If you’re struggling to pay for food and other daily essentials, you may be able to get help in a number of ways.

Household Support Fund 

However in an effort to try and reach those who have been affected by the changes to the winter fuel allowance, we are allowing low income pension households to pre-register for the Household Support Fund by calling 01276 471906

This is a discretionary fund run by Surrey County Council.  It provides financial help to Surrey residents who have nowhere else to turn in an emergency or following a disaster.  It can provide support for immediate needs such as:

• food and toiletries
• certain utilities
• emergency travel costs
• essential white goods and furniture.

Other support may be available and this will be considered when you apply.

More information

Food

If you can’t afford to buy enough food for you or your family, you can get food parcels from a local foodbank. The Besom in Camberley is not a drop-in foodbank – all goods provided are in response to a referral from a local agency.   Citizens Advice can make a referral for you as can, Surrey Heath Borough Council, FrontLine, Social Housing groups, NHS health teams, schools, nurseries, local churches and other charities. For a referral from Citizens Advice please call 01276 417906 and leave a message with your contact details.

The Besom is a charity staffed by volunteers and supported by donations from local churches, and from supermarkets, individuals and the council. Food parcels can be made available over a number of weeks while you work through your situation with your referrer. Emergency ‘one off’ parcels, or household goods starter packs can also be requested.

There are also foodbanks in the Woking and Farnborough areas. You can contact Citizens Advice or other support agencies and services for a foodbank voucher which can then be exchanged for a parcel of 3 days emergency food.

Another option is Healthy Start vouchers for milk, fruit and vegetables and infant formula milk. To get these you must be claiming benefits and be at least 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4. You can get an application form from your midwife or health visitor or by calling 0345 607 6823.

Reducing your living costs

You might be able to save money by getting a water meter fitted; switching to a cheaper deal for your gas, electricity, broadband, phone or TV; getting cheaper travel; or paying for your prescriptions in advance. You can find more details and other ideas at our national website citizensadvice.org.uk

Get all the benefits you’re entitled to

The best way to check the benefits you should get is use the benefits calculator at turn2us.org.uk or at entitledto.co.uk – and if you’re getting your first Universal Credit payment or an increase from the DWP they may be able to offer you an advance.

Get help with your debts

It is important to identify and deal with your “priority debts” first – if you don’t pay these you could be evicted, fined or even imprisoned. There’s useful information at our national website and there’s a budgeting tool at tools.nationaldebtline.org/yourbudget/.

We may also be able to help you request assistance from local councils or charities where appropriate

If you need advice or assistance with debt or any of the other options listed above, please contact us.