Introduction
The rising cost of living is affecting everybody across Somerset in a variety of different ways. We want to support those most impacted, including those who may have not faced financial challenge in their lives before.
Throughout these pages, you can find useful websites, community organisations, advice and guidance to help you through the rising cost of living. If you need help, contact us or one of the organisations in this guide. There’s advice, support and information available across Somerset.
The pressures around the cost of living can also affect our mental health and wellbeing, making us feel stressed, anxious, or low. It’s important to look after your wellbeing and there are local organisations that can provide help and support.
Local support
Somerset Local Household Support Fund
The Household Support Fund is designed to provide short-term urgent financial help to Somerset residents who are struggling to afford household essentials such as buying food, paying for energy and water bills and other essential household items such as beds and white goods.
Local support from the Centre for Sustainable Energy
Visit the Centre for Sustainable Energy website for home energy advice.
To get in touch with them, phone 0800 082 2234 or visit the Centre for Sustainable Energy Contact us page.
Local ‘Surviving Winter’ Appeal
Somerset’s Local Warm Welcome Initiative
Spaces are or will shortly be open thanks to work carried out by Spark Somerset and Somerset Community Foundation to help fund some of the venue costs, map the venues and support providers with setting up where needed.
These spaces are free to use, and open to anyone who wants somewhere warm and welcoming to go. The venues include Somerset Council libraries, village halls, churches and café and will provide a warm and friendly environment where people can socialise, stay warm and access support and information that they may need.
To find a space near you visit the XMAP Public Map.
Local Food Support
A series of food banks and food pantries are operating across Somerset. Find your local support in the XMAP Public Map.
Somerset Local Crisis Fund
Somerset Local Financial Well-being Project
It offers free financial well-being information, free community events and free training to anyone who lives or works in Somerset.
To find out more, visit Westcountry Savings and Loans.
Local Community Council for Somerset
For more information, visit the Somerset village and community agents website.
Phone 01823 331222
Citizens Advice Somerset- Local Money Advice Team
If you find yourself in a difficult situation financially or are struggling to make ends meet, then you are not alone, money worries are more common than you think.
To find out more, visit the Citizen Advice Somerset – Money Advice Team page.
Local Village Agents Talking Cafes
National support
National energy bills support scheme
This discount will be automatically applied to your energy account over 6 months.
The National Energy Price Guarantee
More information can be found on the GOV.UK Energy Price Guarantee website.
National Cold Weather Payment
The Winter Fuel Payment is usually paid automatically in November or December if you are eligible.
National support with interest payments on mortgages or loans
For more information, visit GOV.UK Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
National Cost of Living Payments
This will be made automatically in two instalments, one in summer and another in autumn.
To check if you are eligible, visit the Cost of living support factsheet.
Staying well
This Autumn and Winter we expect to see both flu and Covid viruses circulating. With the UK experiencing its first flu season since 2019, the population will have less immunity than previous flu seasons. The best way to protect ourselves our friends and our families, is by taking up all the vaccinations that we are eligible for.
Free Autumn Covid-19 Vaccination
Appointments are now available to anyone who is:
- Age 50 or over
- Pregnant
- Immunosuppressed
- Health and Social Care Worker
- Carer (paid or unpaid)
Vaccinations are currently by appointment only. The NHS will be inviting all eligible people to come forward but anyone who falls into the groups listed above can book online via the NHS website, or phone 119.
In order to receive the Autumn Booster, people must have already received the full course of previous vaccinations (1st, 2nd dose and initial booster) with the last vaccination being 91 days or more prior.
Find out more information on our COVID-19 vaccination programme page.
Support for Carers
Somerset Carers
To find out more, visit Free support & information for Carers just like you – Somerset Carers.
Carer’s Allowance
To check if you are eligible, visit Carer’s Allowance.
Disability Cost of Living Payments (Carers)
This is in addition to the £650 Cost of Living Payment for disabled people who also receive means-tested benefits.
To check if you are eligible, visit the Cost of living support factsheet.
Support for people living with a disability
Disability Cost of Living Payments
This is in addition to the £650 Cost of Living Payment for disabled people who also receive means-tested benefits.
To check if you are eligible, visit the Cost of living support factsheet.
Disability Benefits for autistic adults
Find out more at National Autistic Society – Benefits for autistic adults
Concessionary bus passes (Disability)
Support for families
Food Support for Families
To find out more, visit Food support for families in Somerset.
Help with family childcare costs
Claim Healthy Start family vouchers
To find out more, visit Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start).
Happy Healthy Holidays – Somerset Families
Funding has been made available by Somerset Council to enable local groups to provide holiday activities including food to children eligible for free school meals in Somerset.
To find out more, visit Happy Healthy Holiday Programme.
Get help with family maternity costs
To find out more, visit Sure Start Maternity Grant.
Family Fund
To find out more, visit Family Fund.
Support for older people
Age UK Somerset – Support
To find out more, visit Age UK Somerset – Help with Benefits.
Pension Credit for those on low income
Winter Fuel Payments and Pensioner Cost of Living Payment
This winter, they will also receive an extra £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment per household, which will be paid as an automatic top-up to the Winter Fuel Payment.
Additional help and support
Benefits Calculator
- the benefits you could get
- how much your benefit payments could be
- how your benefits will be affected if you start work or increase your hours
- how your benefits will be affected if your circumstances change – for example, if you have a child or move in with your partner.
Free NHS Prescriptions
Mental Health Support
Mindline is a confidential listening service which provides a safe place to talk if you, or someone you know, is in distress. You can phone Mindline on 01823 276 892 or freephone 0800 138 1692, the helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Rehab Recovery is a website to help bring together people who have been affected by addiction and mental health issues.