If you are worrying about money or struggling to make ends meet, there are different types of support and advice which could be available to you.
We have worked with Craven Food Partnership and the Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN) to produce a leaflet listing possible sources of advice and support in Craven. You can access a digital version here or download a print friendly copy of the Worrying About Money Leaflet here.
We also have an Easyread version of the Worried About Money Leaflet which was produced by local community group Exclusively Inclusive.
As information changes constantly, we will keep the directory below up to date and add any new sources of help as they become available.
Council Tax
If you are struggling to pay your Council Tax Craven District Council can help you.
You can claim Council Tax Reduction if you are on a low income, this might be earnings (including self-employed earnings) or benefits such as Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance or Incapacity Benefits. Where only one adult lives in a property a council tax discount of 25% is available. 01756 700 600 contactus@cravendc.gov.uk
Discretionary Housing Payments
The Discretionary Housing Payment scheme may provide extra financial help with your rent if you receive Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.
All payments made under this scheme are entirely discretionary and each case is assessed based on individual circumstances https://www.cravendc.gov.uk/benefits-and-advice/discretionary-housing-payments-dhp/ 01756 706 475 housing@cravendc.gov.uk
Pension Credit
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges. You can apply on line at https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim by phone on the Pension Credit claim line 0800 99 1234 or with help from a support organisation like Citizens Advice or Age UK.
The North Yorkshire Local Assistance Fund (NYLAF)
NYLAF provides emergency financial support to those unable to meet essential living costs, such as energy bills or food. NYLAF can also make awards in kind, such as supplying basic necessities or household goods such as a fridge.01904 550030 nylaf@familyfundservices.co.uk https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/local-assistance-fund
Warm and Well in North Yorkshire
Provide energy efficiency advice and help with minor repairs to make homes warmer, they can also access a Hardship Fund for those in urgent need. apply for hardship funding, or under this scheme. Contact Warm and Well on 01609 767555 or email wnw@northyorkslca.org.uk www.warmandwell.org.uk
Skipton Food Bank
Provides food and other essential items for anyone in emergency need in Craven district. You will need to be referred by a support agency or professional, if you haven't used the service before or don't know how to get referred call them on 07856 080194 or visit www.skiptonfoodbank.org
Community Fridges
There are community fridges open to anyone in Settle, Hellifield, Bentham and Ingleton. Food in these fridges has been saved from being wasted and is carefully monitored to ensure it is still safe for you to consume. For further information about locations and opening hours visit https://www.cravenfoodpartnership.org/About/Directory
SELFA also run a community fridge in Skipton which is for local families with children and young people at home https://www.selfa.org.uk/selfa-community-fridge/
Free School Meals
All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are automatically entitled to free school meals, but parents and carers who are eligible for certain financial support may also be able to obtain Free School Meals for children at primary or secondary school for further information and how to apply visit https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/free-school-meals
Healthy Start Vouchers
Help to buy fruit, vegetables and milk if you are pregnant or have a child under 4 and on a low income. www.healthystart.nhs.uk 0345 607 6823
Cheaper broadband and phone packages
If you are claiming benefits you may be able to apply for a social tariff for your broadband, landline or mobile. You can find a list of these social tariffs on OFCOMs website. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/costs-and-billing/social-tariffs
North Yorkshire Reboot
The North Yorkshire Reboot Scheme distributes unwanted donated laptops, tablets and other devices to people who need them to access on line lessons, apply for jobs or stay in touch with services, friends and family. You can find further details of the scheme at https://rebootny.co.uk/
Free wi-fi and Digital Support
You can access free wi-fi, computers and IT help at public libraries in Bentham, Ingleton, Settle, Gargrave, Skipton, Embsay with Eastby, Grassington and Cross Hills. Opening times and locations are listed here https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/local-libraries
Help with Vet Bills
If you are receiving benefits and live within the postcode catchment area of a PDSA Pet Hospital or Pet Care Scheme practice you may be able to access low-cost treatments https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/our-services
Organisations That Can Offer Help and Advice
Citizens Advice
Provide free, confidential and impartial advice to help people find a way forward with whatever problems they face, including money and benefits. You can get advice in person, over the phone on 0808 278 7900 or by email from the website https://www.cany.org.uk/
Christians Against Poverty (CAP)
Free debt counselling service for anyone in financial difficulty regardless of their religious beliefs. freephone 0800 328 0006 or email your local Debt Centre Manager ruthhoward-birt@capuk.or g www.CAPUK.org
Age UK North Craven
Support and advice for older people, their families and carers. 01729 823066 info@ageuknorthcraven.org www.ageuk.org.uk/northcraven
Carers’ Resource
Information, advice and support carers’ including help to apply for benefits and carers’ assessments. 0808 501 5939 (Freephone) www.carersresource.org
IDAS
Support for anyone experiencing or affected by domestic abuse of sexual violence.
03000 110 110 info@idas.org.uk www.idas.org.uk
Leeds Credit Union
Affordable financial services to people in Leeds, Wakefield, Harrogate and Craven. 0113 242 3343 www.leedscreditunion.co.uk
National Debtline
Free and independent debt advice
0808 808 4000 (Freephone) www.nationaldebtline.org
MoneyHelper
Advice to help improve your finances
0800 138 7777 (Freephone) www.moneyhelper.org.uk
Shelter
Free Housing Advice
0808 800 4444 (Freephone) www.england.shelter.org.uk
Turn2Us
Information and financial support
0808 802 2000 (Freephone) www.turn2us.org.uk
Step Change
Debt Charity offering free debt advice and money management
0800 138 1111(Freephone) www.stepchange.org