Cost of living support | Connected Voice

Amidst growing concerns around the Cost of Living Crisis, our team began to compile a list of resources and where to find help to share with the Connected Voice staff. As the list grew, we felt it would be helpful to share this information with the VCSE organisations we support.

This is not an exhaustive directory, but it contains information about key organisations and services that can help with energy costs, food, mental health issues and so on. You can filter the results by geographical area and also by the different types of support available.

We’ll continue to develop this resource with new information and services. If you would like to list a service on the Cost of Living Support page, please email connect@connectedvoice.org.uk

Areas covered

Gateshead

Type of support

General Support Services

Walk and Wheel Gateshead is a new social prescribing programme to help people in Gateshead get moving. Services include:

assisted walking and cycling programmes designed to improve fitness and confidence
safe walking and cycling routes in the local area
guided one to one and group walks and bike rides
cycling sessions for beginners with equipment provided

The Walk and Wheel team will be delivering weekly walking sessions from GP practices and intend to use Warm Spaces as stop-off points for light refreshments to encourage travel to, and between, multiple Warm Spaces within people’s local areas.

Contact/ More info

Website: https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/24505/Walk-and-Wheel-Gateshead

Email: activetravel@gateshead.gov.uk

Areas covered

Newcastle

Type of support

Digital

The public can use the University library by signing up for an individual membership (must show evidence of need) or by submitting an occasional visitor request. You will be able to use a selection of library services. For more information, see contact details.

Contact/ More info

Website: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/library/in-the-community/joining-the-library/

Telephone: 0191 208 7662

Email: libraryhelp@ncl.ac.uk

Areas covered

North East

Nationwide

Type of support

Digital

Good Things Foundation have developed a service for digitally excluded people, which any organisation in the UK can use to Fix the Digital Divide in their communities. Digital inclusion hubs provide data banks, devices and digital skills training to help people gain the support and skills they need to change their lives and overcome social challenges, including the cost of living crisis, by using digital.

There are 114 hubs in the North East. Use their interactive map to find your local service: https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/our-network-services-map/england/

Contact/ More info

Website: https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/

Telephone: 0114 349 1666

Email: hello@goodthingsfoundation.org

Areas covered

Newcastle

Type of support

General Support Services

Information Now is aimed primarily towards residents living in Newcastle and provides a catalogue of information, including useful information for navigating the Cost of Living crisis such as details of free meals, cheap food, food banks and emergency food around Newcastle.

The ‘Money’ section includes advice and support on areas such as money saving, debt, financial advice and low income situations. The ‘Benefits’ section has information on crisis and emergency payments.

There is a list of organisations, the services they provide and how to access each of these services. Further useful links can be found on their website.

Contact/ More info

Website:

https://www.informationnow.org.uk/information/

Areas covered

Newcastle

Type of support

Crisis Support Services

Crisis Newcastle offers support to people who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness, with help for those who might be experiencing homelessness for the first time due to the Cost if Living crisis. You do not need an appointment to access their services and you can contact them directly for help and advice.

Contact/ More info

Website: https://www.crisis.org.uk/get-help/newcastle/

Telephone: 0191 222 0622

Email: enquiries.newcastle@crisis.org.uk

Areas covered

Newcastle

Type of support

Family

Healthworks run a term-time timetable offering a range of play and learning opportunities for children up to age 5 and their families. Activities include ‘Food and Fuel For All’ and ‘Cook, Play and Learn' sessions.

Their online resource library contains lots of useful information regarding health and well-being, including a 'Save Energy, Save Money' brochure with lots of useful tips for reducing fuel bills.

View and download the brochure here: https://www.healthworksnewcastle.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Fina…

Contact/ More info

Website: https://www.healthworksnewcastle.org.uk/events/

Telephone: 0191 2641959

Email: helen.spring@hwn.org.uk

Areas covered

Gateshead

Type of support

Housing

Foundations provides low-cost, pre-loved furniture and electrical items to any household in Gateshead experiencing hardship and furniture poverty.

Contact/ More info

Website: www.foundationsfurniture.co.uk

Email: foundations.project@btconnect.com

Telephone: 0191 4778337

Areas covered

Newcastle

Gateshead

North East

Nationwide

Type of support

General Support Services

Citizens Advice have a section titled, “Get help with the cost of living”. Here, there is a breakdown of the options available if you are struggling, including benefit options, local council assistance, budgeting, grants, pensions and more. There is also further, more generalised advice available on their website.

Contact/ More info

Website:

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/get-help-with-the-cost-of-living/

Adviceline (England):

0800 144 8848

Areas covered

Gateshead

Type of support

General Support Services

Family

Gateshead's Family Hubs provide a welcoming space for families to get the help they need on a wide range of issues, for families with children aged 0-19 years and up to age 25 with additional needs. The support includes help with parenting, infant feeding, getting into work, help with relationships and support for parents/carers to manage their own wellbeing. The centres are safe spaces for sensitive conversations about family life and can help connect attendees to other services.

Contact/ More info

Website: https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/23197/Gateshead-Family-Hubs-locati…*

Find contact details for individual hubs via the link above.

Areas covered

Newcastle

Gateshead

North East

Nationwide

Type of support

General Support Services

Clothing

Stop Loan Sharks provides advice and support for people who may have been the victim of a Loan Shark, and for those who are looking for alternative ways to borrow money safely.

There is also advice for parents who may be worried about how the cost of living crisis will affect their ability to purchase uniforms and back to school necessities.

Contact/ More info

Website: https://www.stoploansharks.co.uk/

Telephone helpline: 0300 555 2222

Or complete their online enquiry form: https://www.stoploansharks.co.uk/contact-us/

Email: reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk

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