Cost of Living Resources
The cost of living crisis is an issue that impacts many people. Find out what support is available locally and nationally to help with daily living during this challenging time.
Southend City Council
Essential Living Fund – the fund can be used for furniture, household furnishings, white goods, clothing and footwear (including school uniforms in exceptional circumstances) and general living expenses such as groceries, hygiene products and money for pay-as-you-go fuel meters. Residents within the Southend area can check their eligibility or apply online.
Discretionary Housing Payment Scheme – the scheme is designed to help residents in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit who need additional financial help with housing costs. Southend residents can check their eligibility or apply online.
Food, Hygiene Products and Warm Place Support – access the interactive map showing local places to find free support with food, clothing and hygiene products, as well as local spaces to keep warm, access free wi-fi and take part in other activities. Food On Our Doorstep club (FOOD) also provide good-quality food at a low cost.
Showers – anyone unable to access a hot shower at home can get one at Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre by asking for ‘Tommy’ at reception.
Newsletter – sign up to the cost of living/tackling poverty newsletter for advice, updates and details of community events.
Cost of Living Support Booklet – access the Cost-of-Living Support booklet for learn more about local support available in Southend.
Essex County Council
Essential Living Fund – the fund can be used for furniture, household furnishings, white goods, clothing and footwear (including school uniforms in exceptional circumstances) and general living expenses such as groceries, hygiene products and money for pay-as-you-go fuel meters. Residents within the Essex area can check their eligibility or apply online.
Reduce Energy Costs – there are two schemes available to help low-income households and vulnerable residents reduce their energy costs and emissions.
Community Supermarkets – at community supermarkets local residents can buy food and essentials at cheaper prices than bigger supermarkets.
Warm Place Support – Local spaces to keep warm, as well as libraries hosting Warm Welcome events where residents can drop by to enjoy a free hot tea or coffee and meet other people or use the library resources. No booking is needed.
Thurrock Council
Essential Living Fund – the fund can be used for furniture, household furnishings, white goods, clothing and footwear (including school uniforms in exceptional circumstances) and general living expenses such as groceries, hygiene products and money for pay-as-you-go fuel meters. Residents within the Thurrock area can check their eligibility or apply online.
Discretionary Housing Payment Scheme – the scheme is designed to help residents in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit who need additional financial help with housing costs. Thurrock residents can check their eligibility or apply online.
Food and Hygiene Products – local residence can obtain free food by accessing the community food pantries located in Thurrock libraries. Anyone can access the pantry – no proof or reasoning is needed. Thurrock foodbank and Necessities also provide free food to locals in need, with Necessities also providing free hygiene products.
Clothing/Footwear, Toys and more – the Gateway People’s Centre offers children’s and adult’s clothing/footwear, toys, toiletries and homeware.
Warm Place Support – local warm spaces are places where residents are welcome to spend time to stay warm and meet others.
National Support
Foodbanks – foodbanks provide free food to people who are struggling financially.
Reduce Energy Costs – there are several organisations that can help reduce energy costs, including Better Housing Better Health, Energy Saving Trust,
Cheaper Broadband & Phone Packages – social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit or some other benefits. They are delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price.
Armed Forces Support – the Royal British Legion have launched the Cost of Living Grants Programme to support the armed forces community with everyday essentials, such as kitchen appliances, clothes, and energy costs.
Emergency Assistance – the Salvation Army also offers emergency assistance to people in need, this includes individuals who are homeless, unemployed, on benefits but payment has been delayed, have an illness and families in need.
Additional Help & Support – IncomeMax and LEAP (Local Energy Advice Partnership) have created a self-help checklist containing links to extra tools, resources and information to assist people in finding additional help and support. Money Saving Expert has also put together a cost of living help guide for saving money.