Cost of Living – Advice and support

Are you affected by the rising cost of living? Advice and support is available if you are struggling to make ends meet. 

If you or someone you support is living with sight loss and you need support or advice accessing benefits and concessions, please contact us today. Do not struggle alone. 

Call our friendly team on 01243 828 555 or email enquiries@4sight.org.uk 

For further specialist advice and information on any aspect of the cost of living crisis, blind and partially sighted people, their family or those supporting you can call the Sight Loss Advice Service Helpline on: 0303 123 9999. 8am – 8pm on weekdays and 9am – 1pm on Saturdays. They can also direct you to specific organisations who offer Mental Health Wellbeing Checks for blind and partially sighted people.

Below we have listed some key schemes and information that we hope will help. Click on the tab headings for the relevant information.

  • Healthy Start – Prepaid cash card for food and milk for pregnant women and parents with children under 4.  www.healthystart.nhs.uk

 

  • The Trussell Trust – UK Food Banks – Find your local Trussell Trust food bank, their contact details and opening times using the locator on their website. If you’re struggling to afford the essentials or need advice and support, you can contact your local food bank. https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/

 

  • Stonepillow – Stonepillow support and empower homeless and vulnerable people across West Sussex to achieve sustainable independence and wellbeing. Tel: 01243 537934 https://stonepillow.org.uk/

 

  • A list of Warm Spaces throughout area of the UK is available to view via www.sightadvice.org.uk . Many of these spaces also offer food at low cost or for free.
  • LEAP – LEAP is a free service that is helping people keep warm and reduce their energy bills. There is currently high demand for this service. Tel: 0800 060 7567 www.applyforleap.org.uk

 

  • West Sussex Affordable Energy – Advice on heating your home more efficiently from West Sussex Affordable Energy. www.westsussexenergy.co.uk

 

  • Home Energy Support – Home Energy Support can help you with tailor made home energy advice.
    Tel: 01243 974063 Email: energy@arunchichestercab.org.uk

 

 

  • Need somewhere warm to go? – A list of Warm Spaces throughout area of the UK is available to view via www.sightadvice.org.uk . Many of these spaces also offer food at low cost or for free.

Did you know?
Your energy supplier can provide you with FREE Accessible In-Home Display equipment. These devices work with Smart Meters and include features such as large buttons, high contrast displays and text-to-speech functionality.

Additionally, you can ensure you are added to your suppliers Priority Services Register. This is a free support service to ensure people are not without power in vulnerable situations.

Contact your energy suppliers directly for more information about the priority service and the In-home displays.

  • Many people do not claim the benefits to which they are rightly entitled to. We can support you to access benefits and concessions, including completing associated forms. Call us on 01243 828 555 for support.

 

 

 

 

  • Stepchange – Free debt charity offering free online debt advice and money management. Tel: 0800 138 1111 www.stepchange.org

 

Check that you’re receiving all the benefits and welfare rights that you are entitled to:

  • If you are registered blind (severely sight impaired) you may be entitled to 50% discount on your TV licence.

 

  • If you require adaptations to be made to your home, following a sight loss diagnosis, you may be entitled to a Disabled Facilities Grant.

 

  • If you’re registered blind or visually impaired you may be able to get free or discounted travel on buses, trams and trains –get in touch with your local council.

For support in checking eligibility and accessing these, please contact us today.

 

  • Many people do not claim the benefits to which they are rightly entitled to. We can support you to access benefits and concessions, including completing associated forms.