Help and support available to New Forest residents
Residents who are experiencing financial difficulty or are struggling with the cost of living may be able to access a range of support services across the New Forest. This includes assistance with benefits, housing costs, debt, food, energy bills and other essential living expenses.
Please note that eligibility criteria and available funding for support schemes may change. Residents are advised to refer to the relevant organisation’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Council support schemes
Residents on a low income may be eligible for financial support from New Forest District Council. This may include:
- Council Tax Support
- Housing Benefit, depending on individual circumstances
- Discretionary Housing Payments
- Universal Credit and related benefit support
Further information is available on the New Forest District Council website:
Benefits and support – New Forest District Council
Additional assistance may also be available through the Household Support Fund, which provides short-term financial support to households in need with essential costs: Household Support Fund – New Forest District Council
Advice and guidance
Free, independent and confidential advice is available from Citizens Advice New Forest. Their trained advisers can provide support on a wide range of issues, including:
- welfare benefits and benefit entitlement checks
- debt and money management
- housing matters
- energy costs and utility bills
- access to local support schemes and referrals
Residents are encouraged to seek advice at an early stage, particularly if their circumstances have recently changed.
Citizens Advice New Forest can be contacted on 0808 278 7860 or via their website:
Citizens Advice New Forest
Debt advice
Residents experiencing financial difficulties or debt are encouraged to seek support as soon as possible.
Citizens Advice New Forest provides access to a specialist debt advice service, offering free and impartial guidance to help residents manage and reduce their debts.
Appointments can be arranged by telephoning 0808 278 7860.
Local organisations
A number of local organisations provide practical support to residents in need:
- Step Up Safe Space – provides community-based support including clothing, school uniforms and essential household items:
Step Up Safe Space - Acts 4 Sharing – offers practical assistance to individuals and families experiencing hardship, including household support:
Acts 4 Sharing - Waterside Community Fund – provides support to local residents experiencing hardship.
Waterside Community Fund
Energy and utility support
Energy advice and support
Residents who are concerned about energy costs are encouraged to contact Citizens Advice New Forest for guidance on available support schemes, grants and ways to reduce household bills.
Telephone: 0808 278 7860
Warm Home Discount Scheme
The Warm Home Discount Scheme provides a one-off discount on electricity bills for eligible households.
As the scheme operates on a seasonal basis and eligibility criteria may change, residents should refer to the GOV.UK website for the latest information:
Warm Home Discount Scheme – GOV.UK
Warm Homes Local Grant
Some households may be eligible for assistance with home energy efficiency improvements, such as insulation, solar panels and heating upgrades, through the Warmer Homes programme.
Further details on eligibility and how to apply can be found at:
Warmer Homes eligibility
Warm Homes Local Grant application form
Water charges
Three water companies operate within the New Forest area. Each provides schemes to support customers who are experiencing difficulty paying their water bills.
Residents should refer to their bill to confirm their supplier:
- Southern Water – 0800 027 0800
- Wessex Water – 0345 600 3600
- Bournemouth Water – 01202 590059
Food support
Support is available for residents who are struggling to afford food.
New Forest District Council provides information on local food banks, community food initiatives and related support services:
Help with food – New Forest District Council
This includes access to:
- food bank referrals
- food and essentials banks
- community food larders
- community fridges
- Healthy Start support
- free school meals
Citizens Advice New Forest can also assist with referrals to food banks and other local support services.
Further assistance
Residents who are unsure which support services may be appropriate are encouraged to contact Citizens Advice New Forest in the first instance.
Telephone: 0808 278 7860
Website: Citizens Advice New Forest