Household Support

The Hygiene Bank is a UK charity that tackles hygiene poverty.

Currently ther are 4.2 million adults and families in the UK that are unable to afford many of the essential hygiene and personal grooming products that we use every day, like shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, laundry detergent, tampons nappies or toothpaste.

This is a hidden crisis that has a big impact that can precent people from going to school and work along with future opportunities.

The Hygiene Bank works with community partners to provide Free products which they distribute through Food banks, schools, shelters and social services.

Find out how you can get involved and help those affected in Suffolk by donating products, volunteering, fundraising and more on their website Hygiene Bank In Suffolk 

Suffolk County Council have created a directory of support services to help Suffolk households through ongoing cost of living pressures.

Here’s how Mid Suffolk Council are supporting residents to  boost their income, stay well, and feel more financially secure.  

East Suffolk Council‘s website has pages providing information on the support, services, benefits and grants available for Cost of Living support, and how to access them. There’s also useful advice on how to make your money go further by being more energy efficient, reducing your food waste and much more.

Find out what support is available to help with the cost of living on the Gov.uk website. Information includes income and disability benefits, bills and allowances, childcare, housing and travel.

The UKPN Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free, UK-wide service providing additional support to vulnerable customers, particularly during power cuts or other energy emergencies. It ensures those with specific needs, like those who rely on power for medical equipment, receive priority treatment and assistance. The PSR is open to a variety of customers who may need extra support during an energy emergency, including: elderly and disabled people, individuals with long-term health conditions, people who rely on power for medical equipment and anyone who may experience difficulty in communicating with energy companies.  Find out more and register.

Anglian Water’s Water Care is a Priority Services Register (for a range of people, from those with sight/ hearing/ mobility difficulties, to parents with babies under 12months old) and Extra Care Support for those who are worried about staying on top of their bills. Find out More & Register 

Community Action Suffolk have produced a leaflet to help the Suffolk and Cambridgeshire community oil bulk buying scheme in partnership with AF Affinity can help you reduce the high cost of your heating oil by bringing Suffolk and Cambridgeshire communities together and buying together. For more information click on the image below.

Pension Credit can top up your income to a minimum level if you’ve reached State Pension age. Lots of people who qualify for it aren’t claiming it, so if you are not already receiving it it is important to find out if you are eligible. To find out more about qualifying visit the gov.uk website or view the Independent Age guide to Pension Credit.

If you are over State Pension age and have a long-term disability or health condition, you may be able to claim Attendance Allowance if you need help with personal care or supervision to keep you safe. To find out if you are eligible for Attendance Allowance visit the gov.uk website or view the Independent Age guide to Attendance Allowance.

To make sure you are claiming all the benefits that you may be entitled to, try the Turn2Us Benefit Calculator — it is free, anonymous and confidential.

If you have been thinking of applying for Universal Credit but don’t know where to start, Citizens Advice can help you to navigate your way.  They have plenty of advice to help you find out if you are eligible as well as how to make and application and what you need to do beforehand. Click on the image to find out more.

Energy saving guide from Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert, sharing advice, tips and research for the cheapest ways to keep warm and save money.

Dora Brown is a charity which is transforming Suffolk homes for families in need with a makeover free of charge and creating a pleasant home environment that has a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. Households are referred to Dora Brown through Suffolk County Council or Ormiston Families. Find out more about Dora Brown on their website or Facebook Page.