Providing free, impartial and confidential advice, including a Money Advice Service, Energy Advice and advice for working out a budget.
Tel: 01634 383 760 (Medway)
Tel: 0800 144 8848 (National)
Family Action
Family Action provides practical, emotional, and financial support to families who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage and social isolation.
Tel: 020 7254 6251 (Head Office)
Home Start Medway
Home Start Medway offers non-judgemental, practical and emotional support to families who have at least one child under the age of five. Our financial fitness champions are trained to support and guide families with money concerns.
Tel: 01634 570717
Salvation Army
Offering practical help for people without discrimination, with services including budget and debt advice, food banks, and assistance with homelessness. Strood:
Tel: 01634 723 310
Email: strood@salvationarmy.org.uk Chatham:
Tel: 01634 843 689
Email: chatham@salvationarmy.org.uk
Dealing with Debt
While we are in the midst of the cost of living crisis, a concern amongst households is how to avoid debt or if we are in debt how to avoid it spiralling out of control. Step Change is a charity dedicated to assisting people with debt concerns.
Christians Against Poverty National (Medway)
Help with debt, with the New Enquiries team who will arrange your first appointment with your local Debt Coach.
Tel: 0800 329 0006 (to be connected to a local advisor)
MVA’s Financial Capability Skills
A range of information and support to help you to build your confidence and knowledge to more effectively manage your finances.
Strood Community Shop
If you're struggling to manage your finances as the cost of living rises, then this could be for you.
We've partnered with HSBC to bring family financial wellbeing training to Strood.
At StepChange Debt Charity, we've got free advice and resources if you urgently need help
Citizens Advice Medway Social Tariffs
A list of social tariff providers with details of each, links to them and advice. Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Some providers call them ‘essential’ or ‘basic’ broadband. They’re delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price.
Citizens Advice Medway Crisis Hub
In response to the crisis, charities have had to adapt in order to help those in need. The Citizen's Advice Bureau has created a cost of living crisis hub on its website to provide crisis support to those who need it.
Gingerbread
Money in an emergency - Payday loans aren’t the only option if you need money urgently. You might be able to get a budgeting loan, hardship payment, short term benefit advance or even a grant.
British Red Cross
Get help with money problems | British Red Cross - You can also call our Support line on 0808 196 3651 (10am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 8pm Wednesday).
Turn2us: Fighting UK Poverty
Turn2us wants everyone to have financial security. Check your benefit entitlement
Moneyhelper
Help if you're struggling to pay your gas or electricity bill - Local help to pay energy bills
Contact - For families with disabled children
Help with household bills - Contact a Family - There are a number of schemes and grants to help you with water, fuel and other utility bills. Find out whether you're eligible and how to apply.
Crosslight Advice
Crosslight Advice provide face-to-face debt advice together with money education and budgeting support to individuals and families in need.
MacMillan Cancer Support
For any questions around cancer, work, money or life - Macmillan is here for you, online and by phone.
Disability Assist
If you have a child under the age of 16, you may be able to claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to help with the extra costs of looking after them.
Disability Assist only supports disabled adults in Kent and is unable to assist children. However, we receive numerous queries from parents so we have collated a list of resources which may be useful for you.