Local Welfare Assistance (LWA) in Suffolk
Resource Directory
CONTENTS
PAGE NO
Statutory support
2
Help with fuel costs inc heating oil
7
Help with water bills
8
Help with transport
9
Help for care leavers
9
Help for people with a disability or specific medical condition
9
Help for young people
10
Help for families with children
11
Help for older people
11
Help for people from abroad
12
Help for family carers
12
Help for people with debt problems
13
Help for homeless or people threatened with homelessness
13
Help linked to past or present employment
14
Help for serving and ex-service personnel and their families
14
Food banks
15
Furniture projects
16
Help from other local charities
17
Help from other national charities
20
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The LWA webpage is available at: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/money-advice-and-fundingsupport-services/local-welfare-assistance-in-suffolk/
Statutory Support – Please try these first if appropriate
Workers should always seek statutory support before considering other forms of assistance or LWA.
If you require further information around statutory support please contact the Welfare Rights Helpline
on 01473 264545 or email [email protected] (professionals only)
Budgeting loans
Budgeting Loans are interest free payments administered and paid by the Department for Work and
Pensions.
You can get a Budgeting Loan to help pay for things like furniture, clothes, moving costs or hire
purchase debts.
Budgeting Loans are interest-free so you only pay back what you borrow. But you normally have to
repay the loan within 104 weeks.
The repayments will come from your benefits, but if you stop getting benefits you have to agree to pay
them back another way.
You can apply for a loan if you’ve been getting either Income Support or Income-related Employment
and Support Allowance or Income-based Jobseekers Allowance or Pension Credit for at least 26
weeks. You must still be getting income-related benefits when your application is assessed. You must
not be a person with ‘no recourse to public funds’.
You cannot receive a loan of less than £100 or more than £1500 depending on your circumstances. It
is quicker to apply online as it can take 10 days for the form to be posted out if you request this option.
Your claim can take up to 15 working days to process once they receive it.
For more information please follow the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/budgeting-help-benefits/how-it-works
Tel: 0345 6036967 (Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm)
Budgeting advances (Universal Credit claimants)
Budgeting Advances are available to claimants to help them with one-off expenses that would be
difficult to budget for while on Universal Credit.
A claimant is eligible for a Budgeting Advance if they (or their partner) have been getting one of the
following benefits for at least six months when they apply for the advance:
 Universal Credit
 Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
 Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
 Income Support
 Pension Credit
A claimant does not have to meet this six-month condition if they need a budgeting advance for an
expense to do with getting work or keeping a job.
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The LWA webpage is available at: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/money-advice-and-fundingsupport-services/local-welfare-assistance-in-suffolk/
The earnings condition
A single claimant can only get a budgeting advance if their earnings in the six complete assessment
periods before they apply for the advance are £2,600 or less.
A person who is part of a couple can only get a budgeting advance if their combined earnings in the
six complete assessment periods before they apply for the advance are £3,600 or less.
Jobcentre Plus works out earnings for a budgeting advance in the same way as it does when it
calculates Universal Credit. However, Jobcentre Plus do not treat self-employed claimants as though
they had notional earnings equal to their “minimum income floor” for the purpose of eligibility for a
Budgeting Advance.
Recovery of a budgeting advance
Budgeting advances must be repaid. The claimant is only eligible for a Budgeting Advance if the
Jobcentre believes they are able to repay it. The recovery rules are the same as for hardship
payments and overpayments. They also take into account the claimant’s debts and liabilities when
deciding whether a claimant can afford to pay back the advance. There must be no outstanding
budgeting advance ( ie which has not been recovered) paid to the claimant.
How much is a budgeting advance?
The amount of a budgeting advance depends on the expenses the claimant needs to meet. However,
there are limits on the amount of an advance.
The maximum amount of a budgeting advance:
•
Single claimant not responsible for a child or young person - £348
•
Member of a couple and not responsible for a child or young person - £464
•
Responsible for a child or young person - £812
Jobcentre Plus cannot pay a budgeting advance of less than £100.
Effect of capital on a budgeting advance
If the claimant has capital, this may affect the amount of a budgeting advance. If the claimant’s capital
is £1,000 or less, it will not affect a budgeting advance. If it is more than £1,000, Jobcentre Plus
deducts £1,000 from the claimant’s capital and then deducts the resulting figure from the Budgeting
Advance.
Applying for a budgeting advance
A claimant needs to contact their local Jobcentre Plus to apply for a Budgeting Advance. If you are
awarded a Budgeting Advance Jobcentre Plus must send you written notification that it will be
deducted from on-going payments of universal credit.
Refusal of an award is not a decision that can be appealed against. A claimant should seek free
independent advice if they wish to challenge a refusal.
A review request needs to be submitted within 28days. If this is unsuccessful the claimant may wish to
contact The Independent Case Examiner.
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The LWA webpage is available at: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/money-advice-and-fundingsupport-services/local-welfare-assistance-in-suffolk/
Short-term benefit advances
People making new claims to benefit often struggle financially before receiving their first payment.
Short-term advances of benefit are available to help claimants by providing a repayable advance of
future benefit entitlement. Short-term advances replaced Crisis Loans and interim payments, which
are no longer available.
Short-term advances are only available for:
 Bereavement Benefits
 Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
 Income Support
 Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
 Carer’s Allowance
 Pension Credit
 State Pension
 Maternity Allowance
 Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
Short-term advances are available to people who have made a claim and are likely to be entitled, but
no decision has been made. They are also available when a decision has been made, but benefit
cannot be paid on the due date. Short-term Benefit Advances can also be made when there has been
a change of circumstances that would increase the claimant’s entitlement, but there is a delay issuing
the increased amount.
Financial need
To be eligible, claimants must demonstrate “financial need” - circumstances which may result in a
serious risk to the health or safety of the claimant or any member of their family. Family means the
claimant, his or her partner and any dependent children of qualifying young people. DWP guidance
states that financial need is not easily defined, but an example could be: a claimant without money for
a gas or electricity prepayment meter.
The DWP can ask the claimant if the financial need can be met from another source, such as support
from family members. Claimants should not be referred to Local Welfare Assistance unless the Shortterm Benefit Advance is refused.
For more information and how to apply please click the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/short-term-benefit-advance
Tel: 0345 6088545
Hardship Payments
Special payments of Jobseekers Allowance (JSA), called hardship payments, which can be made to
claimants who:
 Have had their JSA removed or reduced by a sanction.
 Do not satisfy the labour market conditions (if the claimant is in a vulnerable group).
 Have had their JSA suspended because of doubt as to whether they satisfy the labour market
conditions.
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The LWA webpage is available at: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/money-advice-and-fundingsupport-services/local-welfare-assistance-in-suffolk/
And

Can demonstrate that the removal or reduction of their benefit will cause hardship.
What is hardship?
Hardship is not defined in the regulations, but it means severe suffering or lack of the necessities of
life. Decision makers must consider factors such as:


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Whether anyone in the family receives a disability premium or a disability element or severe
disability element of Child Tax Credit.
All resources available to the family, including income and capital that would not normally be
taken into account for income-based JSA.
Whether there is substantial risk to the claimant or any member of the family.
Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit paid to the claimant or their partner cannot be taken into account as
resources available to the household when considering hardship.
If a claimant is in a vulnerable group, hardship payments can begin on the first day of the suspension
or sanction. If the claimant is not in a vulnerable group hardship payments start from the 15th day of
the suspension or sanction.
Hardship payments are not available to claimants who have had a decision that they do not satisfy the
labour market conditions, unless they fall into a vulnerable group.
Amount of hardship payments
For single claimants aged 18+, joint-claim couples and other couples (who are both aged 18 or over
and are not both required to sign on) a hardship payment will be their normal JSA rate (including
premiums and housing costs) minus 40% of the personal allowance for a single claimant.
If the claimant or member of their family is pregnant or seriously ill, the deduction is 20% of the
personal allowance for a single person.
Claiming a Hardship Payment
You will need to contact your Jobcentre advisor or Work Coach to get a Hardship Payment and you
will also need to make a hardship statement at your local Jobcentre Plus office as part of your claim.
Otherwise contact the Jobcentre on 0345 608 8545 or if you are seeking a Universal Credit Hardship
Payment phone 0345 600 0723.
Sure Start Maternity Grant
A Sure Start maternity grant is a one-off payment of £500 to help towards the cost of having a child.
The claimant (or the claimant’s partner, dependent child or dependent qualifying young person) must
be:
 Pregnant or expecting her first child or
 Pregnant and expecting a multiple birth (eg twins) and have children already or
 A person who is not the child’s mother, who has taken responsibility for a child aged under 12
months, under specified circumstances (seek advice from the Welfare Rights Helpline)
The claimant (or claimant’s partner) must be in receipt of a qualifying benefit:
 Income Support
 Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
 Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
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The LWA webpage is available at: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/money-advice-and-fundingsupport-services/local-welfare-assistance-in-suffolk/
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Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit or Savings Credit)
Child Tax Credit at a rate higher than the family element
Working Tax Credit that includes a disability element or a severe disability element
Universal Credit
If the mother is unable to claim a qualifying benefit (for example, because she is under 16 or is she is
under 19 and still in relevant education) then another member of her family may be able to claim the
grant instead as long as the family member (or the family member’s partner) is on a qualifying benefit.
The mother must be part of the family member’s “household” for benefit purposes – partner,
dependent child or dependent qualifying young person.
Time limits
The claim must be made within 11 weeks of the baby’s due date or within 3 months after the baby’s
birth. If the claimant becomes responsible for a child (e.g. through adoption) the claim must be made
within 3 months of this happening.
How to claim
For more information and an application form please click on the link below or telephone 0345 603
6967 or visit your local Jobcentre Plus.
https://www.gov.uk/sure-start-maternity-grant/overview
Healthy Start Vouchers
Some pregnant women on a low income can get one healthy start voucher per week, worth £3.10,
which can be exchanged for milk, fruit, vegetables or infant formula. A woman can get healthy start
vouchers if:
 She is at least 10 weeks pregnant or
 She has a child under four years old and
She is in receipt of a qualifying benefit (see below) or she is the partner or dependent child of a person
who is in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits below:
 Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and
Support allowance or
 Child Tax Credit and their annual assessed income is £16,190 or less or
 Working Tax Credit (but only during the four week run-on period after finishing work or
reducing hours of work to below the threshold required for entitlement to continue)
Pregnant women, who are under 18, are entitled to healthy start vouchers, regardless of benefit
entitlement, tax credit entitlement or income.
If the child is under one, the claimant is entitled to two vouchers per week.
How to claim
To claim healthy start vouchers, complete the form in the leaflet Healthy Start, which can be obtained
from a midwife, doctor or from the healthy start website at www.healtystart.nhs.uk or by phoning 0345
607 6823. The form must be signed by a health visitor, midwife or doctor.
Free vitamins, prescriptions and dental care may also be available to some pregnant women.
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The LWA webpage is available at: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/money-advice-and-fundingsupport-services/local-welfare-assistance-in-suffolk/
Turn2us – grant search database
Financial assistance and other forms of support are often available from grant-giving organizations,
depending on your particular background and circumstances. Our grants search contains a database
of over 3,000 charitable funds offering welfare and educational grants.
www.turn2us.org.uk
Tel: 0808 802 2000
Help with fuel costs
General information on all utility company charitable grants
Auriga works with some of the largest utility companies in the UK helping customers who are
vulnerable or in financial hardship.
www.aurigaservices.co.uk
Tel: 0121 3211324
Email: [email protected]
British Gas - British Gas Energy Trust
Applications are welcomed from customers of all energy companies however you must be living within
England, Scotland or Wales to be eligible to apply. The Trust prioritises help to applicants who are
clearly struggling to pay their domestic gas and electricity bills. Grants can be awarded to clear
domestic gas and electricity debts, clear other priority debts (known as Further Assistance Payments
(FAP)) and buy essential household items such as white goods or boiler repairs/replacements.
Applications can also be made for Bankruptcy or DRO fees on behalf of clients.
www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk
Tel: 01733 421060
Email: [email protected]
EDF - EDF Energy Trust - Home
Only current customers of EDF Energy can apply. The Trust prioritises help to applicants who are
clearly struggling to pay their domestic gas and electricity bills.
Grants can be awarded to clear domestic gas and electricity debts, clear other priority debts (known
as Further Assistance Payments (FAP)) and buy essential household items such as white goods.
Applications can also be made for Bankruptcy or DRO fees on behalf of clients.
www.edfenergytrust.org.uk
Tel: 01733 421060
Email: [email protected]
NPower - npower Energy Fund
The Fund can help with grants to clear debts of gas and/or electricity charges owed to npower via a
three month provisional award scheme. i.e. if an applicant can demonstrate in the three months post
provisional award that they can keep up to date with current payments, their debt to npower at the
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The LWA webpage is available at: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/money-advice-and-fundingsupport-services/local-welfare-assistance-in-suffolk/
time of applying will be cleared. The Fund does not offer Further Assistance Payments (FAPs) or
cover household items..
www.npowerenergyfund.com
Tel: 01733 421060
Email: [email protected]
Warm Homes Healthy People Fund
Support is available for Suffolk residents who struggling to keep warm or are worried about the cost of
heating their home. The funding is designed to support those most in need of additional help through
the winter months.
www.suffolk.gov.uk/community-and-safety/warm-homes-healthy-people
Tel: 03456 037 686
Email: [email protected]
Warm Home Discount Scheme
Please be aware that energy suppliers can award eligible customers with a £135 Warm Home
Discount. Information on eligibility and a list of energy suppliers signed up to the scheme can be
accessed by clicking on the below link:
https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme/eligibility
Lofty Heights
A loft emptying service for the elderly and disabled to allow them to take advantage of the free
insulation schemes that are available. They also offer a de-clutter service to the home and garden.
www.lofty-heights.org
Tel: 07745 215114
Email: [email protected]
Heating oil
Heating Oil – SMALL DELIVERIES
Badger Fuels Ltd delivers small quantities of fuel (100, 200 or 300 litres) in Suffolk.
Same day deliveries are available.
www.badgerfuels.com
Tel: 0758 269 1111.
Eastern Savings and Loans Credit Union
ESLCU can offer interest free loans for people who need to buy heating oil. They have a leaflet ‘Help
with the cost of heating oil’
www.eslcu.co.uk
Tel: 0333 600 0690 for more details
Suffolk Community Buying Ltd (Community Action Suffolk Ltd)
Suffolk Community Buying Ltd is a social enterprise that will reduce the cost of your heating oil each
time you place an order. All you need to do to take advantage of the scheme is to pay an annual
membership fee, which will cover as many oil orders as you need during the course of the year.
To join the scheme see www.communitybuying.org.uk/join or for further information
Tel: 01473 345400
Email: [email protected]
Help with water bills
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The LWA webpage is available at: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/money-advice-and-fundingsupport-services/local-welfare-assistance-in-suffolk/
Anglian Water Assistance Fund
The fund can consider helping you if you are in debt with your water and/or sewerage charges to
Anglian Water and you are a current domestic account holder of Anglian Water. The fund may be
able to help you to clear arrears of domestic water and sewerage charges by offering a number of
solutions.
www.anglianwater.co.uk/awaf
Tel: 01733 421060
Help with transport
The following website gives a vast amount of information about buses, trains, community transport,
hospital transport, transport for people with disabilities and rural schemes across Suffolk.
www.suffolkonboard.com
Help for care leavers
Care Leavers Grants
Setting up home allowances, (also known as ‘leaving care grants), can be provided by Suffolk County
Council to young people aged 16+ who are leaving local authority care after having been a looked
after child. These should be used to make sure that care leavers have what they need to set up safe,
secure and stable accommodation.
Help for people with a disability or specific medical condition including
mental health
The ACT Foundation
Provide help with one off grants for respite and specialist equipment to people in need, specifically
those with mental and physical disabilities.
www.theactfoundation.co.uk
Tel: 01753 753900
Disability Grants
A guide to disability grants available to adults and/or children.
www.disability-grants.org
Family Fund
Provide grants to low-income families raising disabled and seriously ill children and young people.
They can help with essential items such as washing machines, fridges and clothing but can also
consider grants for sensory toys, computers and much needed family breaks together.
www.familyfund.org.uk/grants
Macmillan Cancer Support
The Macmillan benefits advice service at Suffolk County Council helps people with cancer and their
families. The advisers can help to maximize income and offer other assistance including applying for
a Macmillan grant. The grant could cover things like additional heating bills and clothing.
Contact the Macmillan Benefit Advice Service at Suffolk County Council on 0345 6006257 or email
[email protected]
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The LWA webpage is available at: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/money-advice-and-fundingsupport-services/local-welfare-assistance-in-suffolk/
Martineau Trust
The Martineau Trust provides grants to assist deserving people living in Suffolk who suffer directly or
indirectly from an illness or disability and are in need.
Application forms should be sent with any supporting notes to the Clerk who can provide further
information, should it be needed:
Roger Lay
Clerk to the Martineau Trust
5 Princethorpe Road
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP3 8NY
Tel: 01473 724951
www.martineautrust.org.uk
[email protected]
MS Society
The MS society can give grants to people with MS for essential items where there is no statutory
funding available.
Contact the local branch (details on website www.mssociety.org.uk/nearme) or the national grants
team on 0808 800 8000
Sequal Trust (Special Equipment and Aids for Living)
Our aim is to help each of our disabled members to reach their full potential through the provision of
suitable communication equipment.
www.thesequaltrust.org.uk
Tel: 01691 624 222
St Jude’s Trust
For people in need through disability or disadvantage
Tel:0207 499 3007
[email protected]
Suffolk Disability Care Fund
Grants are available of up to £1,000 for children and adults with long term disability or illness, carers
and people with mental health difficulties. The Disability Care Fund is available to help pay for daily living equipment not supplied by statutory sources.
An application form may be downloaded from the website or contact the Suffolk Community
Foundation.
www.suffolkcf.org.uk
Telephone: 01473 602602 or e-mail: [email protected]
Help for young people
Students
Contact your student support or welfare department for information about bursaries and grants
available. Family Action‘s Educational Grants Search can be used to identify help with grants for
education.
www.family-action.org.uk
Tel: 020 7254 6251
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The LWA webpage is available at: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/money-advice-and-fundingsupport-services/local-welfare-assistance-in-suffolk/
Help for families with children
Family Action (Welfare Grants Programme)
As part of a package of support, their small grants can help to prevent an immediate crisis from
spiralling and threatening the stability of families and individuals. Even where families and individuals
are tackling complex and difficult issues, a small grant can make a big difference.
www.family-action.org.uk
Tel: 020 7254 6251
FIND (Families in Need)
An Ipswich charity providing emergency assistance to families or individuals affected by poverty.
They operate a food bank and may be able to help with recycled furniture/household items from
donated stock. The charity covers a 25 mile radius of Ipswich including Sudbury and Leiston.
www.findipswich.org.uk
Tel: 01473 833351
The Blue Coat Foundation
This is a charitable foundation with the aim of providing finance for educational needs e.g. uniform,
school equipment etc for young people attending Secondary school in the Ipswich area.
Tel: 01473 717126
Email: [email protected]
Help for older people
Age UK Suffolk
A Suffolk based charity working with and for the benefit of older people. We offer information, advice
and guidance to older people across the county.
www.ageuk.org.uk/suffolk
Tel: 01473 351234
Aid for the Aged in Distress (AFTAID)
AFTAID provides direct financial aid to the elderly people over pension age in the UK who are in need
and distress. The grants are often given to cover emergency situations and to improve quality of life
where it can't be funded from statutory sources. This might include emergency grants for bedding,
clothing, cookers, rewiring, installation of a phone line and other essential items such as mobility
scooters and bath lifts.
AFTAID is able to accept applications from individuals, relatives, neighbours, care and health
professionals. To apply the elderly person must be:
 Of state pensionable age
 A UK citizen, living in the UK
 On low income and have minimal savings
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The LWA webpage is available at: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/money-advice-and-fundingsupport-services/local-welfare-assistance-in-suffolk/
Tel: 0330 332 1110
www.agedistress.org.uk
Friends of the Elderly
The charity supports older people in need to help them retain their independence and dignity. It is able
to provide one-off grants for essential items such as mobility aids, household items, property repairs
and alterations. Applicants must be over 60 years (50 years for homeless) on low income and minimal
savings.
Tel: 020 7730 8263 www.fote.org.uk
The National Benevolent Fund for the Aged (NBFA)
The NBFA offers support to the over 50's on low income to prevent isolation and to help with maintain
independence in old age. It provides breaks away and day trips (over 60's), free TENS machines and
free emergency telephone alarms. The charity's services are open to everyone: men, women, singles,
couples, friends, and groups, carers seeking respite or people celebrating a special occasion.
Tel: 020 7828 0200
www.nbfa.org.uk
The National Benevolent Institution
The National Benevolent Institution provides short and long term help to older people (over 50 years)
in need of assistance. It is able to provide financial support through one off grants and regular support.
Applicants must be living on low income, have minimal savings and on Disability Living Allowance if
under the state retirement age.
Tel: 01666 505500
www.thenbc.org.uk
Help for people from abroad
British Red Cross
Short-term emergency support and advice can be given to new arrivals and failed asylum seekers.
www.redcross.org.uk
Tel: 01473 219260
Fund for Human Need
Grants are available for refugees, asylum seekers, people who are homeless and anybody attempting
to get over a short-tem hurdle. Maximum value of grant £120.
www.fundforhumanneed.org.uk
Email: [email protected]
Ipswich Town of Sanctuary
The hosting project can provide temporary accommodation to people who are homeless. See the
Local Refugee Service Directory on the website, lots more info and organisation helping people from
abroad.
www.ipswich.cityofsanctuary.org
Migrant Help – Migrant drop-in service
Service provided help and support to migrant workers on employment, health, housing, benefits, rights
& responsibilities and education services. Drop in sessions are held at Brandon, Newmarket and
Ipswich on a weekly basis. See website for up-to-date drop in details.
www.migranthelp.org
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The LWA webpage is available at: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/money-advice-and-fundingsupport-services/local-welfare-assistance-in-suffolk/
Help for family carers
Suffolk Family Carers
They seek to minimise the hardship, difficulties and other challenges family carers face, to raise
awareness of family carers and ensure their voices are heard throughout Suffolk. They provide
information, advice and guidance to family carers of all ages across Suffolk.
The information line number is: 01473 835477
Web address: www.suffolkfamilycarers.org
Email: [email protected]
Elizabeth FinnTrust
Help for those whose employment has been interrupted and who are in need – in particular people
with family caring responsibilities or those who have experienced illness and disability.
www.elizabethfinncare.org.uk/Get_Support 020
Tel: 02088349200
Carers UK
A national charity offering support and guidance to carers. Their website details advice and benefit
information for carers.
www.carersuk.org
Tel: 0808 808 7777
Help for people with debt problems
Age UK Money Matters
Provides a range of advice on topics such as pensions, tax, financial management, consumer issues
and benefits.
www.ageuk.org.uk/money-matters
Tel: 0800 1692081
The Money Advice Service
Free and impartial financial advice service set up by the government.
www.moneyadvice.org.uk
Tel: 0300 500 5000
National Debtline
An independent charity dedicated to providing free, impartial and confidential debt advice to people
across the UK.
www.nationaldebtline.org
Tel: 0808 808 4000
Stepchange Debt Charity
Free advice on problem debt based on what’s best for the customer.
www.stepchange.org
Tel: 0800 138 1111
Help for homeless or people threatened with homelessness
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The LWA webpage is available at: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/money-advice-and-fundingsupport-services/local-welfare-assistance-in-suffolk/
The Vicar’s Relief Fund
Most of their work is given to making small crisis grants to people in need in the UK. In particular, they
support people who are homeless, at risk of being made homeless or are trying to establish and
maintain a tenancy.
Tel: 020 7766 1125/7
www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/grants/vicars-relief-fund
ICCARS
ICCARS provide a free duty advice and representation service at Ipswich County Court on Tuesday
mornings when the majority of repossession hearings are heard. Their aim is the prevention of
homelessness. For more information see www.iccars.org.uk
Chapman Centre, Ipswich
They can provide advice and support to homeless single people in Ipswich. Services include food
parcels, warm clothing and underwear, blankets and sleeping bags. People can also buy a hot meal
from the café for £1.00.
Chapman Centre, 1 Black Horse Lane, Ipswich.
Open 10am – 2pm Monday to Friday (Wednesday & Thursday 2.30 – 5pm appointments only)
Tel: 01473-232426
Garland Street Drop In
A drop service on Fridays 11am to 2pm at the Garland Street Baptist Church hall, Bury St Edmunds
IP33 1EZ. Hot food and drinks provided, mobile phone charging available. Professional services on
hand to offer advice and guidance.
Homelessness prevention funds
The Suffolk district and borough councils have access to funds for the prevention of homelessness in
their area. They will have local criteria. Contact your local council housing advice service for details.
Help linked to past or present employment
British Telecom (BT)
Help and support available to assist past and present employees for BT. Financial support is
available.
www.benevolent.bt.com
Tel: 0208 726 2145
Email: [email protected]
Grocery Aid
They offer help to anybody who has worked in the grocery industry, from the largest factory through
the supply chain to the smallest of stores. The free phone helpline focuses on personal welfare
problems arising at work, as well as at home.
www.groceryaid.org.uk
Tel: 08088 012112
Email: [email protected]
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The LWA webpage is available at: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/money-advice-and-fundingsupport-services/local-welfare-assistance-in-suffolk/
Haymills Charitable Trust
Individuals in need from Suffolk can apply for a grant. A small number of grants are made to Haymill’s
pensioners.
Tel: 01923 825989
[email protected]
The Crane Fund
Former employees of Crane Co, (or their dependents), who by reason of age or physical disability are
unable to be self-supporting and are in need of assistance.
www.craneco.com
Tel: +1 201 585 0888
[email protected]
Help for serving and ex-service personnel and their families
Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion spends over £1.4 million a week on its welfare work and helps around
160,000 people each year.
www.britishlegion.org.uk
Tel: 08457 725 725 9am - 4pm Monday to Friday
Royal Navy Benevolent Fund
The Royal Navy Benevolent Fund is a leading charity for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. We
provide support for thousands of people in the RNBT family.
www.rnbt.org.uk
Tel: 02392 690112
SSAFA Forces Help
Provides help and assistance to past and present Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and their Families.
www.ssafa.org.uk
Helpline: 0800 731 4880
Veterans Aid (Formally the Ex-Service Fellowship Centre)
The objective of Veterans Aid is to relieve distress among ex-Service men and women of the Royal
Navy, Royal Marines, Army, Royal Air Force and the Merchant Navy and their widows or widowers
who are in crisis. Veterans Aid, 40 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0RE
Tel: 020 7828 2468 or Freephone 0800 012 6867
Fax: 020 7630 6784
Web Site: http://www.veterans-aid.net
Email: [email protected]
Food Banks
Basic Life Charity
Food bank covering the Felixstowe, Walton, Trimleys and Kirton areas.
www.basic.org.uk
Tel: 01394 272618
Email: [email protected]
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The LWA webpage is available at: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/money-advice-and-fundingsupport-services/local-welfare-assistance-in-suffolk/
East Suffolk Foodbank
Food bank covering the Lowestoft, Beccles and Halesworth areas.
www.eastsuffolk.foodbank.org.uk
Tel: 01502 537798
Email: [email protected]
FIND
Food bank covering Ipswich and surrounding villages.
www.findipswich.org.uk
Tel: 01473 833351
Gatehouse
Food bank covering the Bury St Edmunds area.
www.gatehouse.org.uk
Tel: 01284 754967
Email: [email protected]
Newmarket Open Door
Food bank covering the Newmarket and Mildenhall area.
www.newmarketopendoor.org.uk
Tel: 01638 561711
Email: [email protected]
REACH
Food bank covering the Haverhill area.
www.reachhaverhill.org.uk
Tel: 01440 712950/01440 268003
Email: [email protected]
Stowmarket Foodbank
Food bank covering the Stowmarket area.
www.livingit.org.uk
Tel: 01449 774000
Email: [email protected]
Waveney Foodbank
Food bank covering the Harleston, Bungay, Diss, Long Stratton, Eye and Laxfield areas.
www.waveney.foodbank.org.uk
Email: [email protected]
Furniture projects
Aid & Assist
Furniture project covering the Lowestoft area.
Tel: 01502 586925
Email: [email protected]
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The LWA webpage is available at: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/money-advice-and-fundingsupport-services/local-welfare-assistance-in-suffolk/
Crack On
Furniture shops in Ipswich, Newmarket and Mildenhall
www.crackon.org
Tel: 0844 3727496
Email: [email protected]
Gatehouse
Furniture project covering the Bury St Edmunds, Mildenhall, Newmarket, Sudbury and Haverhill areas.
www.gatehouse.org.uk
Tel: 01284 754967
Email: [email protected]
Ipswich furniture project
Furniture project covering the Ipswich and surrounding areas out towards the east of the county.
www.ipswichfp.org
Tel: 01473 404004
Email: [email protected]
Newmarket and Mildenhall Open Door
Furniture project covering the Newmarket and Mildenhall areas.
www.newmarketopendoor.org.uk
Tel: 01638 660900
REACH
Furniture project covering the Haverhill and surrounding areas.
www.reachhaverhill.org.uk
Tel: 01440 712950/01440 268003
Email: [email protected]
Sharel@STEP
Furniture project covering the Beccles area.
Tel: 01502 341625
Help from other local charities
Aldeburgh United Charities
For people in need who live in the town of Aldeburgh.
Apply in writing to: Lindsay Lee, Administrator, Moot Hall, Market Cross Place, Aldeburgh IP15 5DS
Email: [email protected]
Carlton Colville Fuel and Poor’s Allotment
For people who live in the ancient parish of Carlton Colville. Preference is given for older people who
only receive state pension and have limited savings. Grants are mainly to cover fuel poverty.
Apply in writing to: Keith Vincent, Trustee, 23 Wannock Close, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft NR33 8DW
Dunwich Town Trust
For people in need who live in the parish of Dunwich.
www.dunwichtowntrust.org
Email: [email protected]
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The LWA webpage is available at: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/money-advice-and-fundingsupport-services/local-welfare-assistance-in-suffolk/
Foxhall Poor’s Land or Fuel Allotment Charity
We are a small charity whose aim is to provide donations to those in need in the Ipswich areas of
Foxhall, Nacton, Brightwell, Martlesham and Purdis Farm. Tel: 01473 659329
Email: [email protected]
George Goward and John Evans Charity
For people who are in need, hardship or distress and live in the parish of Lakenheath.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 07796 018816
Hope House and Gyppeswyck Educational Trust
For people aged under 21 who live in Ipswich and the surrounding area.
Tel: 01473 258581
John Dawkin Charity
A small Ipswich charity which will offer grant aid to people with children, who live in a area of Ipswich
around the dock area, who are in need of essential items. The area covered has been extended
recently. Referrals must be made via a third party. Please visit the website for more information.
www.johndawkincharityipswich.co.uk
Kirkley Poor’s Land Estate
Provides small grants to individuals in need that live in the parish of Kirkley, Lowestoft.
www.kirkleypoorslandestate.co.uk
Tel: 01502 514964
LD Rope Trust
The Rope Trust will not cover the items that are considered to be essential through LWA unless the
LWA application has been declined. They prioritise people in need who live in post code areas:
IP1-19, IP27, NR32-35
For an application form contact: 01473-333288
Lions Clubs
For contact details for your local Lions Club go to www.lions105ea.com
Local Churches
There are a number of local churches that may also be able to assist in an emergency by helping with
food parcels, clothing etc
Lowestoft Fishermen’s and Seafarers’ Benevolent Society
For widows, children and dependants of fishermen and seamen lost at sea from Lowestoft vessels,
who are in need.
Apply in writing to: H Sims, Secretary, 10 Waveney Road, Lowestoft NR32 1BN
Email: [email protected]
Mendlesham Town Estate Charity
For people who are in need and live in the parish of Mendlesham (Suffolk).
Apply in writing to: Shirley Furze, Clerk, Beggars Roost, Church Road, Mendlesham, Stowmarket
IP14 5SF or telephone 01449 767770
Needham and Barking Welfare Charities
Contact, The Clerk to the Trust, Louise Gooding 01449 723171
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The LWA webpage is available at: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/money-advice-and-fundingsupport-services/local-welfare-assistance-in-suffolk/
Newmarket Open Door – emergency meal vouchers, furniture items and food bank
Open Door provides vouchers for those in need to obtain a hot meal at a local restaurant. They also
have a charity superstore which stocks donated goods and furniture, large and small. They provide a
furniture collection service and deliver items for a small charge. They also operate a food bank.
www.newmarketopendoor.org.uk
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01638 600699
Racing Welfare
Racing Welfare helps anyone working or who has worked in the thoroughbred horseracing and
breeding industry and their dependents.
www.racingwelfare.co.uk
Tel: 01638 560763
Seckford Foundation
Small grants available to people under 25 or over 50 in need. Available to people that live or are
based within 40 miles of Woodbridge.
Tel: 01394 615100
Fax: 01394 615101
Email: [email protected]
Suffolk infolink
Suffolk infolink is an online directory connection communities in Suffolk.
www.suffolk.gov.uk/infolink
The Charities of George Goward & John Evans
People in need who live in the parish of Lakenheath, Suffolk.
Tel: 07796 018816
Email: [email protected]
The Cranfield Charitable Trust (1971)
People who live in Suffolk and are in need, not basic welfare assistance but may help with education
and disability needs.
Apply in writing to: 44 Lowestoft road, Worlingham, Beccles, NR34 7DY
The Lowestoft Church and town Educational Foundation
People in need aged between 5 and 25 who have either lived or attended school in the area of the old
borough of Lowestoft for at least three years. Grants in relation to education and training costs.
Tel: 01493 849200
The Melton Trust
People living in Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk
Tel: 01394 380279
Email: [email protected]
The Mildenhall Parish Charities
For pensioners, widowers and widows in need who live in the parishes of Mildenhall and Beck Row.
Apply in writing to: Mr V Coomber, Clerk, 22 Lark Road, Mildenhall, Suffolk IP28 7LA or telephone
01638 718079.
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The LWA webpage is available at: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/money-advice-and-fundingsupport-services/local-welfare-assistance-in-suffolk/
The Pakenham Charities for the Poor
For people in need who live in Pakenham. Applications are considered in November.
Apply in writing to: Sally Smith, Clerk, 5 St Mary’s View, Pakenham, Bury St Edmunds IP31 2ND
The Reydon Trust
People in need who live in the parish of Reydon, Suffolk.
Apply in writing to: H Freeman, Administrator, 22 Kingfisher Crescent, Reydon, Southwold IP18 6XL
The Risby Fuel Allotment
For people in need who live in the parish of Risby. Annual grants, primarily to buy winter fuel but also
for other needs.
Apply in writing to: Penelope Wallis, Trustee, 3 woodland Close, Risby, Bury St Edmunds IP28 6QN
The Stanton Poor’s Estate Charity
For people in need who live in the parish of Stanton and are in receipt of means-tested benefits.
Applications are considered in November.
Apply in writing to: Michael Ronchetti, Trustee, 1 Grundle close, Stanton, Bury St Edmunds IP31 2DX
The Stowmarket Relief Trust
People in need who live in the town of Stowmarket, Old Newton with Dagworth.
Kiln House, 21 The Brickfields, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 1RZ
Tel: 01449 674412
Email: [email protected]
Town Estate Charity
People who are in need and live in the parish of Mendlesham, Suffolk
Tel: 01449 767770
Walberswick common lands charity - to assist residents of Walberswick
Benefits to individuals take many forms, such as regular payments e.g. to cover the rental cost of a
telephone or a television licence or for gardening services the 'one-off' purchase of household items
e.g. a cooker or a carpet adapting a home to suit the needs of someone who has become disabled
travel expenses to hospital or prison or college support for those on a course of study or in a new
career.
http://walberswick.onesuffolk.net/home/contact-us/walberswick-common-lands-charity
Help from other national charities
Buttle UK
Small Grants Programme -Provides essential items for children and young people whose
development, health and well-being are at risk. It offers basic items, that we all take for granted but
many families in poverty are living without, such as a bed, a cooker, a fridge-freezer or a washing
machine up to £300 per grant. Online applications only.
www.buttleuk.org
Tel: 020 7828 7311
Charities Direct
Help to find local charities that help with the relief of poverty etc.
www.charitiesdirect.com
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The LWA webpage is available at: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/money-advice-and-fundingsupport-services/local-welfare-assistance-in-suffolk/
Farming Community Network
A network of volunteers across the UK providing help and advice for farmers and farm workers.
Addressing a variety of different issues from the business to family and household needs.
www.fcn.org.uk
Tel: 03000 111 999
Email: [email protected]
Glasspool Charity Trust
Glasspool give small grants to individuals in need. The usual aim of the grant is to help the beneficiary
over a short term crisis. However, applications have to be made by an eligible agency on behalf of an
individual.
Tel: 020 8520 4354
www.glasspool.org.uk
Mary Macarthur Holiday Trust
The Trust exists to provide holidays for women who are in need of a period of rest or holiday by
reason of age, poverty, infirmity, disablement, social or economic circumstances. The maximum
available for any holiday is normally £350.00, although this may be increased very slightly in
exceptional circumstances.
Tel: 02920 359091
www.mmht.org.uk
Newby Trust Ltd
Relief of Poverty grants can be made. Social Services, NHS Trusts, Citizens Advice Bureaux, other
charities or similar organisations may apply only online on behalf of individuals in need. Individuals on
whose behalf applications are made will generally be in receipt of welfare benefits, such as Income
Support or Disability Living Allowance or perhaps on a low wage. Online applications only.
www.newby-trust.org.uk
Newstraid
For those who are, or have been, employed in the distribution, wholesale and retail of newspapers and
magazines in the UK http://www.newstraid.org.uk/
Princes Trust
Development Awards are cash grants of up to £500 to help young people get into education, training
or employment.
www.princes-trust.org.uk
Tel: 0800 842842
Society for the Assistance of Ladies in Reduced Circumstances (SALRC)
A charity that helps working age single women domiciled and habitually resident in the UK who are
living completely alone in their own home (either owned or rented) and in genuine financial need. All
beneficiaries are in receipt of certain means tested benefits and savings of less than £5000.
www.salrc.org.uk
Tel: 0300 3651886
Email: [email protected]
St Margaret’s Fund
Margaret’s Fund gives financial assistance to women in the UK who are in need, and who are in ill
health or suffering from a health-related problem.
www.margaretsfund.org
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The LWA webpage is available at: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/money-advice-and-fundingsupport-services/local-welfare-assistance-in-suffolk/
The Talisman Charitable Trust
The charity assists with the relief of poverty, which includes grants for education, health, housing,
disablement or disability. The charity requires applications to be supported by another charitable
organisation, local authority or Citizen Advice Bureau.
www.talismancharity.org
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The LWA webpage is available at: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/money-advice-and-fundingsupport-services/local-welfare-assistance-in-suffolk/