You said...
Support with money worries goes a long way
Financial pressures can have a huge impact on our daily lives, and we understand how much of a worry this can be.
From individual grants to budgeting advice and debt support, we’re here for you.
Through our Money Matters programme and partnership with Cleanslate and StepChange, we help customers improve their financial situation.
We always encourage customers to contact us as soon as they experience difficulties managing their finances. By working together and accessing the right support at the earliest opportunity, you're better placed to maintain your tenancy, strengthen your financial resilience and avoid the stress and uncertainty that can come with financial hardship.
During 2025-26:
- 957 customers received intensive income support.
- 689 customers were referred for specialist financial advice.
- Cleanslate helped customers secure £278,830 in financial gains.
- 3,479 customers completed our financial well-being survey.
- We helped 1,253 households access grants, fuel support and energy advice.
- We worked in partnership with agencies such as Act on Energy, Watersure, Energy Ombudsman and Children in Need.
- 512 households needed extra support because of vulnerabilities or complex needs.
customers received intensive income support.
customers were referred for specialist financial advice.
customers completed our financial well-being survey.
households helped to access grants, fuel support and energy advice.
Cleanslate helped customers secure £278,830 in financial gains.
households needed extra support because of vulnerabilities or complex needs.
Building strong foundations
We provide additional support to people who may be at risk of financial hardship when moving into a new home.
New customers received welcome calls and practical support to help them settle into their homes.
Getting to know you
In 2025-26:
New customers received enhanced income support.
Were referred to Cleanslate and StepChange.
Were helped with Universal Credit applications.
Was secured through Discretionary Housing Payments.
You told us that financial pressures remain a big concern for many households.
Our latest survey found:
of customers reported that managing their finances had become more difficult over the last 12 months.
25% of customers told us they would access support services, and 49% said they would consider it in the future.
Because of this feedback, we’ve continued improving our communication, making rent reviews and service charges easier to understand, improved our guidance and continued to share our services' multiple customer touchpoints.
We also reached out to 388 customers who filled out the survey and told us they’d like some extra support with employability, budgeting and more.
The right help, when you need it
After we noticed a failed direct debit payment, we contacted our customer Taylor* to check everything was ok and to offer support. Taylor explained they were struggling to manage financially while supporting three teenage children, following a recent reduction in Child Benefit.
Taylor had already sought support from StepChange and was working through a financial assessment and debt management plan. We know this can take time, so we successfully applied for support through the Longleigh Foundation Hardship Grant. Within 24 hours, Taylor received:
- Aldi food vouchers worth £550 to cover five weeks of groceries
- An H&M clothing voucher worth £300
- £150 towards school uniform costs
This immediate support helped ease financial pressures at a critical time, enabling Taylor to focus on maintaining rent payments and preventing further financial hardship.
*Name changed for privacy
Facebook Live - Money Matters
The Longleigh Foundation provides grants to help with everyday essentials, wellbeing and education.
During 2025-26:
- 800 customers received grants.
- 840 grants were approved, worth almost £596,000.
- 97% of applications were approved.
- 100% of customers who completed a survey were satisfied with the service.
“When people need support, they need it to be easy to find, easy to access and available when it matters most.
That’s why we’ve continued to improve how we support Stonewater customers this year. We’ve launched our new website, introduced new ways of delivering grants and focused on making support simpler, clearer and more responsive to people’s needs.
Alongside these improvements, we’ve continued to provide grants for everyday essentials, emotional and financial wellbeing support, and research that helps improve social housing for everyone.
Thank you to every customer who has shared their experiences with us. Your feedback continues to shape the way we work.”
Aileen Edmunds, Chief Executive, Longleigh Foundation
This year, Longleigh:
- Launched a new, more accessible website with clearer information and simpler navigation.
- Updated grant guidance and eligibility information.
- Trialled a Cash First approach for our Heating & Eating grants, giving eligible customers a £350 cash payment instead of vouchers - supporting you with more flexibility to decide how best to meet your own needs.
"I am pleased that I have received cash because trusting my situation is very important to me."
