Cost of living crisis

It's estimated that one in four households in Lewisham are now affected by food and fuel poverty. Lewisham is lucky to have an incredible network of community groups, charities and other local organisations, that offer a wide range of support. We will be regularly updating this page as more information becomes available. Find out more about support available locally. 

Food support

• Find a list of community projects offering free or low-cost food.

Coping with money worries

• Advice Lewisham can be reached on 0800 231 5453 for enquiries about benefits, housing, debt, employment, immigration, family & consumer issues.
• You can also speak to the independent organisation Money Helper online or call 0800 138 7777 for free, confidential advice.
• Use the online worrying about money form, and see what support is available for you locally in Lewisham.

Help with household bills

• If you or someone in your household claims Universal Credit you could switch to cheaper broadband or phone packages by going to the OFCOM website.
• Check if you are eligible to get help with your energy bills over winter.
• Apply for energy bill support if you did not get it automatically through your energy supplier, such as if you live on a boat, in a care home or on a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site.
• Apply for alternative fuel bill support if you do not get it automatically, such as if you use alternative fuels for most of your heating, such as oil or solid fuel.

Help with employment and training

• See if you’re entitled to reduced fees on Lewisham’s Adult Education courses.
• Speak to Lewisham Works, a free service to support unemployed residents in to good jobs by emailing JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk

Extra support if you have children

• If you are pregnant or have a young child, check what help you can get to buy food and milk with the NHS Healthy Start.
• Some two year olds are eligible for up to 15 hours of free childcare per week. Learn about free early education for two-year-olds 
• Some working parents of three and four year-olds can also apply for up to 30 free hours childcare per week.
• The Bank of Things in Unit 19 at Lewisham Shopping Centre provides everyday necessities (not food) to young people aged 11 to 25.
• Check online if your child is entitled to free school meals.

Mental health and well-being advice

• Community Connections Lewisham provide options for help and can link you up to support services (Available Monday to Fridays 9.30am to 4pm on 0330 058 3464).
• Mental Health & Money Advice provide practical advice and support for people experiencing issues with mental health and money.
• NHS Help with Health Costs scheme, If you have a low income, the NHS Low Income Scheme could help you pay for things like NHS prescription charges. 

Staying warm support

• Those over 65, on a low income, or who has a long term health condition or disability can sign up for a support package to help them keep warm in the colder months. See if you are eligible for the scheme.
• See if you are eligible for Warm Home Discount scheme, and you could receive £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2022 to 2023.
  

Warm welcomes

We know many local people are worried about rising energy costs and heating their homes. We want to extend a warm welcome to anyone who needs a warm, inviting space through the Cost of Living Crisis. We are working with local partners to identify local spaces that can provide warm spaces free of charge for residents. These includes our libraries, find your nearest library and see their opening times. 

Community groups are also coming together to offer spaces where people can pop in. Our partners at Lewisham Local are working with us to coordinate these. All spaces are currently different, some may be providing hot drinks, others may be providing hot food, others may be providing social activities and additional support. Check the warm spaces map to find your nearest space and get more information.

How you can help

• Lewisham Local have started a cost-of-living crisis appeal to ask those who can afford it to donate to help others who are struggling.
• Volunteer with Lewisham Local, with opportunities to help at local food banks and other support initiatives.