Priority Services Register
The Priority Services Register provides free practical support to a range of people who might need extra help due varying factors including age, ill health or disability. This includes families with young children or those with caring responsibilities.
The wide range of support services includes: –
Financial Support
Our Extra Care Support is in place to help our customers who are finding bills difficult. We can help with everything from managing payments to debt. Here are some of the ways in which we can support our customers experiencing affordability issues:-
Gambling issues are widespread in this country. Recent data from UKHSA (formerly Public Health England) shows that more than 1 in 10 employees in the UK are affected by gambling harms. Whilst there seems to be plenty of awareness and advice on alcohol and drug issues, it can be more difficult to find the right support for gambling. Furthermore, the financial consequences of gambling harms means that it’s likely that a food aid organisation will have clients struggling with this issue. This guidance has been put together with the help of Ara Recovery for all.
There are other helpful agencies that can support with gambling concerns and addictions.
Low-income families are eligible for Healthy Start Vouchers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and Best Start Food in Scotland. The current value of the Healthy Start Vouchers (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) is £4.25 per child per week to help buy healthy foods (fruit, veg, milk and formula milk). Currently uptake of the scheme is low and only 55% of eligible families are signed up.
To apply, families fill in a paper booklet and send in the freepost envelope provided. Applicant can also call 0300 330 7010 or email healthy.start@nhsbsa.nhs.uk to apply.
The Department of Health and Social Care has recently agreed to temporarily extend the Healthy Start scheme to British children (aged 0-4), whose parent/guardian meet the financial eligibility criteria and are excluded from claiming public funds as a consequence of their immigration status (NRPF). To qualify for the temporary extension, you must meet all the following criteria: – you have a child, or more than one child, who is aged 0-4; – your families take-home pay is less than £408 per month; and – your immigration status includes the condition that you cannot access public funds (NRPF).
Please write to this email (Healthystartclaim@dhsc.gov. uk) stating if you believe you qualify, and they will be in touch with you to discuss the application process.
Please also visit the link below:
https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/how-to-apply/
Family Fund’s mission and vision
Family Fund believes that families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people should have the same choices, quality of life, opportunities and aspirations as wider families. We try to make this happen every day by:
Giving grants to families on a low income for items they may not otherwise be able to afford. For example family breaks, digital equipment, white goods, clothing, bedding, furniture and play equipment.
Offering services to help parents and carers to achieve the outcomes they want for their child and family. This includes where to go for support with money, benefits and budget planning, information on mental health and wellbeing. And practical workshops to help people get online and use digital tools.
Providing ways for families to share their experiences, so they can influence lasting change on issues that matter to them.