Where to get cost of living support in Wiltshire
Updated February 2024
Acorn Community Banking
Credit union working across Wiltshire and surrounding counties to help people get on top of their finances.
0303 030 0147
Alabaré
Charity supporting vulnerable, homeless and marginalised people.
01722 322 882
Age UK Wiltshire
Charity supporting older people, their families, and carers.
0808 196 2424
Carer Support Wiltshire
Supporting unpaid carers.
0800 181 4118 (freephone - for carers)
Citizens Advice Wiltshire
Providing free, independent advice.
citizensadvicewiltshire.org.uk
0800 144 88 48
Community First
Charity supporting communities across Wiltshire.
01380 722 475
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
Their Save Safely campaign shows you how to make positive changes to your home that keep you safe and save money.
dwfire.org.uk/safety/save-safely
Energy bill support for boaters
Wiltshire Council is encouraging people who live on the Kennet and Avon canal, on leisure, residential or non-residential moorings, who were not previously eligible for government support under the Energy Bill Support Scheme Alternative Funding (EBSS-AF) to apply now for energy bill support.
To apply, boaters must complete a short form on the Wiltshire Council website and provide proof of a valid Canal & River Trust licence. Eligible boaters who reside on either a leisure, residential or non-residential mooring, in Wiltshire and have not received either Household Support Funding (HSF4) or EBSS-AF payments in 2023-2024 can apply.
Applications need to be registered with Wiltshire Council by 31 March 2024 and will be processed before the end of April 2024. Successful applications will be honoured on a first come, first served basis, and will receive a voucher for £400.
If you feel you are eligible, or know of somebody who is, please complete the web-based form or call 0300 003 4576.
For the form visit: Leisure, residential and non-residential mooring HSF4 scheme - Wiltshire Council
0300 003 4576
More information on HFS4 schemes
Family and Community Learning
Offers free courses on wellbeing, family skills and employability to people over the age of 19 who meet any of these criteria:
- Less than 5 GCSEs A-C
- Receiving benefits
- Military family
- Family of SEN child/children
- Unemployed and looking for work
workwiltshire.co.uk/family-and-community-learning/
Food banks
Food banks are available throughout Wiltshire. Wiltshire Council has created an online community directory to help you find community food providers and warm spaces.
Details of local foodbanks can also be found at The Trussell Trust: Find a food bank
Free sims and mobile data from Wiltshire Libraries
Wiltshire Libraries are working with the Good Things Foundation to distribute free SIMs and mobile data to people in need. The National Databank scheme is supported by UK mobile networks including Vodafone, O2 and Three.
The free SIMs and mobile data are available from Chippenham, Devizes, Salisbury, Trowbridge and Warminster libraries.
To be able to access the National Databank you must be 18+ years old and from a low-income household. One or more of the following must also be true:
- You have no or poor access to the internet at home.
- You have no or poor access to the internet away from home.
- You can't afford your existing monthly contract or top-up.
If you meet the criteria, contact Chippenham, Devizes, Salisbury, Trowbridge or Warminster libraries to find out more and to book an appointment.
Royal British Legion
Helping members of the British Army Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families.
0808 802 8080
Warm and Safe Wiltshire
Helping people live in safer and healthier homes.
0800 038 5722
Warm Spaces
Warm spaces are available in your community for anyone who needs extra warmth, company and support this winter.
wiltshire.gov.uk/article/6829/Wiltshire-Council-warm-spaces
0300 456 0100
Wiltshire Local Offer
Information on the services available for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) aged between 0 to 25, and how to access them, including information about relevant grants.
Wiltshire Together
A digital platform that connects people, groups and organisations in Wiltshire to their community.
Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub
Wiltshire Council's hub is open to anyone who needs confidential advice, information, and signposting in relation to the current high cost of living.
0300 003 4576 Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm and Friday 9am-4pm
Where to get mental health support in Wiltshire
Download our guides to help you find support for your mental health and wellbeing.
Get more support
Wiltshire Council have created a dedicated advice and support section on their website to help you with the rising cost of living.
MoneyHelper offers free, impartial advice on helping you to work out where you are now and what to do next. The site is provided by the Government's Money and Pensions Service.
