Page last updated - 25/10/22
LGBT Foundation support
We know this is a tough time for our community. And we're committed to helping you through it.
- Our Community Café will be open over the winter period.
- Our helpline is open for those who need it.
- Our services for those needing help with domestic abuse, recovery support and health and wellbeing remain open for referrals.
We will update this web page with the latest information and resources as and when we have them.
Support to Greater Manchester communities
It’s important to know what help and support is available for you, your friends and your family.
Here are some practical actions that could help you or someone you know.
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Manchester City Council
If you need help with the cost of living, Manchester City Council have a long list of resources that can help you.
https://www.manchester.gov.uk/helpinghands
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South Manchester Credit Union
South Manchester Credit Union offer a wide range of support including saving clubs and very accessible financial support. Additionally, they're sharing information and money-saving tips through their blog.
Manchester City Council - cost of living advice line
The advice line gives additional support to Manchester residents through the cost-of-living crisis, focusing on:
- Support with benefits and help with your rent (this is an existing offer made available through the contact centre)
- Advice about debt and paying bills (this will be done in conjunction with Citizen Advice Manchester)
- Food support (residents will receive a call back to understand their needs and be connected to a local food offer)
- Support getting online (residents will be linked in with the Council’s digital inclusion team)
The number is free : 0800 023 2692 and will be open 9:00-4:30 Monday to Friday.
Food banks in Greater Manchester
There are food banks across Manchester for those who need them
Most of them operate on a voucher system and/or need a referral from either your GP, a social worker or health visitor, or Citizens Advice.
But there are both referral and non-referral food banks. Find your nearest online at www.trusselltrust.org or www.greatertogethermanchester.org
General Advice and tips for people across the UK
Help with benefits
Turn 2 Us
A national advice service on benefits.
On their website you will find a benefits eligibility calculator which anyone can use and other resources.
They also have a helpline on 0808 802 2000.
Help from your energy company
Contacting your energy company is the first step if you find yourself in debt with energy bills.
Some energy companies have set up charitable trusts to help customers pay for fuel arrears. Some of these are listed on the Turn2us Grants Search.
If you find it difficult to contact your energy company, talk to an energy advice organisation, such as those listed on the Energy schemes: Useful resources page.
Advice organisations
If you need help handling your energy debts, you can get help from free, confidential, responsible debt advice organisations.
Info from Turn2Us can be useful: https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Energy-schemes/Help-from-your-energy-company
Plus for veterans - Royal British Legion offers £200 a month energy bill top-up grants for veterans – Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion (RBL) has announced new top-up support for veterans to help them pay their energy bills. The charity has seen an increase in the number of veterans and their families struggling to keep up with the cost of living. Veterans can apply for an emergency grant for energy bills of up to £200 a month as part of the Everyday Needs Grants Programme. The grant will be issued by the RBL on a means-tested basis to those in the Armed Forces community who are struggling financially.
To find out more please visit: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-support/finan...
Housing
If you are worried about being able to pay your rent, first make sure you are getting all the help you’re entitled to.
Next, get in touch with your landlord to let them know what is happening. If your landlord is not being understanding, get advice on what you should do.
If you are struggling with your mortgage payment, get in touch with your lender.
The following organisations can advise further on housing issues:
England
Wales
Scotland
Northern Ireland
Staying Healthy
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence have released advice on how to prevent illness due to a cold home:
Morrisons Supermarket:
From 26th October until 6th November, anyone needing a hot meal can visit a Morrisons cafe and receive a free jacket potato with Heinz baked beans. You just need to ‘ask for Henry’ when ordering.
