Support from Stonewater
Help with money guide
We know that managing money can sometimes be a big worry - but you’re not alone.
This guide is packed with ways we can support you. Our team can help you to:
- boost your income
- access training and job opportunities
- save money
Plus, we’ve included useful information from other organisations too.
Please reach out to our friendly team who are here to help, our contact details are at the end of this guide.
Managing your money
Paying your rent
If you’ve got money worries and think you might not be able to pay your rent, please speak to us on 01202 319119 as soon as you can. We help lots of customers each week who may have been finding it difficult to pay their rent. We can help you to manage your money and let you know about benefits or grants you could claim.
If you’re in arrears, we can help to set up a payment plan with you. This means you’ll pay a small amount on top of your rent to help to pay off the debt. If you make these payments, we won’t take any further action.
Free independent money help
The Longleigh Financial Wellbeing Service supports people who would like advice with money guidance, debt worries or employment support. They offer practical support including help with budgeting, benefits, savings, income maximisation, signposting to other agencies, and referring into specialist debt advice and support services.
Our charity partner the Longleigh Foundation have partnered with Clean Slate to offer this service to Stonewater customers.
If you’d like to access financial wellbeing support, you can self-refer by visiting cleanslateltd.co.uk/stonewater-referral or contact us.
StepChange
We work closely with StepChange (stepchange.org), a charity offering free debt advice. They’ll work with you to create a plan to deal with your debt. You can speak to them whether your debt is with a known lender, someone you know or a loan shark. Contact us to be referred.
Access to local support
When you speak to us, we can help you to source funding for essential items and ongoing support that’s available in your local and surrounding area.
Your local council
Lots of local councils have set up cost of living support, including online resources, warm banks and helplines. Check out your local council website for more information.
Benefits and support payments
Benefit entitlement
To find out what benefits you may be entitled to you can visit:
Both have handy calculators that can help you to see what you may be eligible for.
Universal Credit
If you want to find out more about applying for Universal Credit, try this free tool which will walk you through the process: uc-helper.co.uk.
Citizens Advice offer support too: citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit.
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)
A DHP is an extra payment made by your local council to help with housing costs such as your rent. These payments are usually given if you’ve been finding it hard to pay your rent in full and your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit payment has been reduced. Discretionary Housing Payments do not need to be paid back.
You can apply online, or request a paper form from your local council.
If you’d like support with your application, or want to find out more about DHP, the Stonewater Income Team offer free one-to-one help sessions.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment can help with extra living costs if you have a long-term physical, mental health condition or disability, difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of your condition.
You can get a PIP even if you’re working, have savings or are getting most other benefits. For more information, visit the Government website or call 0800 917 2222.
Pension credit
If you’re State Pension age and on a low income you could get extra money to help with your living and housing costs. You could get extra help if you’re a carer, disabled, or responsible for a child or young person. If you get Pension Credit, you could receive other support with your energy bills, council tax, TV licence and healthcare. Visit gov.uk/pension-credit for more information.
Skills, jobs and employability
Employability, learning, training and volunteering can have a big positive impact on your wellbeing. We can help you to access employment, career and training opportunities to boost your skills and confidence.
Employability support
We offer one-to-one support to help customers get into work or take the next step in their career. This can include coaching, advice and access to training courses. Get in touch for more information: employability@stonewater.org.
Stay Nimble
We’ve partnered with Stay Nimble to support customers to gain skills for the modern workplace. Through short courses, coaching and practical career advice, Stay Nimble can match your existing skills and experience to new, in-demand roles and help you to bridge any skills gaps. Contact employability@stonewater.org to find out more.
Digital skills
We partner with We Are Group to help you to build your digital skills. You can get to grips with apps, emails, social media, online banking and using MyHome too. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have internet access or a digital device – We Are Group can supply both. Refer yourself by calling 0114 551 2551 or contact customer.engagement@stonewater.org.Yes, of course. You should encourage your neighbour to contact us themselves but if you would like us to reach out to them to offer our support visit our website and fill out the form on our money matters web page. If you don’t have access to the internet, please get in touch via 01202 312715.
Grants
Longleigh grants
Individual grants are available to support with white goods, travel to job interviews, flooring, food vouchers and more. The five different types of Longleigh grants available to Stonewater customers, subject to eligibility criteria, are:
- Crisis Grants: Immediate support for people fleeing domestic abuse or a situation that requires urgent support. This could be a sudden change in finances that means you can’t afford food or utility bills.
- Hardship Grants: Supporting with essential household items such as furniture or white goods.
- Flooring Grants: For people with conditions that affect the safe movement around the home or families under the care of Social Services.
- Critical Incident Grants: To support at times such as after a flood or fire, a serious case of hoarding or where the individual/family has been a victim of crime in their home.
- Education, Training & Employment Grants: Helping people with practical items such as travel costs for training and employment opportunities or paying for essential equipment.
Please contact us to find out more information about these grants.
Community Investment Grants
We created Community Investment Grants to make a positive difference to our customers and communities. These grants provide funding to assist individuals with specific challenges, or fund projects and activities that help transform communities and neighbourhoods.
Energy bills
Energy efficiency and heating
Our Energy Hub has tips and advice on heating your home and using energy efficiently. If you find it hard to meet the costs of heating your home, please contact us and speak to one of our energy experts.
Independent energy assessment
If you need help reducing energy costs, we can arrange for someone to visit your home or phone you to help reduce your energy costs. You could get free energy saving items such as radiator foils, draft excluders and energy saving light bulbs.
Food banks
Trussell Trust
Your local food bank can supply you with emergency food and sanitary items. You can speak to them about debt advice, mental health support, and benefits too. Contact us to be referred.
Visit the Trussell Trust website to find your nearest foodbank: trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank.
Local council
Your local council often works with local charities, foodbanks and support groups to help those in need. It’s worth getting in touch to see what services are on offer to you locally.
Discounts
Discounts on essentials
Our MyRewards scheme offers discounts on everyday essentials to help save money while you shop. To use it, sign in or register at myhome.stonewater.org.
Social tariffs for mobile and broadband
Social tariffs are reduced cost broadband and phone plans for households on lower incomes. For more information, contact your provider to ask if they offer social tariffs. Find a list of providers at ofcom.org.
Social tariffs for water
Your water company can help you if you’re worried about paying your bills and will have a range of support available, including social tariffs. To find out more information, contact your provider to see what they can offer you.
Mental health and wellbeing
Whether you’re facing emotional health challenges or feeling overwhelmed, you can access six free one-to-one counselling sessions.
Longleigh, our charity partner works with the Kaleidoscope Plus Group (KPG), to offer
support for Stonewater customers aged 18 and over.
We know it’s difficult to know where to turn when you’re struggling. So, when you’re ready, the friendly KPG team is here to listen and help you find your way forward.
Phone: 0121 565 5605
Email: counselling@kaleidoscopeplus.org.uk
Visit: kaleidoscopeplus.org.uk
Financial support charities
There are lots of charities who can help with financial support, debt advice or just someone to talk to about money.
- Christians against poverty (capuk.org)
- StepChange (stepchange.org)
- Money Advice (moneyadvice.co.uk)
- National Debt Advice Line (nationaldebtline.org)
- Independent Age. Free benefits advice for over 55s (independentage.org).
Contact us
The easiest way to get support, information or advice about any of the services on this flyer is to fill out our short form at stonewater.org/moneymatters
If you don’t have access to the internet, please call us on 01202 319119.