If you’re struggling to pay for food and other daily essentials, you may be able to get help in a number of ways.
In an effort to try and reach those who have been affected by the changes to the winter fuel allowance, we are currently only accepting applications from pensioner households who are in receipt of a means-tested benefits (e.g. Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction). The quickest way to apply is to complete the online form below, but if you need assistance please call us on 01276 417 906
We plan to open the Fund to general applications in January 2025. In the meantime if you require emergency assistance with food or are experiencing fuel hardship (e.g. in emergency credit or with energy debt) please email support@ca-sh.org.uk or call 01276 417906
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:
Other support may be available and this will be considered when you apply.
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.
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
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.
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.
