Residents who are worried about the cost of living are being encouraged to seek support from Colchester City Council's Financial Equality and Wellbeing Team.
The team helps residents access financial support, advice and services that can make a difference to both immediate pressures and longer-term financial wellbeing. Whether someone is struggling with rising household costs, concerned about paying bills or simply wants to check they are receiving all the help available, support is on hand.
Helping residents access the support they're entitled to
Many people may be eligible for financial support without realising it. The Financial Equality and Wellbeing Team can help residents understand what support may be available and guide them through the process of accessing it.
Many people may be eligible for financial support without realising it. The Financial Equality and Wellbeing Team can help residents understand what support may be available and guide them through the process of accessing it.
This includes help with housing costs through the Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing Payment, as well as Exceptional Hardship Payments for eligible residents receiving Local Council Tax Support. Advice is also available on benefits, debt, employment, training and managing household costs.
Support with food and everyday essentials
Residents who are struggling with food and household expenses can access a range of local support. This includes food banks, holiday activities and meals for children through Essex ActivAte, and affordable groceries and household essentials through the Community Supermarket and Mobile Community Supermarket.
Residents who are struggling with food and household expenses can access a range of local support. This includes food banks, holiday activities and meals for children through Essex ActivAte, and affordable groceries and household essentials through the Community Supermarket and Mobile Community Supermarket.
Help with energy costs
Support is also available for residents who are worried about energy bills. The team can signpost people to schemes such as Winter Fuel Payments, Cold Weather Payments and the Warm Home Discount Scheme, as well as grants and advice to help improve energy efficiency and reduce household costs.
Support is also available for residents who are worried about energy bills. The team can signpost people to schemes such as Winter Fuel Payments, Cold Weather Payments and the Warm Home Discount Scheme, as well as grants and advice to help improve energy efficiency and reduce household costs.
Residents experiencing difficulties heating their homes can also access warm and welcoming spaces across Colchester.
Check your Pension Credit entitlement
Residents over State Pension age on a low income are encouraged to check whether they may be entitled to Pension Credit.
Residents over State Pension age on a low income are encouraged to check whether they may be entitled to Pension Credit.
As well as providing extra income, Pension Credit can unlock further support, including help with Council Tax, NHS costs and the Winter Fuel Payment. Because Pension Credit is not paid automatically, eligible residents need to make a claim.
For more information about Pension Credit, visit: www.gov.uk/pension-credit
Cllr David King, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Communities and Public Protection said: “We know that household costs continue to be a concern for many people. If you are struggling, please don’t feel that you have to deal with it alone.
“There is a wide range of support available, from help with food, housing and energy costs to benefits, debt and employment advice. Even if you’re not sure what help you may be entitled to, please get in touch with our Financial Equality and Wellbeing Team so we can help you find the right support.”
Residents who would like advice or support or want to find out what help may be available to them, can contact the Financial Equality and Wellbeing Team at 01206 505855/ email benefits.advice@colchester.gov.uk, or visit the council's cost of living support webpages.
Pictured above: Nikki Ranson, Co-Directors of Colchester Foodbank; Councillor Daivd King; Armin Lange, Co-Directors of Colchester Foodbank