Practical support

Help is out there — and it's free

Struggling with money, bills, disability, or putting food on the table doesn't make you weak. It makes you human. This page brings together the most trusted UK organisations and schemes so you can find the right help, fast.

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Financial support

Whether you're in debt, behind on bills, or just can't make ends meet — free, confidential help is available.

Citizens Advice

Free, independent advice on debt, benefits, housing and employment. Available online, by phone or in person.

DebtBenefitsHousing
Freephone:0800 144 8848

StepChange Debt Charity

Free expert debt advice and a personalised debt solution plan. Helped over 700,000 people last year.

DebtBudgeting
Freephone:0800 138 1111

National Debtline

Free debt advice for people in England, Wales and Scotland. Online tools and webchat available.

DebtAdvice
Freephone:0808 808 4000

Turn2us

Helps people access welfare benefits, charitable grants and support services. Free benefits calculator and grant search.

GrantsBenefitsCalculator

Money Helper

Government-backed free money guidance — budgeting tools, pension advice, and help understanding your options.

BudgetingPensionsGuidance
Freephone:0800 138 7777

Disability support

If you're living with a disability or long-term health condition, you may be entitled to financial support, equipment and care.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Government benefit for adults with a long-term physical or mental health condition. Helps with extra costs of daily living and mobility.

BenefitsGovernment
DWP helpline:0800 121 4433

Disability Rights UK

Advice, information and resources for disabled people. Factsheets on benefits, employment rights and independent living.

RightsAdviceEmployment

Scope

Disability equality charity offering free advice on benefits, work and everyday life. Helpline staffed by trained advisers.

AdviceEmploymentBenefits
Free helpline:0808 800 3333

Access to Work

Government scheme that pays for practical support if your disability affects the way you do your job.

EmploymentGovernmentWorkplace
DWP helpline:0800 121 7479

Carers UK

Support and advice for unpaid carers — benefits, respite, and connecting with others in similar situations.

CarersBenefitsAdvice
Advice line:0808 808 7777

Food & hunger

No one should go hungry. Food banks and emergency food schemes are available across the UK — no questions asked.

The Trussell Trust

Network of over 1,300 food bank centres across the UK. Find your nearest food bank and get a referral.

Food bankEmergency
Helpline:01722 580 180

FareShare

Redistributes surplus food to charities and community groups. Find local food projects near you.

FoodCommunity

OLIO

Free app to share surplus food and household items with neighbours. Reduces waste and helps those in need.

Food sharingAppFree

Healthy Start

Government scheme providing free food vouchers for pregnant women and families with young children on low incomes.

FamiliesGovernmentVouchers
Helpline:0300 330 7010

Energy bills & heating

Struggling to heat your home? You may qualify for grants, discounts or emergency support — even if you're not on benefits.

Warm Home Discount

Government scheme offering a £150 discount on your electricity bill. Automatically applied if you qualify.

GovernmentDiscountElectricity

British Gas Energy Trust

Grants to help pay off gas and electricity debt — open to all, not just British Gas customers.

GrantsDebtEnergy

National Energy Action (NEA)

Fuel poverty charity offering advice and support to households struggling with energy costs.

AdviceFuel poverty
Freephone:0800 304 7159

Energy Saving Trust

Free advice on reducing energy bills, home insulation grants and renewable energy schemes.

AdviceGrantsInsulation
Free advice line:0808 808 2244

Priority Services Register

Free support from your energy supplier if you're elderly, disabled or have a medical condition — including advance warning of power cuts.

DisabilityElderlyFree

Housing & homelessness

If you're at risk of losing your home, or already without one, urgent help is available.

Shelter

Free housing advice and legal support. Helps with eviction, homelessness, repairs and housing rights.

HousingLegalEviction
Free helpline:0808 800 4444

Crisis

National charity for people experiencing homelessness. Provides education, employment and housing support.

HomelessnessSupport
Helpline:0300 636 1967

Local Council Housing Team

Your local council has a legal duty to help if you're homeless or at risk. Contact them immediately — don't wait.

CouncilEmergencyLegal duty
Search gov.uk for your council

Grants & emergency funds

Thousands of charitable grants exist for people in financial hardship — many go unclaimed. You may qualify based on your job, location, age or circumstances.

Turn2us Grant Search

Search over 3,000 charitable grants by your personal circumstances. Free and confidential.

GrantsSearch toolFree

Discretionary Housing Payment

Extra help from your council if you're struggling to pay rent or housing costs and already receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.

HousingCouncilGovernment
Apply via your local council

Local Welfare Assistance

Emergency grants and loans from your local council for essential items like food, clothing and white goods.

EmergencyCouncilEssentials
Contact your local council

The Benevolent Society

Many trade and professional associations run hardship funds for former workers. Search for your industry's fund.

OccupationalTradeHardship

Not sure where to start?

Citizens Advice is the best first call for almost any practical problem — debt, benefits, housing, employment. They're free, confidential and non-judgmental.

Financial stress and mental health

Money worries are one of the leading causes of anxiety and depression in men. If practical problems are affecting how you feel, our support page has mental health resources alongside this practical help.

Visit our mental health support page

If you need help right now

Samaritans

116 123

Free, 24/7

CALM

0800 58 58 58

5pm–midnight

Mind

0300 123 3393

Mon–Fri 9am–6pm

Shout

Text SHOUT to 85258

Free, 24/7 text

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