VCSE services
Forum and Hull CVS have worked together to produce a directory of VCSE services.
Many residents are currently struggling with rising living costs. That’s why it’s important to know what help and support is available now, that could benefit
- you
- a relative
- friend
- neighbour
Here are some practical actions that could help you or someone you know.
Money and Debt
Council Tax Support - You may be eligible for Council Tax support in the form of discount or exemption.
Community Support Grant - You may be eligible for a Community Support Grant, (CSG's) are primarily intended to help vulnerable applicants live as independent a life as possible in the community.
Benefit advance - If you are on certain benefits you may be entitled to a short-term benefit advance.
Citizen Advice (CA) - CA can be contacted for free information on a range of subjects including debt and money advice. They can also be contacted if you need support claiming benefits.
If you need immediate financial help you may be entitled to emergency support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or us -
If you are -
- on a low income
- out of work
- unable to work
- a carer
you may be entitled to a range of benefits such as -
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- PIP
Up to 7 million people are not claiming benefits they are entitled to, check that you are not one of them -
Access information on our site and our partners -
Food
Food banks are community organisations that can help if you can’t afford the food you need. You’ll usually need to get a referral to a food bank before you can use it.
A good place to ask for a referral is your nearest Citizens Advice. Further information is also available on our immediate financial help page.
There is a network of food providers in the city that have been mapped out by Nurture Hull, including information on eligibility criteria for each organisation.
Free school meals - You can apply for free school meals if your child attends a Hull school or sixth form on a full time basis.
Additional organisations - There are a number of voluntary organisations that are offering food support, locations and further information can be found below -
- Endike Community Care - Ashton Close, HU6 9RJ
- Vulcan - 42 Heron Street, HU3 3PF
Fuel and Energy
Energy Saving Materials - The warm homes team provide a specialist service with the primary aim of reducing fuel poverty and increasing domestic energy efficiency in the city.
DWP Energy Bills Support Scheme - £400 off energy bills for households in Great Britain from this October. This automatic, non-repayable discount will be applied in 6 instalments between October 2022 and March 2023 to help households through winter. There is no need to apply for the scheme and you will not be asked for your bank details.
Health
The thrive directory of services has been developed by the key partners in Hull that provide support for children, young people and families emotional health and wellbeing. This guide is intended to be used by anyone to find the help and support that Children and Young People may need.
If you need any further health support, there are a number of organisations with support available -
- Hull and East Yorkshire Mind Helpline - Offer confidential mental health advice for anyone experiencing or worried about their mental health.
- The Warren - Offer mental health support for young people.
- Stop smoking service - SmokeFree Hull offer free advice and behavioural support to help you stop smoking.
- Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space Scheme - provide clear, practical advice and support for people experiencing issues with mental health and problem debt.
- Healthy Holidays - A huge range of activities that are free of charge, for children and young people across the city.
- Let's Talk - Mental health problems are common and anyone can be affected. If you feel that you need support Let's Talk are available to help.
- Connect Well (Social prescribing) - Connect Well Hull is a free and confidential service for local people who live in Hull or are registered with a Hull GP.
- Age UK - Offer support for older people and their carers.
Employment
Employment Hub - our Employment Hub supports people into employment, training, education or volunteering.
Mind Hull and East Yorkshire - Mind is happy to be working alongside Hull City Council on a new project to support individuals and employers in Hull. Our brand new Work Well service is here to help individuals to improve their mental health, raise aspirations, and to achieve their personal goals.
Connexions - Help is available for young people in Hull aged 16 to 19 to make informed choices about their training and employment. Support is also available for young people with learning difficulties or those who have disabilities up to the age of 25.
Springboard Youth employment initiative - which aims to help those aged 16 – 29 years old, who are not in employment, education or training and who live in Hull or the East Riding of Yorkshire
Youth Hub - a dedicated service to support unemployed young people aged 16-29 years old in Kingston Upon Hull.
Travel
Bus Passes - Senior citizens and some disabled people within certain criteria are eligible for a bus pass. This allows the user to travel 24 hours a day every day on regular bus services, providing the journey begins in Hull.
School Travel - Your child may be eligible for a free school travel pass.
If you use public transport regularly, you may purchase a travel card, for unlimited travel in and around the city. Access Travel Hull for information on KAT (Kids and Teenagers) Cards and travel cards.
Housing
Homelessness - If you are threatened with homelessness and are eligible for help, we can help to prevent your homelessness.
Problems with paying your rent in council housing - If you require any advice or help with your rent arrears we would advise that you contact your Tenancy Officer straight away so it can be discussed and a repayment plan can be put in place.
Problems with paying your rent in a private property - If you can't pay your rent, don't ignore the problem. You need to talk to your landlord as soon as possible. We can also help by giving you advice and information that may prevent you from losing your home.
Discretionary Housing Payments - This is a discretionary award with no fixed rate or payment period. It is a limited fund and awarded on an individual basis. It is not guaranteed and any award is intended to help you for a short period.
Warm spaces - Warm Spaces are a network of places across the city where residents can visit to get warm and enjoy a little company. We want to work with our local partners to help our residents to create a network of Warm Spaces.
Many partners across Hull already provide this type of facility. We are asking you to consider registering your facilities or services with us so we can add you to our Warm Spaces directory to let our residents know how to access the Warm Spaces near them. You can see on the map where our registered venues across the city are
If you want to offer a Warm Space you will be asked to sign up to the Warm Spaces Charter, which will help people who want to use the Warm Spaces know what to expect when they step inside your venue. All our supported spaces must agree to a Charter focused on mutual respect and safety.
Please complete the short form below to register your interest -
National Help
The government have created a guide to explain the range of measures and support that may be of benefit including -
- household costs
- energy bills
- childcare costs
Please note that we are aware that some of the links on the GOV.UK website refer you back to your local council. Where the GOV.UK website directs you to us, we have provided information and relevant links above.
