A MIXTURE of rising inflation costs intertwined with soaring energy bills mean that households all over the country are tightening their purse strings. 

Average wages in Carlisle have risen by less than 8 per cent in the last 12 months as the cost of living crisis continues, ultimately representing a real-terms pay cut thanks to soaring inflation.

In order to remind people in Carlisle of the existing help out there as we go through these gruelling times, Cumbria County Council and Carlisle City Council have shared a list of the services on offer to try help people as we head towards a difficult winter period. 

Help with finances
The benefits advice team are on-hand to provide information on what financial help is on offer by the Department for Work and Pensions for those seeking to claim benefits such as Universal Credit, Employment & Support Allowance, Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance. 

Based at the Civic Centre, in Carlisle, the Benefit Advice Service offers appointments at the Civic Centre and at outreach surgeries available at both Longtown and Brampton.

Contact 01228 817400 to arrange an appointment.

Armed Forces’ support
The Royal British Legion is offering grants of up to £200 a month to help members of the Armed Forces community struggling with rising energy bills.

RBL can also help with everyday essentials like kitchen appliances.

Visit their website for more information.

Money Navigator Tool
The Money Navigator Tool from Money Helper UK can provide free guidance based upon individual circumstances and help find support in their area.

Energy Bills Support Scheme
In October 2022, the government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme will supply households with a £400 grant towards energy payments.

All households with a domestic electricity connection will be automatically eligible for the scheme - it does not need to be repaid.

Sustainable Warmth Cumbria scheme
If your household income is below £30,000 and your home has a low energy performance you could be eligible for a government grant up to £25,000 towards insulation and low carbon heating measures, like heat pumps and solar panels.

The funding grant is also available for private landlords to apply for qualifying tenants.

To find out more visit our Sustainable Warmth Cumbria Grants webpage.

Help with food
If you think your child may be eligible to receive free school meals and school clothing vouchers, please contact the Cumbria County Council Service Centre on 01228 606060 

If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk. Find out more at Healthy Start.

Affordable Food Outlets

A small fee gives entitlement to one week’s worth of food which can be selected by attending one of the outlets listed below:

Oasis Pantry - City Centre - St Paul’s Church - 07838 349561

Pop up Pantry - Botcherby Community Centre - Wednesday 12pm - 4pm  01228 596992

Pop up Pantry - Longtown Food - Arthuret Council Centre –01228 791739

Brampton Community Food - Methodist Church Hall - Friday 9.30am - 12.30pm 016979 27005

Petteril Bank Community Fareshare - Petteril Bank Community Centre, Wednesday 1.30pm - 2.30pm. 01228 5301

Belle Vue /Raffles - The LookOut (Shadygrove Road) - Thursday - 07413 258279

Community Help Affordable Food Hub

For a set low cost, a week’s worth of food can be ordered online or by phoning the AFH, placing an order and arranging collection/pick up at a selected community branch. 

Carlisle Community Help - Affordable Food Hub
07394 546877 or 07512 552449

Carlisle Community Help Partners for pick up include:
Morton Manor - Thursday
Brampton Community Food - Friday

Foodbanks

No cost emergency food provision for households in dire need through referral by the persons Social Welfare Support Agency/Organisation or other responsible referral agency.

Carlisle Foodbank - 07512 552449
Longtown Foodbank - 01228 791739
Brampton Community Food - 24/7 Help Desk - 016979 27005
Cornerstones Food Bank - Denton Street Denton Holme - 01228 548796
St Barnabus and St Luke’s Churches west of the city - 01228 538983

Help with travel
You may be eligible for a Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card if you’re on Universal Credit. To find out more visit the National Rail website.

In England you can get a bus pass for free travel when you reach the State Pension age. Apply for an older person's bus pass.

If you’re disabled, then you may be eligible for a disabled person’s pass if you live in England. Apply for a disabled person's bus pass.

Help with housing
If you face losing your home, speak to the council's homelessness prevention team who may be able to help by calling 01228 817200. 

Warm hubs
Lots of organisations across Cumbria are already running or are developing regular warm hubs. 

Cumbria CVS is keen to let people across Cumbria know about these great services, so they are setting up a Warm Spot interactive map (due to be released next week). 

If you would like to register your premise as a warm hub, visit here. 

Age UK Carlisle and Eden
Age UK Carlisle and Eden provides information and advice on a range of issues relating to older people and those who care for them.

READ MORE: Citizens Advice call for a ban on forcing people onto prepayment top-up cards