If you’re struggling to find the money to cover your rent or bills, the most important thing is to let us know
We have dedicated staff who are waiting to help you and can assist with information and support about claiming benefits, recommend local charities and offer helpful advice on financial matters.
There are also many companies providing hardship grants to support with utilities during the cost of living crisis.
Government and local council support
The Government has support available for those struggling with the rising cost of living, this includes income and disability benefits, bills and allowances, childcare, housing and travel.
Local councils also offer cost of living support.
Support from other organisations and charities
There are support groups available within Plymouth who are there to offer guidance and advice:
- Crisis support via Plymouth City Council
- Plymouth Citizens Advice
- Plymouth Energy Community
- Salvation Army Debt Advice Service (based in Whitleigh)
If you are facing financial difficulties, you might be able to get extra help based on your circumstances.
Turn2us is a national charity providing practical information and support to end financial insecurity.
There are several occupational charities that support people in financial hardship with a particular work history.
- SSAFA the Armed Forces charity - SSAFA support both regulars and reserves in the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army and the Royal Air Force and their families. They help the armed forces community in a number of ways, providing direct support to individuals in need of physical or emotional care.
- Grocery Aid - GroceryAid supports people who work or have worked in the grocery industry. This includes anyone who works for a supermarket, wholesaler, manufacturer, convenience store, independent grocer, petrol forecourt store or service provider to the grocery trade.
- Retail Trust for shop workers - The Retail Trust cares for and protects the lives of people working in retail. They believe the health of colleagues is the foundation they need to flourish in both work and life, creating a more sustainable and successful future for retail.
- Hospitality Action- Hospitality Action offers vital assistance to all who work, or have worked within hospitality in the UK. They are here to give the help, advice and support you need whenever times get tough.
- RCN Foundation for Nurses - The RCN Foundation is an independent charity whose purpose is to support and strengthen nursing and midwifery, to improve the health and wellbeing of the public. They do this by providing grants for hardship, education and research.
Utility bills and energy advice
There is support available to help you reduce your costs, access grants and get expert advice on managing your energy use.
Many energy suppliers have trust funds available for those in need:
- British Gas Energy Trust
- EDF Energy Trust
- Scottish Power Trust Fund
- EON Trust Fund
- Shell Energy Trust Fund
- OVO Energy Trust Fund
- Octopus Energy Trust Fund
Energy support for residents
Plymouth Energy Community
Plymouth Energy Community (PEC) is a local charity that helps people lower their energy bills and keep their homes warm and damp-free. PEC regularly holds advice sessions around the city, including at local Wellbeing Hubs.
PCH is working with PEC as part of our ReConnect Project to offer advice and practical support to residents who may be worried about energy bills or heating their home.
To find out more or to be referred to the project, please contact the Project Team on healthandhousing@pch.co.uk or 0808 230 6500 / 01752 237 990.
As part of the project, their Energy Advisors are available to help our residents:
- Remain on supply or get reconnected
- Address energy debt and negotiate repayment plans with suppliers
- Access any financial support you may be eligible for
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice can support people who are struggling with their energy bills or debt and their expert advisors can provide free confidential guidance on a variety of matters.
- Citizens Advice Plymouth
- Citizens Advice Cornwall
- Citizens Advice West Devon
- Citizens Advice South Hams
Water bills
South West Water is the water supplier across Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall.
They have a range of tariffs available which could reduce your bill depending on your income.
To see if you could be eligible for a reduced tariff, apply through their website. They will assess your needs and find a tariff suitable for you.
