Noise and nuisances<br />

To find out how to report<br />

nuisances including noise, odour<br />

and excessive light, visit our website:<br />

lbhf.gov.uk/environment/noiseand-nuisance.<br />

Support for Mortgage Interest<br />

(SMI)<br />

If you are a homeowner, you<br />

may qualify for government help<br />

for interest payments on your<br />

mortgage or loans for repairs<br />

and/or improvements. You’ll need<br />

to repay with interest when you sell<br />

or transfer ownership. Details here:<br />

lbhf.gov.uk/gov-mortgage-support.<br />

16


<strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-living help<br />

Help with<br />

homelessness<br />

Are you at risk <strong>of</strong> eviction?<br />

If your landlord tries to evict you<br />

without going to court or threatens<br />

your services (gas, electricity<br />

or water) you can get free legal<br />

advice from H&F Law Centre<br />

on 020 3880 1727 or Shelter on<br />

Freephone 0808 2000 247.<br />

If you are at risk <strong>of</strong> becoming<br />

homeless, please visit our<br />

website to find out what help and<br />

support we can provide you with:<br />

lbhf.gov.uk/emergency-housing.<br />

If you have become homeless<br />

suddenly and have not had time<br />

to make alternative arrangements,<br />

please visit: lbhf.gov.uk/homeless.<br />

Barons Court Project<br />

Offers showers, laundry, clothing,<br />

meals, one-to-one support<br />

and more.<br />

baronscourtproject.org<br />

Glass Door<br />

Emergency winter night shelter in<br />

H&F and caseworker support.<br />

glassdoor.org.uk/daytimesupport<br />

Shelter<br />

Help with housing or homelessness.<br />

Freephone 0808 800 4444<br />

england.shelter.org.uk<br />

Organisations providing<br />

homelessness support<br />

H&F Rough Sleeper Service<br />

(Thames Reach)<br />

Offers advice and support to help<br />

residents sleeping rough find<br />

pathways <strong>of</strong>f the streets.<br />

H&FRSS@thamesreach.org.uk<br />

The Upper Room W12<br />

Provides services including weekday<br />

meals, job club, employability skills<br />

and workplace certifications.<br />

020 8740 5688<br />

uradmin@theupperroom.org.uk<br />

17


<strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-living help<br />

Other help<br />

on <strong>of</strong>fer<br />

New-style contributions-based<br />

benefits<br />

If you recently had to stop working<br />

due to unemployment or sickness<br />

you may be able to claim new-style<br />

contributions-based benefits.<br />

These are based on your National<br />

Insurance contributions, not on<br />

savings or assets you may have.<br />

Learn more:<br />

gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance and<br />

gov.uk/employment-supportallowance.<br />

If you are not entitled to statutory<br />

maternity pay from your employer,<br />

you may be entitled to Maternity<br />

Allowance for up to 39 weeks.<br />

The Sure Start Maternity Grant<br />

provides £500 for people receiving<br />

benefits who are having their<br />

first child.<br />

Pregnant women, or those who have<br />

a child aged up to four, may qualify<br />

for the Healthy Start Scheme to help<br />

buy essentials.<br />

Child Benefit can be paid for each <strong>of</strong><br />

your children. If your income is too<br />

high you could still claim national<br />

insurance contributions which go<br />

towards your pension.<br />

Free school meals and<br />

school clothing allowance<br />

Free school meals and school<br />

clothing allowance are available. Find<br />

out more: lbhf.gov.uk/pupils-help.<br />

HRT Prescription<br />

Prepayment Certificate<br />

If you pay for NHS-prescribed HRT<br />

medicine three or more times in<br />

12 months, an HRT PPC could<br />

save you money. Find out more:<br />

lbhf.gov.uk/NHS-HRT-certificate.<br />

Online benefit calculators<br />

There are several benefit calculators<br />

that can help you identify benefits<br />

you may be able to claim. Visit:<br />

lbhf.entitledto.co.uk/home/start<br />

or gov.uk/benefits-calculators or<br />

turn2us.org.uk or entitledto.co.uk.<br />

Free activities in H&F<br />

Looking for fun, free, local events?<br />

Keep an eye on our events webpage:<br />

lbhf.gov.uk/hf-events.<br />

Cinema Exhibition Card<br />

Provides a Disabled cinema guest<br />

with a free ‘plus one’. Eligibility is<br />

based on benefits received. Find out<br />

more here: ceacard.co.uk.<br />

18


<strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-living help<br />

Additional support for<br />

older residents<br />

If you are an older resident with<br />

savings and/or a work pension<br />

you can still qualify for additional,<br />

financial support.<br />

These include:<br />

• Winter Fuel Payments<br />

• Pension Credit<br />

• Carers Allowance<br />

• Council Tax Support<br />

• You may also be eligible for<br />

Attendance Allowance (or PIP)<br />

and this may provide you access<br />

to further help.<br />

If you are unsure <strong>of</strong> what help<br />

you’re eligible for, visit our website:<br />

lbhf.gov.uk/benefits.<br />

Or contact our team on<br />

020 8753 6681 or email<br />

benefits@lbhf.gov.uk.<br />

Support at home<br />

If you are, or know, an older resident<br />

who would like an “at-home”<br />

occupational health check or free<br />

home care. Please visit our website:<br />

lbhf.gov.uk/homecare.<br />

Pension Credit<br />

Pension Credit gives you extra money<br />

to help with living costs. You may be<br />

entitled even if you own your home,<br />

have some savings or a pension. Find<br />

out more: gov.uk/pension-credit.<br />

19


<strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-living help<br />

Mental health<br />

support<br />

Mental health services<br />

Mind (Hammersmith & Fulham)<br />

Offers emergency support for many<br />

mental health concerns, including<br />

depression and anxiety.<br />

020 8571 7454<br />

hfehmind.org.uk<br />

Samaritans<br />

Whatever you’re going through,<br />

a Samaritan will face it with you<br />

all day, every day.<br />

116 123<br />

samaritans.org<br />

The Listening Place<br />

Face-to-face support in H&F for<br />

those struggling with suicidal<br />

thoughts. Walk in or call.<br />

020 3906 7676<br />

listeningplace.org.uk<br />

West London Trust<br />

The West London Trust single point<br />

<strong>of</strong> access phone line is open 24 hours<br />

a day, seven days a week, 365 days<br />

a year. It has a wide range <strong>of</strong> mental<br />

health services listed online.<br />

0800 328 4444<br />

Typetalk: 18001 0800 328 4444<br />

westlondon.nhs.uk/our-services/<br />

adult/mental-health-services<br />

Public health services in H&F<br />

The health and wellbeing <strong>of</strong><br />

residents is a top priority <strong>of</strong> H&F<br />

Council. Visit our webpage to find<br />

information on children’s health, how<br />

to protect your health, mental health<br />

support and sexual health services:<br />

lbhf.gov.uk/health-and-care/<br />

public-health.<br />

Back on Track – West London<br />

Improving access to psychological<br />

therapies for over 18s in H&F.<br />

0300 123 1156<br />

lbhf.gov.uk/NHS-backontrack<br />

Rethink Mental Illness<br />

Working to make sure everyone<br />

severely affected by mental illness<br />

has a good quality <strong>of</strong> life.<br />

rethink.org<br />

20


<strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-living help<br />

Community<br />

wellbeing<br />

Wellbeing West London<br />

Resource to find groups and<br />

services in your local area.<br />

wellbeingwestlondon.org.uk<br />

Richmond Fellowship –<br />

Wellbeing West London<br />

Offering workshops, employment<br />

support, signposting and more,<br />

this service is available to registered<br />

individuals in primary care and<br />

secondary mental health care.<br />

It also welcomes self-referrals.<br />

0330 008 3808<br />

Wellbeing and Recovery College<br />

A training and resource centre<br />

which develops and delivers<br />

tools to support wellbeing and<br />

self-management <strong>of</strong> mental<br />

health difficulties.<br />

020 8483 1456<br />

DAWS<br />

The Drug and Alcohol Wellbeing<br />

Service <strong>of</strong>fers a wide range <strong>of</strong><br />

advice, support and help for<br />

residents overcoming drug and<br />

alcohol related issues.<br />

020 8746 0303<br />

21


<strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-living help<br />

Local partners<br />

who can help<br />

H&F is a borough rich in community support. Here are<br />

some <strong>of</strong> our local partners that we support financially:<br />

Citizens Advice<br />

Hammersmith & Fulham<br />

Citizens Advice <strong>of</strong>fers free,<br />

confidential advice on benefits,<br />

debt, housing, energy bills and more.<br />

Freephone 0808 278 7832<br />

(Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm)<br />

cahf.org.uk<br />

H&F Law Centre<br />

Advice on housing and<br />

homelessness problems,<br />

employment law and<br />

immigration issues.<br />

020 3880 1727<br />

hflaw@hflaw.org.uk<br />

Action on Disability<br />

Offers advice and support<br />

to Disabled people across<br />

employment, youth, welfare<br />

benefits and direct payments.<br />

020 7385 2098<br />

aod.org.uk<br />

Crosslight<br />

Offers debt advice, budgeting<br />

support and money<br />

management classes.<br />

020 7052 0318<br />

crosslightadvice.org<br />

Bishop Creighton House<br />

Tackles social isolation via home<br />

visits, calls, walks and classes.<br />

020 7385 9689<br />

creightonhouse.org<br />

Solidarity Sports<br />

Fulham-based charity improving<br />

the wellbeing <strong>of</strong> children through<br />

fun activities.<br />

07947 758 634<br />

solidaritysports.org<br />

H&F Works<br />

Provides support to residents<br />

looking to go back to work or<br />

increase their hours, and <strong>of</strong>fers<br />

help with CVs, interviews and jobs.<br />

hfworks.lbhf.gov.uk<br />

Sobus<br />

Provides support with training,<br />

community organising, networking<br />

and <strong>of</strong>fice space for community<br />

and voluntary groups.<br />

020 7952 1230<br />

sobus.org.uk<br />

Violence against women and girls<br />

The Angelou service <strong>of</strong>fers<br />

confidential help to women and<br />

girls affected by domestic abuse.<br />

Freephone 0800 059 0108<br />

angelou.org<br />

22


<strong>Cost</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-living help<br />

National Domestic Abuse Helpline<br />

Confidential 24-hour helpline.<br />

Freephone 0808 2000 247<br />

Age UK<br />

Over 50? Get advice about energy<br />

bills and cost-<strong>of</strong>-living payments.<br />

020 7386 9085<br />

ageuk.org.uk<br />

The Masbro Centre<br />

Providing services and activities<br />

to local residents, including the<br />

Masbro Elders Project.<br />

upg.org.uk<br />

West London Welcome<br />

Community-based refugee and<br />

migrant centre.<br />

westlondonwelcome.com<br />

Children’s Centres<br />

Range <strong>of</strong> activities for under-5s.<br />

• Bayonne Children’s Centre,<br />

50 Paynes Walk, W6 8PF<br />

• Cathnor Park Children’s Centre,<br />

1 Melina Road, W12 9HY<br />

• Edward Woods Community Centre,<br />

60-70 Norland Road, W11 4TX<br />

• Flora Gardens Children’s Centre,<br />

Dalling Road, W6 0UD<br />

• Fulham Central Children’s Centre,<br />

Tudor Rose Building, SW6 5PG<br />

• Masbro Brook Green Children’s<br />

Centre, 49 Brook Green, W6 7BJ<br />

• Masbro Children’s Centre,<br />

87 Masbro Road, W14 0LR<br />

• Melcombe Children’s Centre,<br />

Fulham Palace Road, W6 9ER<br />

• Old Oak Community and<br />

Children’s Centre, 76 Braybrook<br />

Street, W12 0AP<br />

• Randolph Beresford Children’s<br />

Centre, Australia Road, W12 7PH<br />

• Ray’s Playhouse, 247 Stephendale<br />

Road, SW6 2PR<br />

• Shepherds Bush Families Project,<br />

58a Bulwer Street, W12 8AP<br />

For details, visit:<br />

lbhf.gov.uk/childrens-centres<br />

Keep an eye on our website to learn<br />

more about our new family hubs<br />

which will <strong>of</strong>fer a range <strong>of</strong> support<br />

services for local families. Opening<br />

in 2024.<br />

Free holiday activities<br />

H&F runs free activities for children<br />

and young people, with a free<br />

meal, throughout school holidays.<br />

Keep an eye on our website for<br />

more details.<br />

23<br />

This information is part funded by the Household Support Fund (Department for Work & Pensions/UK Government)


This booklet is available online in more than 100 languages.<br />

‏.هذا الكتيب متوفر بأكثر من 100 لغة مختلفة Arabic:<br />

Chinese: 这 本 小 册 子 有 100 多 种 不 同 语 言 版 本 。<br />

Filipino: Ang buklet na ito ay makukuha sa higit sa 100 iba’t ibang wika.<br />

Italian: Questo opuscolo è disponibile in più di 100 lingue diverse.<br />

‏.این جزوه به بیش از 100 زبان مختلف موجود است Persian:<br />

Polish: Ta broszura jest dostępna w ponad 100 różnych językach.<br />

Portuguese: Este livreto está disponível em mais de 100 idiomas diferentes.<br />

Somali: Buugan yar ayaa lagu heli karaa in ka badan 100 luqadood<br />

oo kala duwan.<br />

Spanish: Este folleto está disponible en más de 100 idiomas diferentes.<br />

We can help if you’re struggling<br />

with the cost-<strong>of</strong>-living crisis.<br />

Call us for free on 0800 917 6994<br />

Email cost<strong>of</strong>livingteam@lbhf.gov.uk<br />

Or visit lbhf.gov.uk/cost<strong>of</strong>living

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