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Did You Know

Useful links for help and support during the Cost of Living crisis.

  • Pension Credit If you’re over state pension age (or know someone who is) and on a low-income, you could be eligible for Pension Credit, which gives you extra money to help with your living costs. You may also be entitled to other services such as reduced council tax and free NHS prescriptions.
  • Child Disability Living Allowance Disability Living Allowance may help with the extra costs of looking after a child who is under 16 and has difficulties walking or needs much more looking after than a child of the same age who does not have a disability. A medical diagnosis is not needed.
  • Ten Little Toes Ten Little Toes Baby Bank offers support to families with children aged 0-12 years, in crisis or facing difficulties throughout West Sussex. Your school, pre-school or health worker can easily refer you.
  • Southern Water has a range of social tariffs available and can offer payment plans for those in debt.
  • Ofcom broadband and phone social tariffs Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Ofcom has a list of these tariffs.
  • West Sussex Energy West Sussex Energy offers advice and support such as ways to save energy and money, as well listing available grants. If you are off-gas, Warmer Homes can provide a range of fully-funded energy efficiency improvements for your home if you meet certain eligibility criteria such as earning under £36,000.
  • Free School Meals Free School Meals are available to all children in reception, year 1 and year 2. However, if you are in receipt of benefits, it is important to register online as soon as your child starts school so that your school can access funding, and so your child can access holiday activities and food programmes.
  • Leisure Access Card The Leisure Access Card is a free discount card that helps residents on low income and full-time students to save money when visiting local attractions, going to the gym, swimming, or catching the latest blockbuster at The Capitol in Horsham. It's completely free and you can apply in just a few minutes.
  • Healthy Start If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk, known as Healthy Start.
  • Turn2Us Turn2Us is a national charity providing practical help, such as a grant finder, to people who are struggling financially.
  • Benefits checker You can check if you are eligible for benefits using the Citizens Advice free benefits checker. Check you’re not missing out.
  • Income maximisation Check if you can increase your income using Citizens Advice online income maximisation tool.
  • Freecycle Check your local Freecycle to reduce waste and find items you might need for free.
  • Essentials Toiletries Kits 36 Libraries across West Sussex are stocking ‘Essential Toiletries Kits’ for anyone who needs them. The kit contains shampoo, body wash, roll-on deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes (for adults and children)
  • i-Rock i-Rock (Horsham District) is a support and advice hub for young people aged 14-25 in West Sussex. Support services can be found to help with mental health, relationships, money and benefits, family problems, bullying, housing, education and employment.
  • Debt advice. Information, support and advice can be found at Horsham Debt Advice or Christians Against Poverty UK
  • Childcare Payment Options Check what government help is available for childcare costs for parents. Whether you have toddlers or teens, you could get support.
  • Health and Wellbeing Health and wellbeing is a free service for adults offering advice and support to help you access local services or improve your health and wellbeing.
  • Volunteer Volunteering is a great way to improve life skills, mental health, employability and make some great connections.
  • Free Online Training Courses Free Courses In England offers over 70 free online training courses and certificates, such as Level 2 qualifications and certificates in Children’s Mental Health, Counselling Skills, and Business Administration.