Cost of living crisis

People across the country are facing rising goods and energy prices, inflation and other cost of living pressures. The Council is supporting households as well as signposting people to other support you could be eligible for.

Could you be better off?

Use the calculator to find out what extra help you are entitled to, and apply. Get advice on debt, budgeting, jobs and childcare.

Go to BetterOff Lewisham

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Get support with your living costs

Check what support you are entitled to

Get help with your energy costs

Check if we can reduce your Council Tax

Get help with free or low cost food

Get help with budget planning

Get help locally

Deptford Family Hub SE8 5NH, every Tuesday, 9am to 3pm for those who have children and young people between 9 and 19 (or 25 with SEND).
St John the Baptist Church SE6 2RP, every Wednesday, 12 noon-2pm
999 Club SE8 4PA , every Wednesday, 10am-2pm
Perry Rise Baptist Church SE23 2QL, every Thursday, 12 noon-2pm
Christchurch United Reformed Church, SE6 3HQ: first and third Monday of the month, 2pm to 4pm
Waldron Health Centre, SE14 6LD: second and fourth Monday of the month, 2pm to 5pm
All Saints Hatcham Community Centre, SE14 5DJ: Wednesdays, 10am to 3pm
St John the Baptist Church, SE6 2RP: Wednesdays, 12pm to 2pm
Perry Rise Baptist Church, SE23 2QL: Thursdays, 12pm to 2pm
Anerley Town Hall, SE20 8BD: first Thursday of the month, 9am to 1pm
King’s Church London – Catford, SE6 4PS: second Thursday of the month, 10am to 12 noon
South Lewisham Health Centre, SE8 5NH: second Thursday of the month, 2pm to 5pm

Food support

find a list of community projects offering free or low-cost food
food support for families
free summer cooking classes for families – call Adult Learning Lewisham on 020 8314 3300 to enrol

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
you might be missing out on money that you are entitled to. Visit BetterOff Lewisham to find out what benefits or grants you can get
Lewisham Plus Credit Union can help you with savings and affordable loans
Complete a free course on managing your money
The Mayor of London has made many forms of support available for Londoners, from free school meals to skills training and money advice. Find out about what you are entitled to.

Help with household bills

get energy advice and support from our partners at South East London Community Energy (SELCE)
if you or someone in your household claims Universal Credit you could switch to cheaper broadband or phone packages from OFCOM
check if you are eligible to get help with your energy bills
find out how we’re using the Household Support Fund to support residents

Help with employment and training

see if you’re entitled to reduced fees on Lewisham’s Adult Education courses
contact Lewisham Works, a free service to support unemployed residents in to good jobs.
if you’re in work but need advice and support to improve your employment situation, Better Work Lewisham can help you – call 020 7709 8064 / 8063 or Better Work Lewisham

Extra support if you have children

if you're 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

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). Visit their website to find additional support available in Lewisham, including advocacy services, digital support and more
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
the ‘Pharmacy First’ scheme provides advice, treatment and medicines for minor illnesses from your local pharmacy and the medicines offered are free of charge if you don’t usually pay for your prescriptions – find out more from your local pharmacy

Housing support

get housing advice, find somewhere to live or get help with homelessness

Staying warm support

if you're over 65, on a low income, or have a long term health condition or disability, you 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're eligible for Warm Home Discount scheme – you could receive £150 off your winter electricity bill