Debt, benefit & budgeting advice
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Welfare Rights and Money Advice Service (WRAMAS)
The Welfare Rights and Money Advice Service provides benefits advice and casework help. This is for vulnerable people on low incomes, who need help with claims or appeals if they’re missing out or at risk of losing a big part of their weekly income. They particularly aim to help disabled people and full-time carers.
Helpline - 0117 3521888.
Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings, 9 am to 1pm.
www.bristol.gov.uk/benefits
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Turn 2 us
Turn2us helps people in financial need to gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help
Their website has a helpful benefits calculator to check your benefits entitlement and also grants you may be able to claim.
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North Bristol Advice Centre
Free and independent advice and support in North Bristol and South Gloucestershire. They can support with welfare benefits advice and appeals, debt advice and money mentoring. Telephone and face to face appointments available.
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Cleanslate
They can give budgeting advice. They have drop in sessions on
Mondays, 9:30am - 12:30pm at Shirehampton JTE Hub, Penpole Ave, Shirehampton, Bristol BS11 0DY.
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Or you can refer yourself or someone else via their website.
Their budget planner is really useful!
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Shelter
A housing charity that can help if you are:​
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Homeless or at risk of homelessness
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You are being evicted or have been threatened with eviction
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Being harassed by your landlord or agent
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Are living in dangerous or overcrowded housing
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Are unable to afford your rent
Shelter’s Free Helpline: 0808 800 4444
www.england.shelter.org.uk
National Debtline
A debt advice charity offering free and independent support.
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Payplan
Free debt advice.
Advice Agencies
Please find below services we recommend that may be able to help you resolve your situation. If you just need someone to talk to, contact Shout or the Samaritans
Other agencies offering grants
Local Crisis Prevention Fund (LCPF)
If you can’t afford the basics like food, gas and electricity, you may be eligible for an emergency payment. You won’t have to pay this back. LCPF also help with household goods, for people or families that can’t meet basic living requirements, or who need support to stay in the community. Apply for an emergency payment or household goods through their website.
​https://www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/benefits-and-financial-help
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Discretionary Housing Payments
If you get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit but need extra help with rent or moving costs then you may be able to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment from the Council.
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Wessex Water Grants
Discounts for those on Pension Credit
If you receive Pension Credit or the state pension is your only income, you may be eligible for a discount of around 20% off your bill, if we provide you with water and/or sewerage services. Apply online at www.wessexwater.co.uk/pensioncredit/
Assist Scheme
If you are under pension age, in severe financial difficulty and cannot afford your water bill, you may be eligible for a discount on your bill. Please contact one of the foodbank advice workers.
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St Monica Trust
This community fund can provide a short-term (three-month) grant in the form of a monthly payment of £144, that is designed to help individuals through a financial crisis. Alternatively, a one-off payment can be made towards a specific item that will improve someone's life (e.g. a household appliance).
Applicants need to meet all of the following criteria before applying:
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Are aged 55 or over
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Have a physical disability, long-term physical health problem or mental health problem
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Live in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset or Bath and North East Somerset
https://www.stmonicatrust.org.uk/charitable-foundation/charitable-giving/funding-for-individuals
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Bristol Charities
Bristol Charities has a number of grants that may help Foodbank clients with practical needs. However applications must be made on the Charity's grant application form and must be sponsored/supported by Social Services, a Health Visitor or other similar support agency.
Examples of grants available:
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Relief in need - White goods, carpets, furniture, kitchen starter packs, clothing vouchers for school uniform
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Relief in sickness and disability - Wheelchairs, medical equipment etc.
For more information, please speak to one of the foodbank advice workers.​
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Wheels to Work
Contact one of our Advice Workers who can provide you with a Wheels to Work voucher for free bus travel if you are looking for work and struggling to afford to get to an interview or training course, or if you are struggling with getting to a new job until you are paid. Alternatively, Wheels to Work can help with renting or getting money off the cost of a bike.
Or apply yourself online at:
Just need someone to talk to?
Shout
24/7 Mental health text service
Text 'Shout' to 85258 (Free number on most mobile networks)
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Samaritans
24/7 Mental Health Crisis Helpline
Call: 116 123 (Free phone number)​
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Vita Heath Group (for non-emergencies)
Vita Health Group provides the local Talking Therapies services on behalf of the NHS to adults 16-years and over, who live and are registered with a GP in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
