Cost of living help | Simon Lightwood MP

Cost of living

The cost-of-living crisis is a national emergency. People are worried about how they will pay the astronomical prices that the energy companies are expected to charge.

Labour has a plan that would ensure that energy bills wouldn’t go up by even a penny this winter.

I know that the next few months will be a huge struggle for more and more people and it’s often hard to know where to turn for help and advice. That’s where these website pages come in.

I have tried to gather information about all the agencies, organisations and charities that are out there, who can provide you with help, information and advice about how to manage your bills and costs, as well as support organisations.

We need to deal with this crisis head on and address the issues that have led to us facing this cost-of-living crisis. We need to bring down the spiralling energy bills and invest in more sustainable energy sources.

Now, this won’t be a full list of organisations and we will be adding to this as we hear of organisations that provide support, but hopefully, you may be able to find some help and support.

Mental health

We know that the cost-of-living crisis will be very stressful for many people as you try to manage your daily finances. If this is affecting you and you think you might need some support, or to speak to someone, then there are a number of services that can offer help advice and support:

If you need more urgent attention, please contact your GP or contact our local Samaritans

`There is a 24 hour mental health helpline 08001830558 offering confidential help and advice, to anyone registered with a GP in Calderdale, Kirklees, Wakefield, Leeds and Barnsley.

The service can support people who are:

At risk of developing mental health problems
Diagnosed common mental health problems
Known to mental health services
Experiencing mental health distress
Seeking information, advice and support

Every Mind Matters - Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. We have expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.

Choose Well - The South West Yorkshire Partnership have launched a new guide to help adults in Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees, and Wakefield to ‘choose well’ when looking after their mental health and wellbeing. You can access and download the guide here.

Live Well Wakefield - Supporting healthy living for the people of Wakefield District, providing information, advice and support in coping with everyday life. Call: 01924 255363

Andy's Man Club - A talking group which provides a place for men to come together in a safe environment to talk about issues/problems they have faced or are currently facing

Wakefield District Domestic Abuse Service - A comprehensive local support service Call: 0800 915 1561

Samaritans - Offering a safe place to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever's getting to you. You don't have to be suicidal. Telephone support available 24hrs a day – 365 days a year. Call: 03300945717 (local call charges apply) or free from any phone on 116123.

You can find lots more information on adult mental health support on the Wakefield Council website here.

Support for children and young people's mental health and emotional wellbeing in Wakefield is delivered through the Future in Mind programme.

Help with your finances

If you are experiencing financial issues, hardship or struggling with any other issues, then there are a number of organisations across Wakefield who can help.

The website entitledto has a free benefits calculator to make sure you are getting all the benefits or financial help you are entitled to.

If you're on means-tested benefits and on a low income, your child may qualify for free school meals.

If you're trying to cut your cooking costs, the anti-poverty campaigner Jack Monroe has some great tips and recipes for cooking Cooking on a Bootstrap.

If you’re concerned about staying warm, Warm Spaces are places in our local community where people can gather for free in a warm, safe, welcoming place.

Winter Fuel Payments are available for those who have reached pensionable age. These payments are available to help with fuel bills and are for those who are eligible.

You may be entitled to the Warm Homes Discount which would offer you up to £140 off your electricity bills for the winter.

Some people may also be eligible for Cold Weather payments, which means that if the average temperature in your area falls below zero degrees for seven days consecutively, then you could be eligible for £25 per seven days.

The Citizens Advice Money Advice Team can help residents who are worried about money and struggling with bills and debt. The free, confidential service gives residents specialist debt advice. Call: 0800 144 8848.

Step Change provide help and advice for people who are in debt.

If you are in receipt of Housing Benefit, you may be entitled to extra financial help with housing costs from Wakefield Council, in the form of a Discretionary Housing Payment or help via the Wakefield Healthy Housing Pathway.

If you feel you may be at risk of homelessness, Wakefield Council’s Housing Advice Team can offer advice and advocacy on housing and housing related problems. Call: 01924 302 085.

If you are a homeowner looking for advice, Wakefield Council can offer help with mortgages, interest free loans, advice, and support.

Citizens Advice have devised a useful tool to help you find out if you're entitled to Pension Credits.

Yorkshire Water customers can order a free water saving kit to help save water and money on your water bills. You may also be entitled to WaterSure assistance, if you receive a qualifying benefit, or if you have a high essential use of water, due a specific medical condition.

Support organisations

There are a number of volunteer groups, organisations and charities that are on hand to help you with support and advice with bills, grants and managing your finances.

Citizens Advice Wakefield District offers free, confidential, impartial advice to anyone who lives in the Wakefield Metropolitan District. Call: 0800 144 88 48.

Cashwise is a free financial support service available for any Wakefield resident and can help you to apply for benefits or resolve any ongoing benefit issues, better understand your household bills and set up priority payments, create a manageable household budget, tackle your debts or arrears and reduce your utility costs.

The Money Advice Service will offer you help, advice and tools to help you manage your money.

The NHS website offers advice and tips about who is eligible for free prescriptions and how you can apply for them.

Many people will be entitled to a free TV Licence, including those receiving pension credits, blind or severely impaired people and others.

Shelter is a charity that helps people in housing need by providing advice and assistance.

The Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis’ website provides details and tips about all issues including bills, mobile phone contracts and information for students.

Carers UK provide information and help to manage your bills.

Age UK can offer help and advice about what benefits you might be entitled to as well as help with energy advice.

National Energy Action are a national fuel poverty charity working to ensure everyone in the UK is safe and warm in their homes.

Help at work

Trade Union Congress (TUC) On average union members get higher pay, better sickness and pension benefits, more paid holiday and more control over things like shifts and working hours. This is because workers join together to negotiate pay and conditions rather than leaving it up to managers.

GMB Union is a trade union that represents all workers. They have over 500,000 members who work in every type of job imaginable across public services and in private companies too.

UNISON is the UK’s largest union, serving more than 1.3 million members. They represent full-time and part-time staff who provide public services, although they may be employed in both the public and private sectors.

Unite the Union's vision is of a prosperous society in which employers and employees work together to build successful businesses and safe, healthy working environments.

USDAW is the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers. They provide advice and representation to workers in many different workplaces.

Cost of living.