Useful links for financial advice

Although we do all we can to make sure links to third party organisations are up to date please note we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies on external content on other websites.

GOV.UK cost of living support

Find out what government support may be available to help with the cost of living. This includes help with benefits, household bills, housing, childcare and health costs, as well as information for people aged 60 or over and people with disabilities or health conditions.

You can also check what benefits and financial support you may be able to get. Find cost of living support on GOV.UK

Free help with managing your money

Whether you’re trying to manage household spending, worried about debt, or simply want to make more of your money, MoneyHelper offers free, impartial, government-backed guidance. You can also find budgeting tools, calculators, and information about benefits, savings, and pensions. Get help from MoneyHelper

Home Responsibilities Protection – making sure your State Pensions is correct

In December 2024, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) announced that tens of thousands of people who claimed Child Benefit between 1978 and 2000 could be receiving too little in State Pension payments due to Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) not being included on their National Insurance (NI) record.

The government is encouraging people who claimed Child Benefit between 1978 and 2000 to check if they’re eligible and make a claim on GOV.UK. It also encourages friends and family of anyone who may be eligible to support them in making a claim if necessary. HMRC has also produced a short video about HRP on LinkedIn to help people.

Food

Kidderminster Foodbank | Helping Local People in Crisis

Wyre Forest Food Bank (franchecommunitychurch.co.uk)

Using a food bank (Citizens Advice)

Emergency food (The Trussell Trust)

Apply for free school meals (GOV.UK)

Help with shopping

Find out about transport services in your area (Royal Voluntary Service)

How to apply – Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)

Ease the squeeze: how to save money on your food bills - Which? News

Free food: How to eat for free (or very cheaply) - MSE (moneysavingexpert.com)

FoodCycle | Leading Food Charity | Nourishing Communities in the UK

Ready Steady Worcestershire - school holiday food and activities | Worcestershire County Council

Food sharing apps

OLIO - connects neighbours with each other and with local businesses to share surplus food.

Download the OLIO app

Too Good To Go - This anti-food waste app lets you rescue unsold food from businesses to save it from going to waste.

Too Good To Go

Mental health and wellbeing

Samaritans – if you’re having a hard time, they can provide you with advice and support. Call them anytime on 116 123.

Mind - National Mental Health Charity. Call their information line on 0300 123 3393.

CALM - (Campaign Against Living Miserably) is a charity that supports men under 45 years old with mental health issues. You can call them on 0800 585858.

Every Mind Matters website offers advice and practical steps that people can take to support their wellbeing and manage their mental health.

Here2Help | Worcestershire County Council

How to stay well in winter - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Ready Steady Worcestershire - school holiday food and activities | Worcestershire County Council

KDYT Kidderminster & District Youth Trust

Welcome to Simply Limitless (simply-limitless.org)

External support

Benefits - Citizens Advice

The Salvation Army

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) UK | Home

Get help from Shelter - Shelter England

Get Help - P3 (p3charity.org)