benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk
Turn2Us have a calculator to help you make sure you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to. The service is free to use.
www.gov.uk/check-benefits-financial-support
This is another useful link to check that you are receiving the benefits that you are entitled to.
costoflivingsupport.campaign.gov.uk/
The UK government have set up a website to enable you find support with the costs of things like transport, childcare and housing.
www.moneysavingexpert.com
You’ve probably heard of Martin Lewis, the Money Saving Expert (MSE). He provides information aimed at helping the most financially vulnerable in society and he does so in an easy-to-understand way.
On the MSE website, there are simple income and budgeting guides. There is information on, for example, benefits, energy bills, debt, budget planning, how to get cheap food and on many more topics to help people save money.
If you have an email address and internet access, you may want to register for the MSE newsletter. It has lots of advice and links to cheap deals. However, as he always says, it’s only a good deal if you actually need it.
www.cookingonabootstrap.com
Jack Monroe is passionate about ensuring those facing poverty can make the best meal possible with a very limited budget. She creates recipes with detailed cost breakdowns, and all her recipes are available free on her website.
Jack has also written several cook books, including ‘Tin Can Cook’ for the kind of meals you can make from what you may be given at a foodbank. She supports The Trussell Trust foodbanks and often donates copies of her books to them.
If you are online, security conscious and happy to use social media, there are lots of groups you can join and pages, such as your local council Facebook page, to look at for information.
Not everyone likes the idea of social media, but it is a way to find out about the local support in your area. Always be mindful of scams and don’t give your bank details out online, unless you know it’s a trusted site. It is also useful to know that you don’t have to register a Facebook account to view some Facebook pages. This is helpful if you don’t want to give away your name and location for security reasons. If you do register an account, you may not want to use a personal profile photo.
Check Facebook community groups for your area as local charities will post in these groups which may offer anything from free furniture, the address of your local foodbank to information on community support groups.
On YouTube you may also find inspirational videos from people who have suffered financial hardship. It’s also informative to watch videos for basic DIY tips from everything on how to bleed a radiator, fix a leaking tap or how to set up and use your mobile phone.