Cost of Living Crisis

 

We are entering an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis in the UK, with little clarity on when things might get better. Money worries can impact your mental health and well-being significantly.

If you are struggling to afford the things you need and are concerned about the future, please don’t struggle alone.

We have put together the list below of resources and organisations in and around Sheffield where you can find help and support.


General Advice 

  • Sheffield City Council 

  1. Money Support Guide. www.sheffieldmoneysupport.co.uk

  2. ‘Worrying About Money’ leaflet. www.worryingaboutmoney.co.uk/sheffield 

  3. The benefits page contains information about support available in the city, including Council Tax Support, the Council Tax hardship scheme, Discretionary Housing Payments, the Local Assistance Scheme, & the Household Support Fund. www.sheffield.gov.uk/home/benefits/help-money-issues 0114 273 4567 

Fuel & Energy Support 

Housing Support

  • If you are a Council or Housing Association tenant and are struggling to pay your rent, you should contact your landlord in the first instance. Council tenants who make contact may be able to arrange for their debts to be paid over a longer period or by direct debit & will also receive advice about the support they are entitled to. 


  • If you are of pension age, then you may be able to claim Housing Benefit. www.sheffield.gov.uk/home/benefits/housing-benefit 0114 273 6777



  • Discretionary Housing Payments can provide financial support for rent or housing costs to those who receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (but not the maximum amount). www.gov.uk/government/publications/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments 


  • The Homelessness Prevention Fund can be used as short-term help for someone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness. For further information, call the Housing Solutions Team. www.sheffield.gov.uk/home/housing/housing-advice-options-line 0114 273 6306 



  • Private rented tenants struggling to pay their rent & at risk of homelessness can contact the Sheffield City Council Housing Solutions Team on 0114 273 6306


  • If you are worried about paying your rent or mortgage, you can find information & advice on Shelter’s website & via their freephone line on 0808 800 4444


  • If your landlord has threatened or taken action, served you with a notice, or there is a court order in place, you can contact your local Shelter team www.shelter.org.uk/ 0344 515 1515 email Sheffield_Hub@shelter.org.uk



Grants & Funding

Food Support

  • Community Grocery has a £5 membership fee & each shop costs £4. You can choose 1 bakery item, 5 portions of fruit & veg, 7 different canned items, 1 non-food item and 1 freezer item. There is an extras section, and these items are priced individually. You can visit up to 3 times each week. Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm at Hope City Church, The Hope Centre, Bernard Road, Sheffield S2 5BQ https://communitygrocery.org.uk/sheffield/  0114 376 7511 


  • Olio connects neighbours with each other and with local businesses so surplus food can be shared, not thrown away. This could be food nearing its sell-by date in local stores, spare home-grown vegetables, bread from your baker, or the groceries in your fridge when you go away. For your convenience, OLIO can also be used for non-food household items too. To access items, simply browse the listings available near you, request whatever takes your fancy & arrange a pick-up via private messaging. https://olioex.com/


  • Every day, delicious, fresh food goes to waste just because it hasn’t been sold in time. The ‘Too Good To Go’ app lets you buy & collect food - at a great price. You won’t know exactly what’s in your order until you pick it up - it’s all part of the surprise.  https://toogoodtogo.co.uk/en-gb 



  • Food Works Sheffield  Unit 12-14, Portland Business Park, 130 Richmond Park Rd, Sheffield S13 8HS  Open 7 days a week, 9am - 3pm Foodworks upcycle quality surplus & locally grown ingredients into delicious food & drink in their kitchens. https://thefoodworks.org/ 07542 379246



  • Just Meals are environmentally-friendly ready meals made by Food Works in Sheffield. Just Meals are available on a pay-what-you-can-afford basis with a minimum contribution of £1.00 each Partner hubs are located in Broomhall, Darnall, Firth Park, Handsworth, Heeley, Lowedges, Parson Cross, Stradbrook, Woodhouse, University of Sheffield Students Union where you can collect your pre-purchased meals. https://thefoodworks.org/just-meals/ 



  • Market Box is a selection of groceries, e.g. fruit/veg/cupboard items & you can choose chilled & frozen items to add to the box Market Boxes & Sharrow Community Forum Vincent Rd, S View Rd, Nether Edge, Sheffield S7 1DB Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm for barista coffee, snacks & other drinks eat in or take away. Lunch is served from 12-2pm with a daily changing menu. Collect your Patron Box & buy Just Meals & coffees - all available on a Pay What You Can Afford basis with a minimum contribution of £1.00. Wheelchair accessible.



  • Zest Centre 18 Upperthorpe, Sheffield, S6 3NA Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm. Just Meals, cafe meals & drinks & market boxes are available on a ‘pay what you can afford basis’ minimum charge of £1.00. 



Budgeting



Transport Support

Pet Support



For Organisations

If you still don't know who to turn to for help, please consider contacting Citizen’s Advice Sheffield https://citizensadvicesheffield.org.uk/  03444 113 111.