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“88% of single parents are worried the can’t pay for household essentials”
Gingerbread UK
“14 million people in the UK are living in poverty. Poverty is so much more than going without. Poverty destroys lives. It robs people of joy, hope and opportunities. It tears families apart, isolates those most in need of support, and leads many to believe there is no way out.”
Christians Against Poverty.
Making ends meet is a challenge for all families and the current ‘credit crisis’ has meant an even higher level of pressure on families. But advice and support is available!
If you are finding things tough then the Citizens Advice is a great source of information and support. Their website provides you with free information enabling you to be informed, suggesting positive and practical ways to deal with any debt problems including how to avoid losing your home and how to get your finances back into shape.
They offer advice and support services to help you get the right support when and where you need it most.
You can meet other single mums and dads on their online forum or in their local and digital groups. If you need advice, then their information pages, webchat and helpline provide expert guidance on a wide range of topics.
The Gingerbread Single Parent Helpline provides support and expert advice on anything from dealing with a break-up or bereavement to going back to work or sorting out child maintenance, benefit or tax credit issues. Their expert advisers can provide tailored advice and can help you talk through your options. Your call is free and confidential.
Is another great organisation for support with all things money related! Turn2Us is a national charity providing practical help to people who are struggling financially.
It may be possible to apply for grants to help you with everyday costs or one-off purchases, such as buying a school uniform for your child. Trusts give money out to those in need, usually depending on certain criteria such as age or location.
Turn2Us also helps people to gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help. Why not put your details into their Grants Finder below, and see which grants you might be eligible to apply for.
To search for grants CLICK HERE
If you’re looking for help, whether that’s help to get out of debt, find a job or gain vital life skills, Christians Against Poverty provides a range of free professional services across the UK through local churches.
Need help with debt?
Want to learn budgeting skills to get to grips with your finances?
Need help finding work?
What to learn tips and skills to make your money go further?
ECC can offer free money management courses.
Their Multiply Course can help boost your maths skills so you are more confident when:
Find your nearest provider to help you manage your money.
The Essex Essential Living Fund can also help those living within the county.
The Essential Living Fund can help to pay for:
Adults and families can use it to help pay for bills and essential household items if they are struggling. The Essex Essential Living Fund has replaced Crisis Loans and Community Care Grants.
You must live in Essex and apply through Southend Borough Council.
The Essential Living Fund is run by Essex County Council and individual applications are administered by Southend-On-Sea Borough Council for the whole of Essex. For General Living expenses (e.g. groceries, nappies, toiletries, and fuel)
0300 7900124 between 8:45am – 5:15pm.
Foodbanks give free food to people who are struggling financially. Visit the Trussell Trust to find a foodbank near you.
Find a Food Bank
The Salvation Army also offers emergency assistance to people in need.
You can also get debt and money advice from:
These voluntary and community organisations can help you to access support with food, fuel and essential items.
You get help by contacting the organisation directly:
Carers First
Home-Start Essex
Home-Start Colchester
Home-Start Harwich
Peabody