A good first step is to speak to your local Citizens Advice. These are excellent organisations who can provide you with a wide range of advice and support, from help accessing food banks, support with immigration or housing issues, and much more. Find your nearest branch here: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/search-for-your-local-citizens-advice/
We know that people who are living in furniture poverty are likely to be struggling in other areas as well. Local councils with local welfare assistance schemes can provide help with food and fuel, as well as furniture, and check whether you are accessing all the benefits you are entitled to – use our Local Welfare Assistance finder to see what support might be available in your area.
You can also check whether you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to by using our Benefits Calculator: https://endfurniturepoverty.inbest.ai/
If you are struggling meeting your energy costs, gas or electric bills, speak to National Energy Action. They have a helpline that opens from 10am to midday every weekday, 0800 304 7159, and an online chat function: https://www.nea.org.uk/
Food Aid Network has produced a great series of leaflets which explain what help is available in different parts of the UK: https://www.foodaidnetwork.org.uk/cash-first-leaflets
Trussell Trust has a list of their food banks across the UK. You usually need to be referred to them for a food parcel but the food bank can tell you who can do this in your area: https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/
For debt advice and support with money management, Stepchange are a brilliant charity who can offer you free, confidential guidance: https://www.stepchange.org/
There’s a free money management tool you can try, which can help you to manage your budget & debts, highlight any benefits and discounted tariffs you may be eligible for, and easily share information with creditors and service providers. You can create a free IE Hub account here.
If you are at risk of homelessness or need help with housing issues, visit: https://www.shelter.org.uk/ and they can offer advice on all housing issues.
