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Skills Launchpad Plymouth

Money, benefits and cost of living
Worried about money, benefits or paying your bills?
Whether you're managing your own money for the first time, looking for work, studying, renting a place to live or dealing with rising living costs, support is available. Explore local services that can help with money, housing, food, wellbeing, employment and everyday essentials.
You may be able to get financial support that you did not know about. This could include: Universal Credit help with housing costs disability benefits.
Check what benefits you may be able to claim on the Citizens Advice benefit calculator Find benefits and other cost of living support on GOV.UK
If you're worried about money, struggling with debt, looking for work or wanting to gain new skills, free support is available across Plymouth. Support includes:money and benefits advice.help checking you're receiving all the financial support you're entitled to.free and confidential debt advice.budgeting, saving and money management tools.support with finding work, changing career direction or accessing training.careers information, employment support and skills advice through Skills Launchpad Plymouth and Jobcentre Plus.specialist employment support for people with disabilities, health conditions or other barriers to work.opportunities to gain qualifications, build experience and get involved in volunteering.advice on avoiding scams, fraud and illegal money lending. Get started with signposting to a range of local organisations, including Citizens Advice Plymouth, Advice Plymouth, On Course South West and other trusted support services - https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/money-debt-and-work
If you're struggling with rent, housing costs, utility bills or everyday essentials, support is available. Support includes:help if you are at risk of homelessness or worried about losing your accommodation.support with rent and housing costs.advice on council tax, energy bills and water bills.free energy advice and support through Plymouth Energy Community and Citizens Advice Plymouth.help accessing lower-cost broadband and mobile data.food support, including foodbanks, food co-operatives and social supermarkets.advice on benefits, debt, budgeting and grants. Get started by exploring what’s on offer here in Plymouth, including details of local drop-in sessions where you can speak directly to advisers about your situation - https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/housing-and-bills
The Crisis and Resilience Fund supports Plymouth residents experiencing financial hardship or an unexpected crisis. The fund can provide immediate support while also helping people build longer-term financial stability and resilience.Support may include:food and fuel support.essential household costs.housing-related expenses.benefits and debt advice.energy advice.access to wider support services.referrals to employment, skills, volunteering and digital inclusion opportunities. If you're facing a financial crisis, support is often assessed quickly, with assistance typically provided within 48 hours once eligibility has been confirmed. Find out more: https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/crisis-and-resilience-fund
If you're a young parent, young carer or supporting family members, additional help is available. Support includes:advice and support through Plymouth's Family Hubs.information about Healthy Start support for eligible families.help with childcare costs and childcare options.information about Free School Meals.support for unpaid carers through Improving Lives Plymouth's Caring for Carers service.holiday activities and food programmes for eligible children and families. Find out more: https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/families-and-caring
Citizens Advice PlymouthCitizens Advice Plymouth provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on a wide range of issues, including benefits, debt, housing, employment, consumer rights and family matters. The service helps people understand their rights, resolve problems and access the support they need. Website: https://citizensadviceplymouth.org.uk/ Plymouth Energy CommunityPlymouth Energy Community helps residents stay warm, reduce energy costs and improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Support may include:free energy advicehelp with fuel debt and energy billssupport if your home is cold, damp or difficult to heatinformation on grants and heating improvementsadvice on reducing energy costs. Website: https://www.plymouthenergycommunity.com/ Money Advice PlymouthMoney Advice Plymouth provides free, confidential debt advice for people struggling with money worries or problem debt. Support includes:budgeting supportdebt advicehelp dealing with creditorsguidance on repayment optionssupport to improve financial wellbeing. Website: https://www.moneyadviceplymouth.org.uk/ Plymouth FoodbankPlymouth Foodbank provides emergency food support for people facing crisis or financial hardship. Support includes:emergency food parcelsinformation about foodbank voucherssignposting to other support servicespractical help during difficult times. Website: https://plymouth.foodbank.org.uk/ Improving Lives PlymouthImproving Lives Plymouth is a local charity supporting people to live full, happy and healthy lives. Support is available for a range of issues, including financial difficulties, health concerns, loneliness, isolation and wellbeing. Website: https://www.improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk/ Rethink Mental IllnessRethink Mental Illness provides one-to-one and group support for people experiencing severe mental illness. Support can help you:build confidence and independenceaccess training, volunteering and employment opportunitiesmaintain suitable accommodationconnect with other people and reduce isolationimprove your overall wellbeing. Contact detailsTelephone: 01752 251072Email: PlymouthServices@rethink.org Need support now? If you're struggling with money, housing, food, employment or your wellbeing, don't wait until things get worse. The organisations listed above can help you understand your options and access the support available.
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