Cost of Living Support
The cost-of-living crisis is in full force and is affecting individuals throughout the country. This winter could be unprecedented in its challenges as the enduring cost-of-living crisis collides with a nationwide cold snap.
There is support out there and it is really important to reach out when you need it.
Available Support
The local authority has a number of avenues to support for families struggling in Lancashire, from a discount on the cost of energy to benefits and financial help.
To see Lancashire County Council’s full list of financial support click here
For some, the situation may be so acute that home is no longer a warm, safe space. If you need a welcoming space to stay safe during the cost-of-living crisis, warm banks are opening-up around the UK.
Find a warm bank near you here
Lancashire County Council has opened-up its libraries as warm spaces during the cost-of-living crisis, they include:
Fulwood Library – 0300 123 6703
Ingol Library – 0300 123 6703
Savick Library – 0300 123 6703
Sharoe Green Library – 0300 123 6703
Preston Harris Library (Guild Hall) – 01772 905414
The University of Central Lancashire Student’s Union has compiled an extensive list of the foodbanks in the county.
Find out more here
Citizens Advice can provide free and independent advice on a number of different issues from relationships and employment to debt and benefits.
Hyndburn: 0808 278 7975
Lancashire West (Chorley): 0808 278 7880
Rossendale: 0808 278 7975
Burnley: 01282 616750
Preston: 0300 330 1172
Ribble Valley: 0300 330 1182
Nelson: 01282 616750
Love Clitheroe’s Community Living Room project is running every weekday from 12pm to 3pm. Participating venues offer a free lunch, wifi and hot drinks.
Monday: Clitheroe Community Centre
Tuesday: Trinity Methodist Hub
Wednesday: Salvation Army Church
Thursdays: United Reformed Church
Friday: St James Church
Work clubs are ran by community organisations and provide free advice and support with CV writing, job searches, application forms and interview practice.
Monday: St Matthew’s Mission – 01772 446913
Tuesday: PUKAR – Disability Resource Centre – 01772 822700
Wednesday: Community Gateway Association – 0800 953 0213
Thursday: CAP Job Club – 07542 736095
Friday: Sahara Bilingual work club – 01772 702090
Friday: Intact – 01772 760760
Friday: Preston Muslim Forum – 01772 889431
A number of avenues of support are available to those who are struggling to pay for their council tax.
Council Tax Support – 01772 906903
Exceptional Hardship – 01772 906903
Council Tax Energy Rebate – 01772 906902
Council Tax Discount – 01772 906902
Contact ctax@preston.gov.uk or benefits@preston.gov.uk to find out if you are eligible for council tax reductions, discounts or exemptions.
Improvements to make your home more energy efficient and sustainable can help to reduce your fuel bills.
To find out if you are eligible for grants to support with this click here or call: 0330 6061488.
If you know you’ll have to pay for a lot of NHS prescriptions, it may be cheaper to buy a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) – effectively a prescription “season ticket”.
A PPC covers all your NHS prescriptions, including NHS dental prescriptions, no matter how many items you need.
Help in Preston is here to signpost you to the advice and services you need to help you live a better life.
Visit their cost of living support hub here