Lots of us are feeling the impact of cost-of-living pressures right now, and we know for many of you this will be a worrying time. You might be particularly affected if you have a disability or long-term health condition, receive benefits, are a carer, or are unemployed.

If you’re struggling with money related issues, you’re not alone and there is support available. Visit the County Council’s Cost of living support pages for a range of advice and  resources in one place, like access to food, help getting benefits you’re entitled to, debt advice, or because money worries are impacting on your mental health and wellbeing.

It can feel overwhelming to know where to start, so in this article we’ll share some examples of the local and national support on offer, and where you can find more resources.

Help with daily essentials and managing money

Money advice and debt

To find out about  local and national organisations in East Sussex that can offer advice and support on access to food, housing, debts, and managing money, visit: Money help and advice or East Sussex 1Space.

The Welfare Benefits Helpline offers free, confidential advice and support if you’re struggling to pay bills, need help with a benefits issue, or are concerned about growing debt. Phone 0333 344 0681 or email benefitseastsussex@harcuk.com. The phone line is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and calls cost no more than the national call rate.

National charity StepChange can also help if you’re struggling with debts and need some help to get your finances back on track. StepChange offer free and confidential help and give you a plan to deal with your debts based on your situation. They take it at your own pace, so you can always take a break and come back later. They also have advice if you urgently need access to food, essentials, or can’t pay your housing costs and bills.

Food

If you’re having difficulty affording food, then across the county food banks, shelters, drop-in centres and community food hubs are providing food and refreshments to people in urgent need. Food banks and community food hubs may also be able to supply toiletries, household items, feminine products, and baby supplies.

You can find your local food bank or food hub on East Sussex 1Space. You sometimes need a referral to use a food bank, which you can get from an organisation such as Citizen’s Advice, a charity, a school, your doctors, or your social care worker.

Your home

Issues with housing could range from needing help to heat your home, managing your bills, having tenancy or mortgage worries, to being homeless. Whatever your housing issue there is advice and support to help you.

For money saving advice for your home, like how to save money on energy bills, and keeping your home warm, visit: Your home.

If you need support to find a home or to stay in your own home, visit Housing or contact the housing office of your district or borough council. District and Borough Councils allocate council housing and offer support to people who at risk of becoming homeless or are already homeless.

East Sussex also has other free, confidential services for people who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, or on low income and need legal advice for a housing issue. Find out more here: Help with your housing and staying in your own home.

Maximising your income

Benefits

Benefits are payments from the government that you’re entitled to if you meet certain criteria. For example, you may be able to claim certain benefits if you’re disabled, have a long-term health condition, care for someone else, are unemployed, or have children.

Lots of people don’t claim benefits they’re entitled to, so it’s always worth checking what you could get. Certain benefits are available even if you’re working, have savings, or own a home. If you receive benefits, you can get access to other financial help, like cost-of-living payments and discounts on energy and travel.

It’s often a good idea to use a benefits calculator, to find out what you’re entitled to. You’ll need to have accurate information on your income, savings, and outgoings to use a calculator. National charity Turn2Us have a free online benefits calculator: Turn2us Benefits Calculator

Get more information on the County Council website about the types of benefits available: Benefits. If you want to talk to someone locally for benefits advice, you can call the Welfare Benefits Helpline on 0333 344 0681 or email benefitseastsussex@harcuk.com.

Citizens Advice provide free, independent, confidential, and impartial information, advice and guidance on a wide range of subjects, including benefits. You can check out the website or contact your local branch. Here’s an example of how Lewes District Citizens Advice helped a local resident access the benefits he’s entitled to and go from being homeless to having his own flat: Meet Brian.

Other support

If you’re not entitled to benefits, there are still options to reduce your outgoings and maximise your income.

You can get free money advice from local voluntary and community organisations, and from national organisations like Money Helper. Money Helper offers guidance on money management, and has guides on topics like banking, cars, insurance, credit and borrowing.

Banks and building societies offer lots of advice and support for their customers about managing their money, check with your bank to see how they can help you.

Money and mental health

Worries about money can really impact on your mental health and wellbeing. Whether it’s uncertainty about the future, not being able to afford necessities, or struggling with debt – money can cause a range of stresses and fears.

It’s important to know there is help available for both your money worries and your mental wellbeing. Don’t suffer in silence and make sure you reach out for support – it could make all the difference.

Talking to someone about your money worries could be the first step to lightening the load.

To find out about local and national organisations that can offer advice and support with managing money, visit: Information and Advice – East Sussex 1Space

You can also contact the Welfare Benefits Helpline on 0333 344 0681 or email benefitseastsussex@harcuk.com.

Mental Health and Money Advice is a national website that gives clear, practical advice and support for people experiencing issues with mental health and money. They have tips, tools, and real-life stories of other people they’ve helped. Check out the toolkit to help you understand, manage, and improve your mental and financial health: Mental Health and Money Toolkit.

In East Sussex we have a mental health directory with a wealth of information on local and national services, as well as self-help. The directory has a dedicated section on mental health and money worries which is another good place to start looking for support.

If you need urgent support with your mental health, or you’re worried about someone else, call the Sussex Mental Healthline on 0800 0309 500 (free phone). The line is open 24/7 for anyone who may be in crisis and in urgent need of help with their mental health.

Cheaper travel and fun activities for free

Getting out and about is really important for our wellbeing, especially if you’re feeling stressed and worried, but it may feel more challenging if money is tight. However, there are lots of free activities, days out and events that take place across the county every month for you to enjoy. Some examples during August were the Eastbourne International Airshow, Weald on the Field Festival in Uckfield, regular Rhymetime sessions at libraries for children, and the glorious array of walking routes across the county.

To hear about what’s on in September, visit the Your East Sussex website, where you can also sign up to the Your East Sussex newsletter for a monthly roundup of activities: Your East Sussex.

The 17 libraries across our county are a great source of free learning and fun, with regular events for all ages, access to computers and Wi-Fi, and online library services: Home | East Sussex Libraries. You can also join a low cost reading group which is a great way to socialise.

In good news for cheaper travel,  East Sussex has recently received a £10.5 million government investment into improving bus services across our county. Every district and borough has benefited from enhanced services, with new hourly daily services in some areas, frequency enhancements, and additional evening and weekend journeys in others. Lower fares on East Sussex bus services.

Looking to the future

In East Sussex, a range of organisations that support people with money advice and services have been working together in response to the cost-of-living pressures. The group involves the County Council, District and Borough Councils, voluntary and community organisations, Department of Work and Pensions, and the NHS.

The group has developed a set of priorities that we’ll be working towards so we can better understand, develop, and respond to the financial pressures that local people are experiencing. These include helping people access the benefits and financial support they’re entitled to, and helping people access the financial information and resources they need.

Overall, we want our work to help local people be less financially vulnerable, more financially resilient and have peace of mind about their finances.

Partners in the group are aiming to communicate with as many people as possible as to share information on the financial help and support currently available. So, if you or someone you know is struggling with finances, make sure to visit the cost of living pages to find out what support you could get: Cost of living support | East Sussex County Council