Introduction
Somerset offers a wide range of support services to help residents and families with everyday needs. Whether you’re looking for financial advice, food support, warm spaces, or help during school holidays, there are local organisations and programmes ready to assist.
Community Hubs
The Household Support Fund is supporting local community hubs to continue their great work.
Each Community hub is unique and will have an offer of support tailored to the community. Go to our community hubs directory to see what is in your area.
Financial help
Somerset Warm Connections
If someone is struggling financially, you can refer them for free money advice. To arrange a money advice appointment, please complete the referral using the Somerset Warm Connections Portal.
Citizen Advice
Get help with budgeting, welfare checks, and money management on the Citizen Advice Page.
They offer information about:
- Hardship funds for families and residents facing fuel poverty
- Help with costs like school uniforms
Somerset Local Financial Well-being Project
The Somerset Financial Well-being Project is an initiative funded by Somerset Council. 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.
Holiday Activities with Food
Free fun activities and meals are available across Somerset during school holidays. It’s a great way to try new things and make friends. Visit the SASP Happy Healthy Holidays to learn more.
If you still need help with food costs for your children during school holidays, contact your child’s school office.
Warm Hubs and Activities
Warm hubs are open in winter to support vulnerable people. Find your nearest one at Spark Somerset or check out Age UK Somerset for activities and events.
Libraries as Warm Spaces
All Somerset libraries are Warm Welcome Spaces—anyone can drop in to stay warm, read, or relax. Find your local library online.
Talking Cafés and Help4All
Visit a Talking Café to speak with a Village Agent for advice or just a friendly chat.
Talking Cafes are great support if you are looking for help and advice on important services such as: caring, housing, health, finance, food boxes, adult social care, children’s services, feelings of loneliness and isolation – anything that is worrying you. You do not need to book to attend a Talking Café near you
#Help4All – Offers advice and support for families and individuals, including help with food, parenting, loneliness, and more. Visit the Help4All for details.
Support for Older People
- Age UK offers guidance on how to apply for DWP benefits for older adults. Their information and advice team provide an independent, confidential and free welfare benefits service for people over 60.
- Concessionary bus passes – Apply for a concessionary bus pass.
- Pension Credit – If you’re over State Pension age and on a low income, you might be able to get extra money through Pension Credit. Apply online at GOV.UK or call 0800 99 1234.
Local Food Support
Local Pantry
Find local food banks through the Local Pantry Network
A Local Pantry is a community-run project that buys or collects surplus food to prevent it going to waste, and then makes it available to its members for a weekly fee, charging between £3.50 and £5.
Food banks
A series of food banks and food pantries are operating across Somerset. Find your local support in the Spark Somerset Food Resilience Map.
Food Support for Families
We want to make sure no child or adult in Somerset goes hungry. Our aim is to meet the immediate need for food and work with families to address their needs. To find out more visit Food support for families in Somerset.
Local support from the Centre for Sustainable Energy
You can reduce your energy bills by making your home more energy efficient. This will be particularly important as winter approaches. 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
The Somerset Community Foundation has launched its ‘Surviving Winter’ appeal. This will help to support elderly residents who are struggling to heat their homes this winter.
Somerset Household Support Fund
Find out whether you are eligible for vouchers to help you pay your gas and electricity or food bills. This includes help towards paying for food and supermarket food vouchers, which you can use in all major supermarkets.