Cost of living crisis

If you need support and you would like to talk to someone, we have launched a range of drop-in advice services across the borough in partnership with Citizens Advice Lewisham:

• Leemore Centre SE13 5EU, every Monday, 9.45-11.45am
• 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 

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
• 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

Support for veterans

• financial And employment support - Royal British Legion

• benefits and concessions for the armed forces, veterans and their families - Citizens Advice

Other support

• Simple cremation packages for cost-effective funerals

How you can help

• support Lewisham Foodbank – donate at lewisham.foodbank.org.uk
• volunteer with Lewisham Local to help at local food banks and other support initiatives