
We understand that the increases in the cost of living will impact our communities this winter. If you are struggling with the cost of food, energy and other bills you are not alone and help is available. There is a range of national and local support available below.
If you have concerns about the welfare of an individual, you will find what to do on the safeguarding section of this website.
Local support
Each of our borough councils have a number of resources available to support:
- Barnet
- If you live in Barnet, visit the Barnet Council website for support with the cost of living.
- Call Barnet Council on 020 8359 2000 for support and advice.
- Camden
- If you live in Camden, visit the Camden Council website for support with the cost of living.
- Call Camden Council on 020 7974 4444 (option 9) for support and advice.
- You can also contact Citizens Advice Camden on 0808 278 7835 or any organisation in the Camden Advice Network.
- Enfield
- If you live in Enfield, visit the Enfield Council website for support with the cost of living.
- Call Enfield Council on 020 8379 1000 for support and advice.
- Haringey
- If you live in Haringey, visit the Haringey Council website for support with the cost of living.
- Call the Haringey Council Financial Support Helpline on 020 8489 4431 for support and advice.
- Islington
- If you live in Islington, visit the Islington Council website for support with the cost of living.
- Call Islington Council on 020 7527 8222
- Email Islington Council at heretohelp@islington.gov.uk for support and advice.
National support
- GLA Cost of Living Hub provides information about benefits, grants and discounts you can get if you’re in financial difficulty, from the Mayor of London, the government, your local council, charities and advice centres. The website also provides support if money worries are affecting your mental health.
- Debt Free London can offer help with budgeting, money worries and more.
- Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) England offers free advice to individuals on a wide spectrum of issues e.g. cost of living, debt management, housing health, immigration etc.
- Moneyhelper brings together the support and services of three government-backed financial guidance providers: the Money Advice Service, the Pensions Advisory Service and Pension Wise.
Help with healthcare costs
Although most NHS treatment is free, there are still some costs you may need to pay – for example your prescription costs or travel costs to hospital appointments.
Find out more about prescription costs: Who can get free prescriptions – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
An NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate will save you money if you pay for your NHS prescriptions and pay for more than 3 items in 3 months, or 11 items in 12 months: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-prescription-prepayment-certificate-ppc
Find out who can claim for help with travel costs: Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
More information on help with healthcare costs: Check what help you could get to pay for NHS costs – NHSBSA