Many charities help those in hardship, caused by disability and other life changes. Some of them are linked to professions, others are specifically for women or serve faith groups.
Grants are sometimes available for specific items such as a new washing machine, others may help towards energy bills or medical aids. This search engine can help locate particular charities.
For those struggling to pay mortgage or utility bills, they can talk to their mortgage provider, also energy and water companies, who may be able to arrange cheaper deals.
Contact the National Energy Foundation on freephone 0800 107 0044 if struggling with energy bills, they can provide top-ups for pre-payment meters along with help and advice. There may be regional help too, local councils or Citizens Advice will know.
Citizens Advice do a benefit and allowances check, this is a free service and can help to open the door for more support. entitledto offer a free online benefits calculator.
For those in debt or having problems managing money these impartial organisations can assist: Step Change and PayPlan
Community Food Larders and Food Banks provide cheap or free food, search online for nearby support.
Local Councils may have a Cost-of-Living Crisis Fund, contact them or look on their website.
Join the Priority Services Register for support in any energy or water supply interruptions.
Martin Lewis provides advice on cutting costs on his website.
The Samaritans provide UK-wide support. Call them for free, day or night, on 116 123.
Specific help for healthcare workers
Those who are, or were, a member of a professional body or trade union can contact them because some have a welfare fund to help current or former members:
Nurses and midwives can contact the RCN Foundation.
Pharmacists can contact Pharmacists Support
Doctors can contact the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund.
Physiotherapists can contact the Physiotherapy Benevolent Fund.
Care workers can contact the National Association of Care and Support Workers
Paramedics and Ambulance staff can contact the Ambulance Staff Charity.
This information is for guidance, we cannot accept any responsibility for the content of external websites. Information researched by Ray Harrington-Vail MA (April, 2025).
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