Advice and Support providers
National Debt line- A debt charity that gives free independent advice to people in England, Scotland and Wales. You can talk to them by calling 0808 808 4000.
(https://www.nationaldebtline.org/)
Step change- A debt charity that provides free debt advice to people in England, Scotland and Wales. You can contact them on 0800 138 1111 or go online. They can work with you to develop a personalised plan to make repayments, set up and manage a debt management plan for you, or even help with ways to write off debts if you’re unable to pay.
National Energy Action – The NEA is a national fuel poverty and energy efficiency charity that offers a free support service known as WASH (Warm and Safe Homes). It provides energy advice to households in England and Wales. You can contact it on 0800 304 7159, or fill in an online form.
(https://www.nea.org.uk/get-help/wash-advice/)
Money Helper– Sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions, it provides free, impartial and confidential money guidance to anyone in the UK. You can contact it on 0800 138 7777,
As well as personalised advice and guidance on money issues, including energy bills and how to prioritise debt, it can help you find a free and confidential debt adviser in your area.
(https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en)
Fuel Bank Foundation- Fuel Bank Foundation is the only UK charity to focus on the challenges of people living in fuel crisis. They give emergency financial support to households identified as being in fuel crisis. This gives them vital breathing space to help them get back on their feet. There is lots of useful information on the website and a contact us form if help is needed. You will require access to the internet and an email address, if you do not have this please reach out to your Housing Officer to support you with this.
(https://www.fuelbankfoundation.org/)
Hardship Fund
In April we launched a hardship fund which can be used by Tenants faced with a financial crisis that they can’t resolve elsewhere. At the end of 2022, the Hilldale Board were concerned about the financial challenges faced by Tenants in light of the cost-of-living crisis and the cost of heating homes. The fund was launched to help offer additional support to help purchase emergency items. Items can be anything from a bank transfer to clear off a debt on a meter, to an essential item from a local shop or store.
By an ‘essential item’, we mean that without it there is a detrimental effect on themselves, their neighbours or those working with / supporting them.
The only item not included is for food. For this, the tenant will need to work with their Care Provider and/ or Housing Officer to discuss budgeting and a possible referral to a local Food Bank.
We will help to pay for requests up to a value of £100. Please note requests are limited to one per year.
If you would like to make a request, please fill in the form below or speak to your Housing Officer.
We will advise of a decision within 24 (working) hours but will always aim to let applicants know the same day if we can.
Apply For Hardship Fund
