We know this is a challenging time, with rising costs for everyone. In November, one quarter of households had to use their savings to pay household bills and people across the UK are finding themselves struggling financially.

There is lots of support available across the borough and we want to stress to everyone that it’s okay not to be okay and help is available. If you or someone you know is struggling, you can find information on everything from budgeting and energy bills to food supplies, community spaces and health and wellbeing at www.kingston.gov.uk/costoflivingsupport 

The Government has made additional funding available through the Household Support Fund for households across the borough who are in financial difficulty, even if it’s only temporarily. This could include finding it hard to afford food, fuel, utility bills and other essentials. 

 You can also apply to the fund if there is an urgent housing need that can not be funded by an existing scheme e.g. housing benefits, or if your household has a vulnerability or community care need. For more details visit kingston.gov.uk/household-support-fund or email householdsupportfund@kingston.gov.uk  

For advice on managing money issues, such as renegotiating your mortgage or credit card payments, you can contact https://debtfreeadvice.com/ who offer advice over the phone, whatsapp and video call.

You are not alone, it’s okay not to be okay and help is out there and we want people to be able to access the support they need at the time they need it.