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