Do you need help with the cost of living?
Rising prices can severely affect your health and wellbeing as well as your finances. The organisations below can help you with a variety of different issues during the cost of living crisis.
Find out more about how Healthwatch Birmingham can direct you towards support for your own personal needs by calling our free and confidential Information and Signposting service on 0800 652 5278 or emailing info@healthwatchbirmingham.co.uk
We’d also like to know about any other support for people in the local area. Please email info@healthwatchbirmingham.co.uk with details of any other organisations or initiatives we should include.
Local Support
Managing money
Birmingham City Council offers support for Birmingham citizens worried about the rising costs of energy bills, food and transport. This includes help to find out about benefits and grants for people facing a short-term crisis. Find out more on the website or call 0121 303 1116 if you need immediate help (Mon to Fri: 9am to 7pm, Sat: 10am to 1pm). The website also has a list of other organisations that can help.
Birmingham Settlement provides free, independent and confidential advice on debt, welfare services and managing your money. Find out more on the website or call 0121 250 0765 or email money.advice@bsettlement.org.uk to speak to an adviser.
Heating and Housing
Birmingham Warm Welcome Spaces is a network of heated spaces provided by community organisations which are completely free to access. Find your nearest venue on the Birmingham City Council website.
SIFA Fireside offers support including a drop-in centre and advice line if you are homeless or if your housing situation is unstable. Find out more on the website or by calling 0121 766 1700 (Mon to Fri: 9am to 5pm)
Food
The Trussell Trust website lets you search for your nearest food bank. The charity also has a free confidential helpline on 0808 208 2138 (Mon to Fri: 9am to 5pm).
The Find Food Banks Brum website has a directory of local food banks, as well as details of places to get free or discounted clothing, furniture and other household items.
Big Feed Community Cafes serve up nutritious meals for free. Find locations and opening times on the Active Wellbeing Society website.
Mental health
Listen and Connect is a telephone support service that offers a safe space for you to talk about what’s important to you. Find more information on the Active Wellbeing Society website or by calling 0121 728 7030.
Birmingham Mind operates a 24/7 confidential helpline for people experiencing mental health difficulties, their families and the general public. Call 0800 915 9292 or find out more on the website.
National Support
The UK Government website explains the support available for the costs of things such as housing, energy bills, childcare and travel.
The Citizens Advice website has information about grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills.
Turn2Us is a charity fighting poverty in the UK. You can find a local adviser as well as information and advice about paying bills and the cost of living on the website or by calling the free confidential helpline on 0808 802 2000 (Mon to Fri: 9am to 5pm)
The Ask Bill website has simple impartial advice about reducing your energy bills and managing debt.
The Blurt Foundation raises awareness of depression and has ideas to help you cope with the cost of living crisis on its website.