The cost of living is still affecting us all. If you, your family, or someone you know is struggling, there is still plenty of help available.
Whether you need financial support, help with positive mental wellbeing or support with buying school uniforms, there are organisations and schemes in Derby to help you.
School uniform support
The Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance are providing school uniforms to families in need. To apply for free school uniform support, fill out their online form and a member of the team will get in touch to provide more information.
If you are having issues with the online form, you can email info@df4ta.com.
If you would like to donate old or unused school uniform items, you can find a list of donation points across Derby on the DF4TA website. Please ensure that any items you wish to donate are in a good and clean condition.
Household Support Fund food vouchers
The food voucher scheme supports eligible households in financial crisis with food vouchers towards the cost of living.
The online food voucher application form is open until the end of September 2024, or until all funding is awarded.
Eligible households could receive:
- £25 for a single adult household
- £40 for a multiple adult household
- £75 for a household with children under the age of 19
The quickest and easiest way to see if you are eligible and apply for food vouchers is through the Council’s website. If you cannot apply online or need some help applying, visit one of our Warm Welcome Hubs where you can get support.
Energy Vouchers
Applications are still open to receive energy vouchers. Eligible households could receive:
- £20 for a single person household
- £30 for a multiple adult household
- £40 for a household with children under 19
You can find out if you are eligible through the Warm Welcome Hubs. Only one application can be made for each household. Applications must be made through Warm Welcome Hubs or through a trusted referrer.
Winter Fuel Payment
The way Winter Fuel Payments are made has changed. To receive Winter Fuel Payments you must now be eligible and signed up for Pension Credit. Those who are eligible could receive between £250 and £600 to help pay heating bills. You can find out if you are eligible for Pension Credits and learn more about the scheme, visit the Government website.
Councillor Sarah Chambers, Cabinet Member for Cost of Living, Equalities & Communities, said:
In May 2023, our administration recognised the cost of living crisis as a priority and appointed a dedicated cabinet member/role to help tackle the current situation and challenges some of our most vulnerable residents are experiencing. I have recently taken over this role and I am overwhelmed by the amazing work, attitude and commitment everyone has invested so far in helping and supporting the people of Derby and we continue to proactively work on other initiatives to help.
There is still lots of cost of living support available. The Community Action Derby webpage has support around a huge variety of subjects. If you are struggling due to the cost of living and need support, I encourage you to look and see what support you could receive. The support could make a huge difference to you and your family.”
If you would like to see the full range of support that is available, visit Community Action Derby’s online cost of living hub. You can also find links to other organisations who may be able to help you and your family with cost of living related issues.