Signposting Hub
A directory of help available to you, ranging from counselling to gambling support.
Each of the organisations listed below have their own rules about how to apply and who can be considered for funding. Please ensure you read their guidance for more information.
Turn2us
Turn2us is a national charity providing practical help to people who are struggling financially. Use the Turn2us Grants Search to find out if you may be eligible to apply for other grants matched to your circumstances anonymously.
YoungPlanet
YoungPlanet is an app for free second hand children's items including clothes and toys. Search 'Young Planet' on your phone app store to donwload.
Furniture
Freecycle is a free-to-use non-profit platform where people give away unwanted items for free. Your local council may also be able to help you get hold of items of furniture as well as helping with other issues, such as debt advice, food and fuel poverty. This is known as the Local Welfare Assistance Scheme (but is called the Discretionary Assistance Fund if you live in Wales).
Olio
Olio is an app for giving or receiving free food. Food can be donated by individuals or by shops, restaurants and cafes. Search 'Olio' on your phone app store to download.
Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan grants are small, one-off means-tested payments to help with the extra costs that living with cancer can bring.
Local Hardship Support
In every area there is some form of support for residents experiencing financial hardship. The name and type of assistance varies. Visit here to search for your local area to find what’s available in your area and how to apply.Charities
- Healthcare Workers' Foundation provide grants and other support to healthcare workers
- The Nurses Memorial - are a charitable trust, providing support to nurses in Scotland through hardship grants and education grants
- Queens Nursing Institute Benefit Fund will consider applications from registered nurses in financial need, who work or have worked in the community for a minimum of three years
- The 1930 Fund for District Nurses support is considered for registered nurses who have worked as a community, district or school nurse, health visitor, community midwife or community psychiatric nurse
- Junius S. Morgan Benevolent Fund considers applications from nurses or former nurses who have practiced for five years or more post-registration, or NMC registered nursing associates who have practiced for over two years post-registration
- The Care Workers Charity offers grants and wellbeing and psychological services for people who have worked in registered care or supported living
- Headway - the brain injury association is a charity set up to give help and support to people affected by brain injury.
Health and disability related funding
Some items and adaptations can be funded by your local council through Disabled Facilities Grants or the occupational therapy service. Call your local council or visit their website to request an assessment.
If you’re affected by ill health or disability, and working or planning to work, you may be eligible for funding to help you to do your job, from the government's Access to Work Scheme.
Household support
Help with energy bills – applications to the British Gas Energy Trust are welcomed from families and individuals in need, suffering or other distress living within England, Scotland and Wales. You do not need to be a customer of British / Scottish Gas.
If you are having difficulty paying for gas or electricity visit the Ofgem guide which has details of grants, tips for dealing with energy companies, and advice lines for more support.
Help with water bills – water suppliers run schemes to cap water bills for certain households who have a low income. Many water companies also run charitable funds which can clear water bills in exceptional circumstances. Contact your water supplier or check their web page for more information.
Help with funeral costs
The Down To Earth project by Quaker Social Action supports you to arrange an affordable and meaningful funeral. They can do this face-to-face, over the phone or by email. Down to Earth also support with debt after a funeral takes place.
Funeral payments are available from the government in limited circumstances. Turn2Us have a guide about this.
Bereavement Support Payments are also available here to surviving spouses in some circumstances.
Citizens Advice
Calls are free from mobiles and landlines to Citizens Advice national helplines:- Adviceline England: 0800 144 8848
- Adviceline Wales: 0800 702 2020
- Advice for Scotland: 0800 028 1456
- Advice for Northern Ireland: 0800 915 4604
- Help to Claim England: 0800 144 8 444
- Help to Claim Scotland: 0800 023 2581
- Help to Claim Wales: 0800 0241 220
- Universal Credit service centre Northern Ireland: 0800 012 1331
Debt advice and support service
The RCN Foundation has teamed up with the free, confidential financial advice service, PayPlan. Working in healthcare, you won’t necessarily work a normal ‘9–5’. PayPlan respect your schedule and will talk to you at a time and in the way that’s best for you.
