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Cynllun peilot Incwm Sylfaenol ar gyfer Bobl Ifanc sy’n Gadael Gofal yng Nghymru: diwedd y peilot

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Basic Income for Care Leavers in Wales pilot: end of pilot

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Cynllun peilot incwm sylfaenol i bobl ifanc sy’n gadael gofal yng Nghymru: rhestr wirio | LLYW.CYMRU

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Rhestrau gwirio ar gyfer camau olaf cynllun peilot incwm Sylfaenol.

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Basic income pilot for care leavers: checklist

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Checklists for the final stages of the basic income pilot.

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Supporting care experienced young people and care leavers in Wales, through education, into employment and living independently. sunflower lounge

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Martin Lewis: How credit scoring works – a quick game to explain…

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What is a credit score?

Your credit score is compiled by separate credit reference agencies whose lenders ask about your history with credit before deciding on whether to offer you a product or not - for example how quickly you have paid back what you've borrowed, whether you have any outstanding debt, and so on.

Each credit reference agency has its own specific method of calculating a credit score, and some lenders will use their own algorithms too. Lenders will then use a score to assess how suitable a borrower you are for whichever product you have applied for.

Credit scoring means that whenever a credit application is made, data is pulled together on your past credit behaviour to help the lender determine what sort of borrower you are.

However, it is important to remember that you don't have one credit score that is arbitrarily tapped into a computer to decide your credit worthiness. The company looks at the data and makes its own mind up, based on what they see and what they decide is most important.

How does credit scoring work?

Lenders use the information that credit reference agencies provide them with to try to predict what sort of borrower you will be. This might give the impression that you're marked with a number from 1 to 10 that states whether you are a 'bad' borrower through to a 'good' borrower.

In reality, your credit file is simply some data held about you that reflects your history with credit and can give your lender a picture to assess how high-risk (and sometimes how high profit) a borrower you are.

What makes up my credit score?

A credit score is made up of information held by credit reference agencies, which lenders use to determine your suitability for a product. But what data do lenders use to make up your score?

Personal information

First, they use the information you entered on the form you used to apply for the credit. This is likely to include all the relevant information your lender needs relating to your income, employment circumstances, address, and so on. Although some of these details are only a formality, factors such as your income can play a part in how credit worthy you appear - simply because if you are on a lower income, you are more likely to have trouble repaying the credit.

It is very important to get all your details down correctly at this stage, as lenders use this as a starting point in predicting what sort of borrower you will be. Make sure you fill in everything correctly and are as honest as possible about your circumstances.

Creditors will also refer to the electoral roll to verify your personal information, so it is important to register on the electoral roll at your current address if you wish to apply for credit, whether or not you plan to vote.

Your credit history

Your payment history will impact your credit score as lenders will try to predict how likely you will be to repay any borrowing. That's why it is important to make sure credit card payments are on time. Even if you have not had previous business with the specific lender in question, your credit behaviour will still be held by credit reference agencies and so will be looked into.

If you have borrowed and repaid with banks successfully in the past, you are more likely to be seen as credit-worthy now - but if you have had a history of late payments, your credit application will be looked on a little more sceptically.

Current credit agreements

Any existing credit agreements that you have in place will be considered. This includes existing credit cards, mortgages and personal loans. Your credit utilisation - how much of each credit facility you use - is a factor that may impact your credit score, as different lenders look for varying levels of credit utilisation when deciding on lending criteria.

Utility bills can have an impact on your credit score. If you live in a shared property, adding your name to the utility bills can affect your credit score and have a positive effect if they are paid by direct debit, as long as payments are made on time.

Your past behaviour with the lender

This applies if you are seeking credit from a lender you have already had business with; for example, if you are a customer of a bank, your financial circumstances can be looked at, and any past credit agreements can be checked.

What are Credit Reference Agencies?

There are three main credit reference agencies in the UK that each hold information on your past credit behaviour. These are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

When you make a credit application, one or more of these reference agencies is contacted to get a picture of you as a customer - but what data will be held on you?

First, it's important to note that most of the data in your file will only go back 6 years. This means that how you've borrowed and paid back in the last 6 years will be looked at primarily, without regard to your history before that point - although generally a history of bankruptcy or CCJs will be looked at too, however long ago they occurred.

Electoral roll: The electoral roll verifies your permanent address and informs your local council that you can vote. This information will be used to confirm your address, how long you have lived there, who you live with, and other residential details that the lender is interested in.

Court records: Any appearances in court you have made to do with debt or bankruptcies, and if you have any CCJs (County Court Judgments).

Other lenders: A record will be held of other lenders who have searched your file. If you have lots of these it may indicate that you have made lots of credit applications recently, giving the impression you are very much in need of it and therefore more of a 'high-risk' customer.

Financial associations: Anyone that you have had a joint credit agreement with in the past, such as if you had a joint account with a partner, will be recorded. Where your partner's credit history has been less than pristine.

Frauds: If you have committed fraud with credit usage in the past this will be recorded.

Credit Behaviour: This includes all the transactions you have had with banks and building societies such as loans, mortgages, bank accounts, credit cards, and so on. This will show what your general behaviour is when it comes to dealing with your finances, if you have repaid your debts on time and whether you have a history of missed, defaulted or late payments.

Using all this information your prospective lender will then decide your suitability for the product you have applied for. This means that you do not have a credit score that you carry around with you as such, just a collection of information that can be used to assess your credit worthiness when necessary.

In this way, it's important to be able to generate a healthy credit score, so that if you are ever in need of credit such as a loan or credit card, it will be available to you. Even if you like to keep away from credit and only spend what you have, it's always useful to have a good financial grounding in case you need credit in an emergency.

How do I find out my credit score?

It is possible to look at the information held on you by credit reference agencies to see what kind of scoring you might be given by a prospective lender. To do this you can apply online to, or to see your credit file, although this often involves a fee.

You can also purchase a summary report from all three agencies by going to, which will give you a good idea of the sort of information held on you. This will give you a chance to check that all the information is correct. It's worth looking at the data held on you by all three agencies, as generally, lenders will use a combination of two or three of the agencies to gather information.

As well as having an impact on whether or not you can secure credit for mortgages, loans, credit cards and so on, your credit scoring can also affect what sort of interest rate you are offered on any borrowings. If you are seen as more of a high-risk borrower, it's more likely that you will be required to pay a higher rate of interest on your debts than if you were seen as more low risk.

How to improve your credit score

Improving your credit score can have a range of benefits, from accessing better deals to increasing your chances of mortgage approval. It can take time to see change, but there are steps you can take to boost your chances of hitting a higher score.

Register to vote at your current address so that lenders can confirm your personal information on any credit applications.

Stay within your credit limits and make sure you pay bills on time. Late payments will be visible on your credit file for at least 6 years and can affect your ability to borrow.

Don't apply for too much credit in a short space of time. Use an eligibility checker before you apply for a credit card as this avoids leaving a hard check on your file.

Check your credit score regularly to make sure the details are correct and up to date.

It's important to make sure the credit information held on you is correct and as healthy as it can be. If you're having trouble securing credit it is possible to improve your credit rating over time by taking the steps above to boost your score.

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How does credit scoring work? | money.co.uk

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Your credit score affects any application you make for credit from loans to mortgages to credit cards - but how exactly is your score worked out? We take a look at who decides your credit score and what you can do about it.

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A Budgeting Loan can help pay for:

furniture or household items (for example, washing machines or other 'white goods')

clothes or footwear

rent in advance

costs linked to moving house

maintenance, improvements or security for your home

travelling costs within the UK

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repaying loans taken for the above items

Crisis Loans are not available any more.

You may be eligible for a Budgeting Loan if you've been on certain benefits for 6 months.

You only have to pay back the amount you borrow, and repayments are taken automatically from your benefits.

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Interest-free loans from the government for some people on benefits: how to apply, check if you're eligible

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How do credit cards work? | Banking Products | HSBC UK

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Check Your Credit Score | It’s Free Forever With Experian®

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Everyone should be able to check their Experian Credit Score, so we’ve made it completely free. Sign up today to get the UK’s most trusted score.

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Credit Scores - How To Build and Improve Yours

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What is a credit score?

Your credit score is a rating based on your personal financial history. It helps lenders decide how creditworthy you are, and whether they're prepared to lend you money in the form or a loan, mortgage or credit card.

There are three credit reference agencies (CRAs): Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. They take your financial history and use it to put together a credit report. The information in that report is then used to create a credit score for you.

What do lenders do with my credit score?

Before saying yes to giving you a  personal loan, credit card or other form of lending, lenders such as Post Office have to make sure you're not too much of a risk. They need to be confident you'll pay back the loan or balance on time and in full - or in the minimum amounts required along the way.

To do that, they contact the credit reference agencies to get your credit score, which shows how well you've managed the credit you've been given so far. Based on that, they'll make their decision. There's more on what contributes to this score in our FAQs section below.

Why is it important to have a good credit score?

The higher your credit score, the less of a risk you are to lenders and the more likely they'll be to loan you money or issue you with a credit card, or to give you a better interest rate.

If you use credit regularly and responsibly, it's likely you'll have a high credit score. But this score isn't set in stone. It can go up or down, depending on how you're managing the credit you have right now.

Experian, Equifax and TransUnion have different scoring ranges. Your score might be different with each agency. It's possible to have two different scores from two different agencies that indicate whether you're a high or low credit risk. Check our common questions section below for what counts as a good or bad credit score.

How to check your credit score for free

You can use free checker tools from card providers, such as CreditWise from Capital One, to check your credit score.

It's also free to access the full credit report and credit score the credit agencies hold on you. Just visit their partner websites:  Experian MSEs Credit Club,  Equifax ClearScore,  Intuit Credit Karma. You can also request a paper copy of your credit report if you prefer. Try to do a credit score check and review your credit report held with each of these agencies regularly, at least once each year. Even small errors such as the wrong address can affect your credit score and potentially cause problems when you apply for credit.

How can I improve my credit score?

It is possible to optimise your credit score. The first thing to do is check your credit report with the three agencies and pinpoint what may be dragging your score down. You can see your score and request a copy of your full credit report at any time. Some services are free, but you'll need to pay a small fee for others. If there are any mistakes or entries that need to be updated, you can dispute them.

Here are a few simple ways to boost your credit score:

Make sure you're on the electoral roll
Lenders look for stability in borrowers. When you register to vote, you go on the electoral role. To get on it, you give details like your name, address, date of birth and your electoral number. It's an easy way for lenders to confirm your identity and the accuracy of your details.

Be more reliable when it comes to paying bills
Lenders loan money on the understanding that you'll make regular repayments. Simply paying your bills on time, every time, will help boost your credit score long-term.

Consider getting a debt consolidation loan
You may be able to apply for a debt consolidation loan to help manage all your existing debts with one monthly payment. You can check your eligibility without affecting your credit score further.

Consider getting a credit builder card
Getting a credit-building credit card may also help you improve your credit score. These are credit cards with low credit limits and a higher than average interest rate. The sum you can borrow is therefore low but the interest you pay on what you borrow is high.

First, check if you're eligible for a credit builder card without affecting your credit rating. If you are and you successfully apply, use your card sensibly to build up your credit rating. Make sure you make the minimum monthly payments on time and stay within your credit limit. Not doing so could harm your credit rating further.

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How To Improve Your Credit Score | Post Office®

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Find out what makes up your credit score, how it's calculated, why it's important and how to improve a bad credit score to apply for a loan or credit card

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What Is a Bad Credit Score?

On the FICO ® Score ☉ 8 scale of 300 to 850, one of the credit scores lenders most frequently use, a bad credit score is one below 670. More specifically, a score between 580 and 669 is considered fair, and one between 300 and 579 is poor. The table below offers more detail on where scores fall.

VantageScore ®, another credit scoring model which was developed by the three main credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax), also uses a scale ranging from 300 to 850. But its definitions associated with each score range vary slightly. A VantageScore from 601 to 660 is considered fair, from 500 to 600 is poor, and from 300 to 499 is very poor. See the table below for a full breakdown.

The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to qualify for credit, and at better interest rates and terms. If your score is low, it can be difficult to obtain affordable credit or to get approved for a loan or credit card at all.

You can think of maintaining good credit as preventive medicine. You don't know when something might come up, like a breakup that means having to find a new apartment fast, but good credit can help you handle any affliction with less hassle.

A bad credit score can lead to these roadblocks:

Potential rejection for loans and lines of credit. These can include mortgages, car loans, personal loans, private student loans, some federal student loans for parents and graduate students, and credit cards.

Difficulty getting a rental application approved. Many landlords conduct credit checks to evaluate your payment history, with an eye to whether you're likely to pay rent on time.

Required security deposits. Utilities including gas, electricity and water may require you to make a security deposit when moving into a new home.

Trouble getting a new cell phone contract. Many wireless providers check credit before taking you on as a customer, though some carriers offer prepaid plans and other arrangements that don't require a credit check.

Issues during an employment background check. Employers may view a limited version of your credit report as part of the background screening process. They may want to confirm information on your application or evaluate how you handle money if you're applying for a financial management role. They won't see your credit score, but activities that lead to a poor score-such as missed payments-will be evident on your credit report.

Higher insurance premiums in some states. Car insurance companies, for example, often use information from your credit report, in addition to your driving history, to assess your potential risk of submitting a claim. Your credit history cannot be factored into insurance rates in California, Hawaii or Massachusetts.

How to Improve a Bad Credit Score

Credit scores aren't static; they change when the information in your credit report changes. That means you can take control of your financial health now, and make moves that will positively affect your credit scores. Here's how.

1. Check Your Free Credit Score

First, check your credit score for free to view the factors that are most affecting it.

Your credit score is most impacted by the following elements:

Your payment history (35%), including whether you always pay bills on time or have had late or missed payments in the past.

How much total credit you have available and how much of it you're actively using, known as your credit utilization rate (30%).

How long you've been using credit (15%).

The mix of credit types you've had and are currently using (10%).

The number of recent credit accounts you've opened and applications you've made, which are known as hard inquiries (10%).

It's also important to check for any errors on your credit report, including inaccurate personal information or accounts fraudulently opened in your name. Especially if it's negatively affecting your score, dispute this information with the credit bureaus. Submitting a dispute does not affect your credit itself. But if any content in your report changes, your score could change too.

2. Pay Your Bills on Time

Payment history is the most important factor of your credit score, accounting for 35% of your FICO ® Score. One of the best ways to ensure you're never late is to set up autopay for recurring bills, such as student loans and car payments. Your bill will come directly from your bank account on the day it's due, meaning you don't have to remember to log in to a payment portal or send a check. Ensure you have enough money in your checking account to cover your payments, though, or you could be subject to fees.

If many of your bills are due on the same day of the month, making it more difficult to pay them on time, you may be able to change the payment due dates with your creditors. Keep in mind, though, that it may take a few billing cycles for the change to go into effect. So continue paying as required until they've confirmed the update.

It's also important to be upfront with creditors about your ability to pay. Federal student loans, for instance, come with alternative payment plans that can lower the amount you owe each month. But you may not know about them if you're not willing to contact your student loan servicer about your options. Credit card issuers also may be able to reduce your payment or interest rate for a period of time if you're experiencing financial hardship. If you're concerned you're going to miss a payment, contact your creditor before it happens to explore what's possible.

3. Pay Down Debt

Amounts owed make up 30% of your FICO ® Score, the next largest share after payment history. The amount of your credit limit you're currently using is expressed at your credit utilization rate, and experts recommend using no more than 30% of your credit limit at any point.

Ideally, you'll pay off your credit card bill in full at the end of every month. But if you can't, and you're currently carrying a balance, make a plan to pause using your cards and pay down credit card debt. You may want to send extra money to the highest-interest card first, known as the debt avalanche method, which will save the most money in interest. Or you can pay off small balances using the debt snowball method, which may motivate you more.

A balance transfer credit card may be a better option if you need more time to get your balances down. If your credit score qualifies you for one, a balance transfer card provides an interest-free period that lets you pay off your balances without accruing as many charges over time.

To make the most of the card, though, come up with a plan that gets you debt-free within the interest-free time frame. Otherwise, you'll be subject to interest charges at the end of that period, potentially negating some of your savings.

4. Avoid New Hard Inquiries

If you're focused on increasing your score, you may want to delay applying for new credit in the meantime. A hard inquiry happens when a lender checks your credit to evaluate you for a financial product. It will appear on your credit report and may affect your credit score. That's because lenders could consider you a greater credit risk if you're attempting to borrow money from many different sources. Applications for new credit account for 10% of your FICO ® Score.

Soft inquiries don't affect your credit; they occur when you check your own credit score or when a lender or credit card issuer checks your credit to preapprove you for a product. It's also likely you won't see a major effect on your score if you're shopping for a single auto loan or mortgage and apply with multiple lenders in a brief time period. Scoring models distinguish this process from, say, opening lots of credit cards at one time, and typically won't penalize your score the same way.

5. Boost Your Credit

One way to strengthen credit using your existing financial history is through Experian Boost®ø. When you sign up for free, Experian searches your bank account data for phone, utility and popular streaming service payments, and you can choose which accounts to add to your credit file. Once the accounts are added, a new credit score is instantly generated. Those who have little or poor credit could see an increase to their FICO ® Score thanks to the addition of new positive payment history.

6. Get Help Building Credit

If you're having trouble getting approved for a credit card or loan on your own, you can build credit history with the help of others or with a secured account. Try these strategies:

Become an authorized user on someone else's account.

Work with a cosigner who has good credit. When you have a cosigner for a loan or credit card, the lender also considers them jointly responsible for the debt.

Open a secured account. With a secured credit card account, you place cash in an account and the card issuer allows you to borrow up to a certain percentage of the money.

How to Maintain a Good Credit Score

Once you've done the hard work to fix a bad credit score, keeping up the momentum is the next step. That means diligently paying all bills on time, maintaining low balances on credit cards and only seeking out new credit when necessary.

Length of credit history accounts for 15% of a FICO ® Score, so you may also want to keep old accounts open to maintain a long average credit history. That could mean putting a small charge on your oldest card occasionally, and paying it off right away. If a card has a high annual fee and you're no longer using it, weigh the potential tradeoffs of a shorter credit history with the money you could save.

Credit mix, or the range of credit types you have in your name, makes up 10% of a FICO ® Score. You don't need to take out a new loan merely to diversify your credit mix. But dependably managing a credit card is one of the most effective ways to maintain a good credit score. So if you haven't opened your own credit card in the past, consider applying for a secured credit card, which will require a deposit that typically also becomes your credit limit. Making small charges and paying them off each month can help improve your score, and may make you eligible for a traditional, unsecured card down the line.

If you take these steps and still find yourself struggling, getting help may allow you to get back on track. An approved credit counseling agency can help you create a plan to better manage your finances and pay down debt. You can find a state-by-state list of approved credit counseling agencies from the U.S. Department of Justice to make sure you're working with a legitimate agency.

Debt consolidation may be another option if you're struggling with a lot of credit card debt. A debt consolidation loan allows you to roll multiple high interest debts into a single payment, usually at a lower interest rate and giving you just one payment to keep track of.

Be wary of any organization that promises to repair your credit with little or no time or effort, or that claims it can repair your credit for a fee. Improving your credit status takes time. Ultimately, there's nothing a credit repair company does that you can't do yourself with time and effort.

The Bottom Line

A bad credit score doesn't have to weigh you down. There are concrete actions you can take today and in the future to improve it, and to keep your score as high as possible.

Knowing where you stand, and making it a point not to avoid the reality of your credit status, are perhaps the most important ongoing tactics in the drive to improve credit. Check your credit report and score regularly using a free online service like the one available from Experian, and feel empowered knowing you can master your own financial well-being.

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Fixing your credit can take time. Learn more about what is considered a bad credit score, how to improve it and how to maintain a good credit score.

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Use the Healthy Eating Plate as a guide for creating healthy, balanced meals-whether served at the table or packed in a lunch box. Click on each section of the interactive image below to learn more.

Looking for a printable copy? Download one here, and hang it on your refrigerator to serve as a daily reminder when planning and preparing your meals! Translations of the Healthy Eating Plate are also available in over 25 languages.

Building a Healthy and Balanced Diet

Make most of your meal vegetables and fruits - ½ of your plate.
Aim for color and variety, and remember that potatoes don't count as vegetables on the Healthy Eating Plate because of their negative impact on blood sugar.

Go for whole grains - ¼ of your plate.
Whole and intact grains-whole wheat, barley, wheat berries, quinoa, oats, brown rice, and foods made with them, such as whole wheat pasta-have a milder effect on blood sugar and insulin than white bread, white rice, and other refined grains.

Protein power - ¼ of your plate.
Fish, poultry, beans, and nuts are all healthy, versatile protein sources-they can be mixed into salads, and pair well with vegetables on a plate. Limit red meat, and avoid processed meats such as bacon and sausage.

Healthy plant oils - in moderation.
Choose healthy vegetable oils like olive, canola, soy, corn, sunflower, peanut, and others, and avoid partially hydrogenated oils, which contain unhealthy trans fats. Remember that low-fat does not mean "healthy."

Drink water, coffee, or tea.
Skip sugary drinks, limit milk and dairy products to one to two servings per day, and limit juice to a small glass per day.

The red figure running across the Healthy Eating Plate's placemat is a reminder that staying active is also important in weight control.
The main message of the Healthy Eating Plate is to focus on diet quality:

The type of carbohydrate in the diet is more important than the amount of carbohydrate in the diet, because some sources of carbohydrate-like vegetables (other than potatoes), fruits, whole grains, and beans-are healthier than others.

The Healthy Eating Plate also advises consumers to avoid sugary beverages, a major source of calories-usually with little nutritional value-in the American diet.

The Healthy Eating Plate encourages consumers to use healthy oils, and it does not set a maximum on the percentage of calories people should get each day from healthy sources of fat. In this way, the Healthy Eating Plate recommends the opposite of the low-fat message promoted for decades by the USDA.

Your Questions Answered

Are the relative sizes of the Healthy Eating Plate sections based on calories or volume?

The Healthy Eating Plate does not define a certain number of calories or servings per day from each food group. The relative section sizes suggest approximate relative proportions of each of the food groups to include on a healthy plate. They are not based on specific calorie amounts, and they are not meant to prescribe a certain number of calories or servings per day, since individuals' calorie and nutrient needs vary based on age, gender, body size, and level of activity.

How can I apply this guide if I don't eat my meals from a single plate?

As the name suggests, the Healthy Eating Plate is visualized as a single plate, however it can be used as a guide for creating healthy, balanced meals-no matter which type of dishware is used!

For example, while you wouldn't consume soup on a plate-you can consider the relative sizes of each section when choosing what to add to the pot before serving in a bowl: make about half of your ingredients a variety of colorful vegetables (carrots, celery, spinach, tomatoes, sautéed in olive oil), and the other half a mix of whole grains (such as farro) and a healthy protein (such as beans).

Or maybe you're eating your meal in courses, or as multiple dishes in smaller sizes: a plate of grilled fish over brown rice; a green side salad filled with veggies; and some fruit for a sweet end to the meal.

Portioning a meal into separate components is also common when packing a lunchbox-especially for kids.

There are many cultures around the world in which people may not eat their meals from a plate. Although our translations of this guide maintain the single-plate graphic, we encourage its use for creating healthy, balanced meals in context of cultural and individual customs and preferences.

What about alcohol? Isn't alcohol supposed to be good for you in small amounts?

For some people, moderate alcohol consumption can offer health benefits, whereas for others alcohol may pose risks. Learn more about the risks and benefits of alcohol.

Who created the Healthy Eating Plate?

The Healthy Eating Plate, created by nutrition experts at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and editors at Harvard Health Publications, was designed to address deficiencies in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s MyPlate. The Healthy Eating Plate provides detailed guidance, in a simple format, to help people make the best eating choices.

The Healthy Eating Plate is based exclusively on the best available science and was not subjected to political or commercial pressures from food industry lobbyists. Learn more about how the Healthy Eating Plate compares to the USDA's MyPlate.

Will following the Healthy Eating Pyramid and Healthy Eating Plate guidelines really make me healthier?

According to research done at Harvard Chan School of Public Health and elsewhere [1-3], following the guidelines presented through the Healthy Eating Pyramid and Healthy Eating Plate can lead to a lower risk of heart disease and premature death:

In the 1990s, the USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion created the Healthy Eating Index "to measure how well American diets conform to recommended healthy eating patterns." [4] A score of 100 meant following the federal recommendations to the letter while a score of 0 meant totally ignoring them.

To see how well the principles embodied in the Healthy Eating Pyramid stacked up against the government's advice, researchers at the Harvard Chan School of Public Health created an Alternate Healthy Eating Index with a scoring system similar to the USDA's index. They then compared the two indexes, using information about daily diets collected from more than 100,000 female nurses and male health professionals taking part in two long-term studies.
The eleven components assessed by the Alternate Healthy Eating Index were dairy products; vegetables; fruit; nuts & seeds; bread/grains; meat, poultry & fish; cholesterol; fat; sodium; alcohol; and multivitamins.

Men who scored highest on the USDA's original Healthy Eating Index (meaning their diets most closely followed federal recommendations) reduced their overall risk of developing heart disease, cancer, or other chronic disease by 11% over 8 to 12 years of follow-up compared to those who scored lowest. Women who most closely followed the government's recommendations were only 3% less likely to have developed a chronic disease. [5]

In comparison, scores on the Alternate Healthy Eating Index did appear to correlate more closely with better health in both sexes. Men with high scores (those whose diets most closely followed the Healthy Eating Pyramid guidelines) were 20% less likely to have developed a major chronic disease than those with low scores. Women with high scores lowered their overall risk by 11%. Men whose diets most closely followed the Healthy Eating Pyramid lowered their risk of cardiovascular disease by almost 40%; women with high scores lowered their risk by almost 30%.

In a 2014 study looking at trends in diet quality among adults in the U.S., researchers using the Alternate Healthy Eating Index found that there was steady improvement from 1999 to 2010, but that overall dietary quality remains poor. [6]

Two studies offer further evidence of the disease prevention benefits that accrue from following a diet similar to one based on the Healthy Eating Pyramid:

A study that tracked 7,319 British civil servants for 18 years found that men and women with the highest scores on the Alternate Healthy Eating Index had a 25% lower risk of dying from any cause, and a 42% lower risk of dying from heart disease, than people with the lowest scores. [3]

Another observational study in 93,676 post-menopausal women found that following a Healthy Eating Pyramid-style diet (as measured by adherence to the Alternative Healthy Eating Index) was superior to following a low-fat diet at lowering cardiovascular disease and heart failure risk. [1]

Permissions for Use

The Healthy Eating Plate image is owned by Harvard University. The downloadable version may be used, without permission, for educational and other non-commercial uses with proper attribution, including the following copyright notification and credit line:
Copyright © 2011, Harvard University. For more information about The Healthy Eating Plate, please see The Nutrition Source, Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, www.thenutritionsource.org, and Harvard Health Publications, www.health.harvard.edu.

References

1. Akbaraly TN, Ferrie JE, Berr C, Brunner EJ, Head J, Marmot MG, Singh-Manoux A, Ritchie K, Shipley MJ, Kivimaki M. Alternative Healthy Eating Index and mortality over 18 y of follow-up: results from the Whitehall II cohort. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2011 May 25;94(1):247-53.

2. Belin RJ, Greenland P, Allison M, Martin L, Shikany JM, Larson J, Tinker L, Howard BV, Lloyd-Jones D, Van Horn L. Diet quality and the risk of cardiovascular disease: the Women's Health Initiative (WHI). The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2011 May 25;94(1):49-57.

3. McCullough ML, Feskanich D, Stampfer MJ, Giovannucci EL, Rimm EB, Hu FB, Spiegelman D, Hunter DJ, Colditz GA, Willett WC. Diet quality and major chronic disease risk in men and women: moving toward improved dietary guidance. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2002 Dec 1;76(6):1261-71.

4. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. The Healthy Eating Index.

5. Continuous Update Project Report Summary. Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Colorectal Cancer, 2011.

6. Wang DD, Leung CW, Li Y, Ding EL, Chiuve SE, Hu FB, Willett WC. Trends in dietary quality among adults in the United States, 1999 through 2010. JAMA internal medicine. 2014 Oct 1;174(10):1587-95.

Last reviewed January 2023
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The contents of this website are for educational purposes and are not intended to offer personal medical advice. You should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The Nutrition Source does not recommend or endorse any products.

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Use the Healthy Eating Plate as a guide for creating healthy, balanced meals-whether served at the table or packed in a lunch box. Click on each section of the interactive image below to learn more...

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What Is A Credit Score and How Does It Work?

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Young people today are living and learning in an increasingly challenging world, and post pandemic it is currently unknown what further challenges and complexities lay ahead of them. Over the last 30 years, Llamau has established a strong reputation for delivering a high quality, flexible and nurturing education programme aimed at young people age 16-24.

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Apprenticeships in Wales FAQs

Who can study an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are available to everyone age 16 and over who are living in Wales.  There being no upper age limits, some learners choose to study with us to learn new skills in their role, or to top up their existing knowledge. You can either study as part of your current role, or apply for one of our vacancies.

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Skip to content Apprenticeships in Wales FAQs Who can study an apprenticeship?   Apprenticeships are available to everyone age 16 and over who are living in Wales.  There being no upper age limits, some learners choose to study with us to learn new skills in their role, or to top up their existing knowledge.

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The Prince’s Trust can give you the necessary skills, training and work experiences to help you get a job.

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Essential support for under 25s

The Mix is the UK's leading support service for young people. We are here to help you take on any challenge you're facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to us via our online community, on social, through our free, confidential helpline or our counselling service.

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The Mix - Essential support for under 25s

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The Mix: 0808 808 4994 - Free information and support for under 25s in the UK. Get advice about sex, relationships, drugs, mental health, money & jobs.

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Find out what can help you look after your mental wellbeing when you have money worries, including practical self-care advice and ways to manage money problems.

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Do you need to speak to someone about your emotional wellbeing?

Looking after my wellbeing

There are steps that we can all take to look after our emotional wellbeing.

Check out the self-care pages covering a range of different topics. If there's something missing that would help you, get in touch and let us know.

If these tips don't work for you, one of our teams or partner organisations may be able to help you - there is no shame in asking for help!

Looking after my wellbeing

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The five ways to wellbeing

We all experience life's ups and downs - so it's important to practice ways of thinking and do activities that help boost your mood.

Evidence suggests that including five types of actions into our daily lives is important for wellbeing:

1. Connect with other people. Spend time with the people around you - at home, school or your local community

2. Be physically active. Exercising makes you feel good. Keep an eye out for an activity that you enjoy

3. Learn new skills. Set yourself a few goals for what you want to achieve. Try learning about something you're interested in or something completely new

4. Give to others. Doing something for another person makes you feel good - this could be with your friends or family, or through volunteering your tim. You don't need to spend money - take time to listen to them and appreciate them.

5. Pay attention to the moment (mindfulness). Take some time to think about what you are doing and how you are feeling. Taking notice can help you think about what's important to you

Watch our video below or go to the NHS website for more information.

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Looking after my wellbeing - Children, Young People And Families

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There are steps that we can all take to look after our emotional wellbeing. Check out the self-care pages covering a range of different topics. If there's something missing that would help you, get in touch and let us know. If these tips don't work for you, one of our teams or partner organisations may [...]

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Money and finances can impact our mental health in lots of ways, and struggling with our mental health can impact our ability to look after our money. This can feel stressful and overwhelming, but help is available. Find out more about what you can do if you are struggling with money and your mental health.

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Guide Menu for Money and mental health

Money can be a really tricky subject. It's something a lot of us spend time thinking about, but it's not something we tend to talk about a lot in public, which can make you feel like other people aren't worried about it. But actually, it's really common to worry about money.

When you feel in control of your money, it can help you to feel more in control of other areas in your life. It might mean that you feel more independent, have the flexibility to do the things you want and aren't worried about your spending. But money can also be a source of stress if you're worried about not having enough money or getting into debt.

Many of us will worry a little bit about money now and then. However, if you find that your anxiety about money are becoming overwhelming, it's important not to keep this to yourself. It might feel hard reaching out for help, but support is available.

It's also important to recognise that if you're struggling with money or feeling worried about it, that isn't your fault. Some people might have more advantages when it comes to money than others, but how much money someone has is not a reflection of their value as a person. Also, some people might need to spend more than others just to live, especially young people with disabilities or long-term illnesses. This can feel incredibly frustrating and unfair.

Whatever your circumstances, if you're feeling worried about money or your financial situation, you are not alone. There are some things that you can do to look after your mental health.

Struggling with money is nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about. Having conversations with people you trust will build a support network going forward.

How can money affect my mental health?

Money can have a big impact on your mood, in lots of ways. When you're worried about your finances, it can be hard to think about anything else, and it can start to impact other areas of your life.

Young people have told us that the situations below have affected their mental health:

being worried about making enough money, now or in the future

moving away to university and looking after their money (maybe for the first time)

comparing how much money they have to their friends

not knowing if they can pay their bills

seeing their household or family members struggling financially

overthinking how much they are spending and on what

getting into debt

feeling guilty about spending money on things they enjoy when there are some people who can't

not being able to keep up with friends

young people with disabilities having to spend more money than their friends for their basic needs - if this is something that affects you, Scope have information and advice that can really help

72% of young people

told us they are 'often' or 'always' worried about money, as part of our Big Young People's Survey in 2021.

Tips if you need urgent help with your finances

If you are struggling to pay bills and unsure about things like housing or buying essentials, this can be incredibly stressful. You may feel like you're all alone, but you're not - help is available, and there are people and organisations who can support you.

At YoungMinds, we believe that no young person should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, whether to choose between heating or eating, or where they will sleep that night. We know from speaking to young people that these are real concerns that can have an enormous impact on your physical and mental health.

If you want to take action to change this, here are some organisations that campaign on these subjects:

Crisis - Campaigning to end homelessness for good

Trussell Trust - Campaigning to create a world where nobody needs to rely on food banks

Child Poverty Action Group - Campaigning to end child poverty

Mental health tips if you're worried about money

Although working a full-time job as a 20-year-old girl, the cost-of-living crisis has seriously affected me. I'm constantly counting down the days until payday, extending my overdraft (on multiple occasions), requesting an advance on my pay and occasionally have a second job on the side just to get by.

If you're struggling, you are not alone. Many people are struggling right now, so my advice would be to reach out to someone you trust and not to suffer in silence.

Sophie

Supporting a friend who is struggling with money

It can be really difficult to know how to support a friend whose mental health is being impacted by money. Money can feel like quite a taboo subject and can be uncomfortable to talk about. It can also be hard to know what you can do to help if you've never been in their situation. But even if you don't know what to say or do, showing your friend that you care and that you're there for them can go a long way.

Here are some suggestions on how you can let them know you're supporting them.

Being an active listener is important - let them know that you're there for them and that they can always come to you if they need support.

Direct them to places they can get support - it's important to recognise that you might not always be the best person to help them, especially when it comes to money. But there are lots of organisations out there who can help them, no matter what they're going through. See the bottom of this page for organisations you can direct them to.

Prepare for conversations with them about money - if you'd like to talk to them about what they're going through, Money Helper has some advice on how to start those conversations.

Plan activities where money is not the focus - changing the focus by going for a walk near where they live or hosting a film night at yours, can take some pressure off of them.

Look after yourself - it's important to remember that it's not your responsibility to have all of the answers. For more information and advice on supporting a friend, have a look at our guide to supporting a friend with their mental health.

What to do if your family is struggling financially

When families are under financial pressure, it can often lead to anxiety and arguments between family members. You may feel a responsibility to help out in some way, or blame yourself for the situation. But it's important to remember that it's not your fault.

This might feel like a really difficult time for your family, and it can be really hard if you feel like you want to help but don't know how. However, it's important that you know it's not your responsibility to fix it.

If worrying about your family's situation is having a negative impact on your mental health, don't keep it to yourself. Speak to your family or another person you trust. Whatever you're going through, you're not alone.

Understanding more about managing money

When it comes to money, we all face different challenges. We know that even if you're not struggling to pay your bills, money and finances can be a real source of anxiety. If you're feeling anxious about money, your feelings are valid - whatever your situation. Below are some tips that can help you to feel more in control of your finances:

Places you can go to learn more

Money and finance can sometimes feel very confusing, and not understanding the language can cause anxiety and stress. There might be terms that you haven't heard of before or wouldn't use in other areas of your life. This can feel quite isolating and add to the uncertainty around your money.

If you'd like to find out more, or you have any questions about money, the Citizens Advice Bureau has a lot of information on different topics.

You can also visit the below for more specific advice on money:

Where to get help

You might also find helpful...

Help us improve our content

Whether you love the page or think something is missing, we appreciate your feedback. It all helps us to support more young people with their mental health.

Please be aware that this form isn't a mental health support service. If you are in crisis right now and want to talk to someone urgently, find out who to contact on our urgent help page.

At YoungMinds we take your privacy seriously. If you'd like to read more about how we keep the information we collect safe, take a look at our privacy policy.

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Money And Mental Health | Support For Young People

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Worrying about money can really impact our mental health, but help is available. Find out what support there is and how you can look after yourself.

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A-Z of mental health and wellbeing to help young people with everything from anger and anxiety to low self esteem and stress.

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Money- putting some aside/ Arian - Rhoi rhywfaint o arian heibio

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Money- putting some aside/ Arian - Rhoi rhywfaint o arian heibio

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When you've got started, give your savings a chance to grow faster by spending some time to find the right home for them.

The best home depends on how much time you have to reach your goal, and how much risk you're willing to take:

For a short-term goal (up to five years), you want a saving product such as a savings account, term deposit or a cash ISA.

For a medium-term goal (five to ten years), use a savings product or consider investments, depending on your goals and risk appetite.

For a longer-term goal, consider investments such as shares, bonds or funds that tend to provide protection from inflation over the long term.

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When you've got started, give your savings a chance to grow faster by spending some time to find the right home for them. The best home depends on how much time you have to reach your goal, and how much risk you're willing to take: For a short-term goal (up to five years), you want a saving product such as a savings account, term deposit or a cash ISA.

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Budget Planner - Printable/Cynllunydd Cyllideb - y Gellir ei Argraffu

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Budget Planner - Printable/Cynllunydd Cyllideb - y Gellir ei Argraffu

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There is an app for that!/Mae ’na ap ar gyfer hwnna!

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There is an app for that!/Mae ’na ap ar gyfer hwnna!

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The Money Charity Budget Builder is a free, easy-to-use, interactive tool, available on desktop and mobile, which will help you create your own customised budget and then use it to keep track of your day-to-day spending. You can even use it to set up a simple system for organising your money using different bank accounts. You can save your budget and revisit it across devices as often as you like so that it becomes an essential everyday part of your money management. The Budget Builder does all the calculations for you!

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The Money Charity Budget Builder - Create Your Own Budget

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The Money Charity Budget Builder is a free, easy-to-use, interactive tool, available on desktop and mobile, which will help you create your own customised budget and then use it to keep track of your day-to-day spending. You can even use it to set up a simple system for organising your money using different bank accounts.

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email/ebost- info@childreninwales.org.uk

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The Getting Ready Project provides support for young people to safely transition from care. We aim to empower young people by enhancing their knowledge and understanding of their rights and entitlements when planning to leave care, and we do this through the provision and creation of online resources produced in partnership with care experienced young people. All our resources are bespoke and specific to each local authority, taking into consideration geographical differences and if this is a strategy you feel would support your area then please do get in touch with us.

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If you have been in care at any time in the past and you are aged 17 - 25 years old, you can apply for a grant from The Capstone Care Leavers' Trust.

Even if you have had a leaving care grant, or financial support from any other Local Authority department, you can still apply to the CCLT if you have less money than you need to buy essential household items, or pay for something that will contribute to your educational and personal development, that cannot be funded by any other means.

You can apply more than once, however, you must wait 12 months before re-applying if you have already received a grant from us.

If your application is unsuccessful, you can re-apply if there is a change in your circumstances. You do not have to wait 12 months.

Grants are given for use by the applicant only.
PLEASE NOTE: It is your responsibility to keep us informed of any change to your contact details. Please read below Grants can only be considered where the applicant meets the eligibility criteria and funds are available to meet the request. Please Note: The Capstone Care Leavers Trust (CCLT) is a charity in England and Wales. As such its Trustees are free to make, or refuse grants within its officially registered areas of operation. A refusal is usually made with regret and often with explanation and/or advice. We are prepared to listen if you have got evidence that we have got something wrong. However, the Trustees' decisions, usually communicated through the Manager, are final.
If, after several attempts we are unable to contact you by phone, text or email, any time after you have submitted an application, your application will close.

Any applicant that cannot be contacted, or who does not respond to emails, texts, or voice messages from CCLT within 4 weeks of being informed of a grant being agreed by the Trustees, will unfortunately lose the award, unless an extenstion of time has been previously agreed.

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Eligibility Criteria - Capstone Care Leavers Trust

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If you have been in care at any time in the past and you are aged 17 - 25 years old, you can apply for a grant from The Capstone Care Leavers' Trust.

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Discretionary Assistance Fund/ Cronfa Cymorth Dewisol

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Discretionary Assistance Fund/ Cronfa Cymorth Dewisol

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The Discretionary Assistance Fund provides 2 types of grant that you do not need to pay back.

Emergency Assistance Payment (EAP)

A grant to help pay for essential costs, such as food, gas, electricity, clothing or emergency travel if you:

are experiencing extreme financial hardship

have lost your job

have applied for benefits and are waiting for your first payment

You cannot use it to pay for ongoing bills that you cannot afford to pay.

Individual Assistance Payment (IAP)

A grant to help you or someone you care for live independently in their home or a property that you or they are moving into.

What you can use the grant for

Use the grant to pay for:

a fridge, cooker or washing machine and other 'white goods'

home furniture such as beds, sofas and chairs

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The Discretionary Assistance Fund provides 2 types of grant that you do not need to pay back.

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Use the Turn2us Grants Search to find out which grants you may be eligible for.

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St Davids Day Fund/ Cronfa Dydd Gwyl Dewi

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St Davids Day Fund/ Cronfa Dydd Gwyl Dewi

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The St David's Day fund is money that you can ask for to help with your health and wellbeing, development and independence.

It isn't instead of other money you can get, it is extra support and does not have be paid back.

What can you use the money for?

You can use it for things like equipment to help you learn, taking part in activities or enjoying a hobby, or furniture for your home.

Who can get the money?

There are some rules about who the local authority can give the money to but it includes young people in lots of different situations, like:

young people looked after aged 16 or 17

care leavers under 18

care leavers aged 18 or over

young people who have left care but get back in touch with the local authority because they want to go back to education or training

young people who left care under a Special Guardianship Order

young people aged between 21-24 who are not in education or training but need help with money to live on their own

Make sure you ask

Ask your social worker or personal advisor for information about how the St David's Day fund works in your Local Authority and whether in your situation you can apply.

Don't miss out by not asking!

Things to ask

Ask your social worker or personal advisor what you can apply for, if they can give you examples of how others have used it and whether there is anything you cannot use it for.

You might also want to ask if they have any written information about it that you can take away to read, or if they can send you a link to online information.

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St David's Day fund - Children's Commissioner for Wales

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The St David's Day fund is money that you can ask for to help with your health and wellbeing, development and independence. It isn't instead of other money you can get, it is extra support and does not have be paid back.

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You can get extra help to find work through the DWP Youth Offer if you are:

While you are on the Youth Offer, you will continue to receive Universal Credit in line with the agreements made in your Claimant Commitment.

The Youth Offer has 3 different types of support:

Youth Employment Programme

Youth Hubs

Youth Employability Coaches

You will agree the best option for you with your work coach at the start of your claim or later as your work coach gets to know you.

Youth Employment Programme

The aim of the Youth Employment Programme is to help prepare you for work, increase your chances of moving into a job and refer you to the most appropriate support. This could include:

The programme lasts for 13 weeks and you will work with your work coach at jobcentre.

Employment and Skills review

Following your Claimant Commitment meeting, you will have an employment and skills review with your work coach. At the review, you will

discuss your skills and the types of job you would like to do

identify any work-related training you need

get support to develop and improve your CV, covering letter, interview skills and job search activities

Work search reviews

During your time on the Youth Employment Programme, you will have reviews with your work coach by phone, face to face or online for continued support and coaching.

You will get support to meet your individual needs and deal with any personal barriers to work you may have. Your work coach may refer you to other local support and local job opportunities, for example:

DWP Youth Hubs

Your work coach may refer you to extra support for up to 6 months from a Youth Hub work coach.

Youth Hubs are located with other organisations to provide access to more services in one location. They support you looking for work by helping you develop your skills and other activities such as writing a CV and interview skills.

DWP is opening Youth Hubs in England, Scotland and Wales.

Some Youth Hubs offer a drop-in service for all young people who need support to find work, including those not claiming Universal Credit.

Contact your local jobcentre to find your nearest Youth Hub.

Youth Employability Coaches

Your work coach may refer you to a Youth Employability Coach if you have complex needs or other barriers stopping you finding a job. They are based in jobcentres and provide support for up to 6 months to help you move into work.

They can also provide 6 weeks support while you are in work when you have started a job.

Travel and childcare costs

If you attend training or work experience, you may be able to claim travel and childcare costs. Speak with your work coach about this.

Help finding work online

The jobhelp website has information on looking for jobs, help with CV's, applications and interview support. It includes links to some national recruitment exercises and information to help people aged under 25 find work.

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Help to find work for Universal Credit claimants aged 18 to 24

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You can get extra help to find work through the DWP Youth Offer if you are: While you are on the Youth Offer, you will continue to receive Universal Credit in line with the agreements made in your Claimant Commitment.

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Council Tax exemption/ Eithriad i’r Dreth Gyngor

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Council Tax exemption/ Eithriad i’r Dreth Gyngor

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The plan to take forward regulations to exempt care leavers under 25 from paying council tax is set out as responses to a consultation with local authorities, voluntary organisations, taxpayers and care leavers themselves are published.

The feedback to the consultation has been very positive, with 91% of respondents supporting the proposal to provide this additional help to care leavers and 80% agreeing the exemption should be extended to the age of 25.

The principle of exempting care leavers from paying council tax has been widely accepted for some time, but the level of support available to care leavers across Wales has been inconsistent.

The new legislation is the latest in a series of measures designed to make council tax fairer in Wales - a key Welsh Government commitment.

Finance Minister Rebecca Evans said:

"I am keen the Welsh Government and local authorities do everything possible to support care leavers and support their successful transition into adulthood and independent living.

"Today's announcement is another positive step in our pledge to make council tax fairer and I want to thank everyone who took part in the consultation."

As council tax bills start to arrive through the letterboxes of homes across Wales, the Finance Minister is urging people to check if they are entitled to help paying their bill.

The minister added:

"There are many discounts, reductions and exemptions available and I would encourage everyone to check the Welsh Government website to see if they could be paying less council tax."

More information about the support on GOV.WALES
The regulations to exempt care leavers from paying council tax will be laid before the National Assembly in early March.

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Young care leavers to be exempt from paying council tax

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New legislation to exempt care leavers from paying council tax will come into force from 1 April 2019, Finance Minister Rebecca Evans announced today.

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Voices from Care Cymru/ Lleisiau o Ofal Cymru

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Voices from Care Cymru/ Lleisiau o Ofal Cymru

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email/ ebost

info@vfcc.org.uk

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Getting Ready - independent 1-2-1 support for housing transition.

Have you seen our flyers out there anywhere?...

Some official chat....

Getting Ready is a new and exciting project, delivered by Voices from Care Cymru with Children in Wales and supported by funding through the Welsh Government 'Suitable Provision and Support Innovation Fund - Homelessness Prevention Grant' 2019-20.

One of the funds aims is to increase the housing support available to vulnerable young people who are transitioning from local authority care
Aims and Purpose
The Getting Ready project will complement the current Welsh Government "When I'm Ready" scheme, providing a more intensive intervention which seeks to echo the support and guidance that non-looked after young people receive within a family setting. This will seek to address some of the inequalities faced by the care-experienced population when transitioning from care.

Our overall aims are:

To provide support for young people to safely transition from care (including considerations around delaying leaving care and reducing the risk of homelessness and housing instability)

To facilitate wraparound community support, which is more sustainable in the long-term and does not rely on future funding to deliver positive results

To empower young people by enhancing their knowledge and understanding of their rights and entitlements when planning to leave care

To build the capacity of young people to advocate for change

To build resilience and mechanisms which keep young people safe from homelessness and related risk, enhancing their overall wellbeing

To contribute to the fund's aim of preventing homelessness and achieving housing stability amongst care leavers

To involve young people in the planning, delivery and evaluation of the project

The purpose of this funding is to deliver the Getting Ready project in 3 local authority areas in Wales - Ynys Mon, Carmarthenshire and Rhondda Cynon Taff to young people leaving care.

The project will provide a three-tiered support model for those young people transitioning from care; individual support, peer support, community support. This will include

Facilitating wrap-around community support

Enhancing young people's knowledge on their rights and entitlements when planning to leave care, including enhancing their financial capabilities.

Providing support and training to enable them to live independently

Establish employment and education circumstances and collaboratively develop a plan to ensure work, training and/or education is not disrupted by their transition from care.

Our partnership
Voices from Care Cymru (lead) employ a Getting Ready Project Coordinator and 3 Getting Ready Project Workers to ensure each young person has an allocated designated worker who will work with them, review their progress on a monthly basis and will work with their social worker to provide consistent additional support and advice.

Children in Wales (partner) employ a Development Officer (Getting Ready Project) who will develop a suite of resources with young people and professionals, and deliver these resources to young people engaged through the Project.

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Have you seen our flyers out there anywhere?... Some official chat.... Getting Ready is a new and exciting project, delivered by Voices from Care Cymru with Children in Wales and supported by funding through the Welsh Government 'Suitable Provision and Support Innovation Fund - Homelessness Prevention Grant' 2019-20.

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Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

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Use the Turn2us Benefits Calculator to find out which welfare benefits you may be entitled to.

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Get help applying for Universal Credit/ Cael help i wneud cais am Gredyd Cynhwysol

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Get help applying for Universal Credit/ Cael help i wneud cais am Gredyd Cynhwysol

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Every local Citizens Advice is now closed - you can't get face to face advice.

You can still get help by calling our national phone line or by talking to an adviser online.

Our Help to Claim service

Our Help to Claim service can support you in the early stages of your Universal Credit claim, from the application, through to your first payment.

Help to Claim is a dedicated service from Citizens Advice. It's free, independent, confidential and impartial. Our trained advisers can help with things like how to gather evidence for your application or how to prepare for your first Jobcentre appointment.

You can read our online advice on Universal Credit at any time.

Call our national phone line

You can contact an adviser through our free national Help to Claim phone service:

England: 0800 144 8 444

England textphone: 18001 0800 144 8 444

Wales: 08000 241 220

Wales textphone: 18001 08000 241 220

Scotland: 0800 023 2581

Advisers are available 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Call the Wales number if you'd like to speak to an Welsh language adviser.

Ask for a translator if you need to get advice in a different language. An adviser can use a translation service to speak to you in your chosen language.

If you need a British Sign Language interpreter, call the textphone number. An adviser can arrange for an interpreter to translate for you over a video call.

Talk to us online

Chat lets you talk to a trained adviser online about your Universal Credit application process. Chat is usually available 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. It's not available on public holidays. If no advisers are available we'll remove the chat button from this page.

If you want to chat to an adviser about any other issue, you can talk to us on our main chat page.

To connect you to the right adviser, we'll ask you for a few details, including your postcode. Read our privacy policy to find out how we store and use your personal information.

Some 'ad blocker' software can stop chat working. If you use an ad blocker, make sure to add 'citizensadvice.org.uk' as a trusted site.

Find your nearest Citizens Advice

Enter your postcode or town to get contact details and opening hours for your nearest Citizens Advice.

Complain about the Help to Claim service

You can use our complaints procedure if you want to complain about our Help to Claim service.

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Every local Citizens Advice is now closed - you can't get face to face advice. You can still get help by calling our national phone line or by talking to an adviser online. Our Help to Claim service can support you in the early stages of your Universal Credit claim, from the application, through to your first payment.

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What is Universal Credit?/ Beth yw Credyd Cynhwysol?

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What is Universal Credit?/ Beth yw Credyd Cynhwysol?

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Skip to main content

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Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It's paid monthly - or twice a month for some people in Scotland.

You may be able to get it if you're on a low income, out of work or you cannot work.

If you live in Northern Ireland, go to Universal Credit in Northern Ireland.

Sign in

Sign in to your Universal Credit account if you already have one.

If you already get other benefits

Universal Credit is replacing the following benefits and tax credits:

Child Tax Credit

Housing Benefit

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)

income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Working Tax Credit

If you're getting any of these benefits or tax credits, you do not need to do anything unless either:

your circumstances change

you get a letter called a 'Migration Notice' telling you that you must claim Universal Credit

You'll stop getting these benefits and tax credits when you or your partner claims Universal Credit. If you or your partner gets Pension Credit, this will also stop if one of you claims Universal Credit.

This will not affect any other benefits you're getting, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Carer's Allowance.

You can read more about how tax credits and Universal Credit affect each other.

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Universal Credit is replacing 6 other benefits with a single monthly payment if you're out of work or on a low income - eligibility, how to prepare.

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Spotting the signs

Below are a number of signs that may help someone to recognise financial exploitation:

Job adverts - Often criminals will share a job advert on social media that may include phrases like 'easy money' or 'no experience necessary'. Some of these adverts may also be accompanied by images of lots of cash. If the advert sounds too good to be true, then it usually is.

Lots of spelling errors - A genuine job advert will rarely have spelling errors, so lots of spelling mistakes can also be a sign this is not legitimate.

Messages through social media - Private messages asking if someone wants to make quick cash or easy money. If someone suspects an account on social media is acting suspiciously, they can report it and block that account.

Asking to share bank details - information about your PIN should not be shared.

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Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to combat Child Financial Exploitation (CFE) as a professional. Discover expert insights, prevention strategies, and resources to protect children's financial security. Join us at Crimestoppers UK in the fight against CFE and for a safer future for children.

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Financial abuse is a form of domestic abuse and is a way of having power over you. It involves someone else controlling your spending or access to cash, assets and finances. This can leave you feeling isolated, lacking in confidence and trapped.

Sometimes (but not always) financial abuse will be recognised by the police as coercive or controlling behaviour, which is also a criminal offence.

You do not have to be living with the person for the coercive or controlling behaviour offence to apply. Financial abuse can continue, or even start, after separation.

Financial abuse can take different forms and can happen to anyone of any age. Abusers can be partners, ex-partners, family members or others, such as carers.

Financial abuse is often part of wider economic abuse.

Economic abuse can include:

stopping you from going to work, college or university,

causing you to lose out on benefits by not letting you go to appointments at the Jobcentre or apply for jobs, and

controlling your access to essential things, such as food, clothing or transport.

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Financial abuse: spotting the signs and leaving safely

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If your partner, family member, carer or anybody else is controlling your financial affairs, then this is financial abuse. This guide explains the help and support that is available.

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Financial exploitation can happen to any child, from any background. It takes many forms, including exploitation within families and care placements as well as outside the home. A growing concern across the country involves criminals approaching children and young people online through gaming and social media platforms, and in places like shops and cashpoints with offers of quick cash and fake job opportunities, only to use and control their bank accounts to commit fraud and launder money from organised crime.

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Criminals are approaching young people on and offline to use them to control their bank accounts to commit fraud and launder money from organised crime.

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Free, impartial advice on protecting yourself online from Get Safe Online. Learn about passwords, oversharing, online gambling and cyberbullying.

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You can report fraud or cybercrime to Action Fraud any time of the day or night using our online reporting tool. Reporting online is quick and easy. The tool will guide you through simple questions to identify what has happened and our advisors are available twenty four hours to give you help and advice if you need it.

When reporting online you will be given the option to register, login to an existing account or continue as a guest.
By registering you will be able to:

Save and resume a partially completed report

Track progress of your report

Add information to your report

Call us to discuss your report

Receive an update by email

If you continue as a guest you will only be able to receive updates by email or post.

You can also report to us by calling 0300 123 2040 Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm. If you are calling from abroad please call +44 300 123 2040.
Reporting fraud to other organisations
If your report relates to any of the below, please follow the links to report it to the correct organisation.
Reporting a live cyber attack 24/7
If you are a business, charity or other organisation which is currently suffering a live cyber attack (in progress), please call 0300 123 2040 immediately. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please note, if you are member of the public you must call to report through our core opening hours.
What we do with your data after you report
We are aware of how important it is to you that we keep your data safe, so when you make a report we have standard protocols for handling and sharing your data.
Reporting a cybersecurity incident
When you suffer a cyber-attack, or a related cybersecurity incident and you are a business, you might need to report it to the Information Commissioner's office (ICO). Under the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules, from the 25th May 2018 it is mandatory that you also report data breaches to the ICO within 72 hours.

For information on how and when to report a cybersecurity incident to the ICO
Textphone
If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can contact us on textphone 0300 123 2050.

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Reporting fraud and cyber crime | Action Fraud

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You can report fraud or cybercrime to Action Fraud any time of the day or night using our online reporting tool. Reporting online is quick and easy. The tool will guide you through simple questions to identify what has happened and our advisors are available twenty four hours to give you help and advice if you need it.

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If you are under 18, report online sexual abuse to one of our Child Protection Advisors at the CEOP Safety Centre.
Report now
If you're over 18, call 101 to speak to your local police.

If you're ever in immediate harm or danger:

Call the police on 999 straight away

Tell an adult you trust who will be able to support you through a difficult time

The Mix is a charity that provides free information and support for under 25s.
www.themix.org.uk
Use their crisis messenger by texting THEMIX to 85258.

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Information and advice for young people aged 11 to 18 about sex, relationships and the internet from CEOP Education at the National Crime Agency.

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We can run group workshops for young people or foster carers on any of the topic areas covered in our resources.

For more information contact the Development Officer, Children in Wales. gettingready@childreninwales.org.uk

Gallwn ni gynnal gweithdai grŵp i bobl ifanc neu ofalwyr maeth ar unrhyw rai o’r meysydd pwnc sy’n cael sylw yn ein hadnoddau.

I gael rhagor o wybodaeth, cysylltwch â Swyddog Datblygu, Plant yng Nghymru. gettingready@childreninwales.org.uk

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About loan sharks
Reporting a problem to Trading Standards
Trading Standards deal with complex consumer problems and potential criminal activities.

If you want to report a problem to Trading Standards, you should contact the Citizens Advice consumer service, who share information reported to them with Trading Standards.

This information tells you about illegal lending and what to do if you have borrowed from a loan shark.

What is a loan shark

A money lender has to be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to lend money legally. Money lenders who aren't authorised by the FCA are breaking the law. They are known as loan sharks.

Loan sharks often work from home, charge very high rates of interest and don't give you much paperwork to confirm the arrangements they've made with you. A loan shark usually has lots of customers and lends money like a business, but their lending is illegal.

Loan sharks often take other illegal action to collect the money they've lent you, such as threatening violence or taking away your credit cards or valuables. In extreme cases, they've been known to force non-payers into prostitution and drug dealing.

If you're threatened by someone who lends you money

If someone who has lent you money threatens you or is violent, contact the police straight away.

Do this even if it's an informal loan from someone you know, such as a friend or family member.

Borrowing from friends or family

Not all lending needs to be authorised by the FCA - for example, informal, one-off loans between friends or family aren't against the law. If you're not sure if a loan needs to be authorised by the FCA, get help from your nearest Citizens Advice.

Even if a loan is informal, anyone who lends you money can't do anything illegal when they collect it, such as harassing you.

Checking a lender is authorised

If you borrowed money from someone who isn't FCA authorised, you haven't broken the law, they have.

You can find out whether a money lender is authorised by checking the register on the FCA website at www.fca.org.uk.

What to do if you owe money to a loan shark

In England, if you think a money lender is operating without being FCA authorised, you can speak in confidence to the Illegal Money Lending Hotline on 0300 555 2222. You can also email the Illegal Money Lending Team at reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk or text loan shark and your message to 60003.

In Scotland, you can speak in confidence to the national Trading Standards Scotland team to report an illegal money lender on 0800 074 0878, or report it online to them at www.tsscot.co.uk.

In Wales, you can report concerns about a money lender to the Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit which operates a 24 hour confidential helpline on: 0300 123 33 11.

In Northern Ireland you can contact the Trading Standards Consumerline, telephone 0300 123 6262.

The advisers can give you advice about your situation. The information you provide helps them to take action to stop illegal money lending.

You can find more information about loan sharks and reporting them on the GOV.UK website at www.gov.uk.

If you are in debt or you are thinking about borrowing from a loan shark, get advice first, for example, at a Citizens Advice Bureau. To search for details of your nearest CAB, including those that can give advice by email, click nearest CAB.

Further help and information

For more information about different ways of borrowing money and getting credit including dealing with loan sharks, see Types of borrowing.

You may also find the following information helpful:

The Money Advice Service

The Money Advice Service is a free, independent service. Their website ( www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk) has lots of useful information about borrowing and managing your money.

Go to their website for more information about:

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Reporting a problem to Trading Standards Trading Standards deal with complex consumer problems and potential criminal activities. If you want to report a problem to Trading Standards, you should contact the Citizens Advice consumer service, who share information reported to them with Trading Standards.

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Personal Advisor/ Ymgynghorydd Personol

Speak to your Personal Advisor about completing an accredited learning module in topics such as:

Budgeting and Planning Finances

Independent Living Skills

Siarad â'th Gynghorydd Personol ynglŷn â

chwblhau modiwl dysgu wedi'i achredu fel:

Cyllidebu a Chynllunio Materion Ariannol

Sgiliau Byw’n Annibynnol

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MyBnk's My Moneycast - Episode 9: Budgeting

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Tools you can use/ Offer mae modd eu defnyddio

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Tools you can use/ Offer mae modd eu defnyddio

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Budget Planner | Free online budget planning tool | MoneyHelper

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Discover our free online MoneyHelper Budget Planner calculator to gain a better understanding of your money coming in and out, and how to improve your finances.

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Learn how deep breathing exercises can help you manage stress and support your heart health. We also break down three simple techniques, step-by-step.

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The app that lets customers rescue unsold food from shops and restaurants to save it from going to waste. Try it today.

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Find the cheapest groceries, save money on your shopping and see the best prices. Available exclusively in our app.

Community of 1M+ deal hunters

Save money on your grocery shopping by finding the cheapest prices.

ASDA, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Iceland, Waitrose, Ocado and Morrison's.

Compare prices at every supermarket, including by size and product. .

Supermarket Price Comparison

The UK's #1 Supermarket Price Comparison App

Our free app has been crowned the #1 tool by Express, and also featured in Daily Mail and App of The Week by The Sun. It is the best alternative to MySupermarket.

Not just to check supermarket prices...

Latest Deals is a community of over 1 million deal hunters who share the best deals they've found from big retailers such as Amazon, Tesco and John Lewis to small independents too.

Vouchers, Freebies, Competitions...

As well as deals, our community shares vouchers, freebies and competitions too! Shared and voted on by members of the public, you can easily find the best, genuine offers

The app is completely free. There are no subscriptions, no add-ons, no nasty surprises. Try it today.

Is the App Free?

Yes. Latest Deals is a free app. There are no subscription fees, no install fees, no nasty surprises. We created the grocery comparison to help people get low price shopping. There used to be another tool called MySupermarket, but that closed down. So we made this tool as a free MySupermarket alternative.

Which supermarkets do you compare?

We're currently focused on the big supermarkets that offer home delivery: Sainsburys, Waitrose & Partners, Ocado, Tesco, Morrisons, Iceland and Asda. We hope to add Lidl and Aldi soon. Perhaps in the future we'll look to add support for Co-Op, Boots and Amazon so you can compare prices across even more stores.

How does it compare to MySupermarket?

Sadly MySupermarket shut down recently which inspired us to create this MySupermarket alternative. Our Supermarket Price Comparison app doesn't have all the bells and whistles MySupermarket had (yet!). Instead, we've focusing on the core functionality: making it easy to compare the price of a specific product across supermarkets. Watch this space though as we'll look to add price history, price drop alerts and special offers in the app soon.

Why did MySupermarket shutdown?

MySupermarket closed it's website on 1st March 2020, stating that they wanted to focus their activity on other business areas. This was a huge shame for a lot of shoppers who relied on the website to easily compare their weekly shop. The ability to compare a full shopping basket across supermarkets was a much loved feature.

Is this an alternative to Comparasaurus?

The Comparasaurus app on iOS and Android also allows you to compare prices in different supermarkets. Here are some of the ways the Latest Deals app is different:

The Latest Deals app automatically groups the same products together so you can easily compare the price across different supermarkets.

Whilst Comparasaurus shows the price of each product, we go a step further and include the price per kg/ml so that you can easily work out the cheapest way to buy what you're after.

We show the online stock of every product so you can quickly see if it's available to purchase.

Help, I Have The App But Can't Find the Tool to Compare Supermarket Prices

Latest Deals is not just a grocery price comparison app. It also features low price online shopping sites, price check, and online mobile shopping with discount codes too. So when you open the app, you may not spot how to look for cheap food online. Open the app, tap the 'Search' icon (top-right), and then 'Supermarket Price Comparison'.

What Else Does the App Do?

Latest Deals is more than a grocery shopping price comparison app. It can also help you find the best deals for online shopping, shopping offers today, and shopping with the best discounts. We search for the best deals, voucher codes, freebies and coupons for every shop - not just supermarkets. So not only can you save on your food shopping, you can also save on all your online shopping too.

Who Created the Latest Deals App?

Latest Deals is created by three: Kelsey, Deepak and Tom. It was founded in 2016. We felt it was too difficult to find cheap groceries and wanted to make a kind of price comparison website, but with a difference: One with a community. Latest Deals has over 1 million members. People just like you trying to compare store prices. We help each other by sharing information: I found a great deal over here! Together, we're the ultimate lowest price finder or price comparison engine or whatever you want to call it! Ultimately the goal is simple: help each other save money. This app and the supermarket comparison tool is your door to the community.

🛒 How do I compare Asda, Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsburys & More?

You can compare supermarket prices at over 7 different supermarkets using our app. Get it here.

🛍 Is there an alternative to MySupermarket?

Yes! Our app lets you easily compare prices at all the big supermarkets. Download it here.

💵 ‍ What's the cheapest Supermarket?

The cheapest supermarket changes all the time. It's best to check specific products and then work out where to shop.

🙋‍♀️ How can I reduce my grocery bill?

Our price comparison app is a great way to start!

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Supermarket Price Comparison App - Compare Products Across the Big Supermarkets

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Find the cheapest groceries, save money on your shopping and see the best prices. Available exclusively in our app. Community of 1M+ deal hunters Save money on your grocery shopping by finding the cheapest prices. ASDA, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Iceland, Waitrose, Ocado and Morrison's. Compare prices at every supermarket, including by size and product.

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New study by Which? crunched the numbers on which supermarket offers the best bang for your buck, with Aldi coming out top.

A significant portion of the money we spend each month goes to our chosen supermarkets.

This has jumped in recent months too, as a result of the lockdown, with Brits attempting to keep fridges and freezers stocked while making fewer trips to the shops.

As a result, finding the best value for money when heading out for your food shopping has rarely been more important.

So which supermarket is cheapest? Are you better off heading to one of the deep discounters which are becoming more popular within the UK?

The latest supermarket study from consumer champion Which? certainly suggests so.

How are supermarkets judged?

The shopper team at Which? tracks the prices of 32 items across a month.

The shopping list brings together the combination of branded items, like Nutella Hazelnut Chocolate Spread and Yorkshire Tea, with own-label items like pasta, lettuce and milk.

Obviously, these are not identical between different stores, so the Which? team breaks down the data on things like weight and relative quality so that they can be more easily compared.

The average price of this shopping list is then calculated, ignoring special offers but not multibuys, across the month.

It then adds a further 71 items for its 'larger trolley' analysis of the big supermarkets, which include a greater number of branded items ‒ such as Branston baked beans and Flash cleaning spray ‒ which it says aren't typically available all year from the deep discounters, hence their exclusion from this second table.

Comparing shopping baskets

Here's how the different supermarkets measure up for the smaller shopping trolley of 32 items according to the Which? study for October.

As you can see, there's a significant difference depending on which supermarket you visit, with a bill of an extra £17 if you head to Waitrose rather than Aldi.

Now for the bigger shopping trolley, filled with a whopping 103 items.

Interestingly, Which? noted that it was not able to include as many items as usual in its mega-trolley this month as a result of there being fewer Ocado-branded products for sale, which it suggested was down to the firm focusing more on M&S-branded items, which it started selling back in September.

Turning away from the big supermarkets

Data from Kantar Worldpanel on the market share of the nation's various supermarkets demonstrates the way that shoppers are gradually turning away from the big names, in preference for smaller challengers which may be kinder on their bank balance, without needing to compromise on quality.

The bigger names have seen their market share drop since the start of 2019.

Tesco, for example, has experienced a drop from 27.7% to 26.9%, while similar drops have taken place for the likes of Sainsbury's (15.9% to 14.9%) Asda (15.3% to 14.4%) and Morrisons (10.6% to 10.1%).

By contrast, Aldi has seen its market share grow from 7.5% to 8%, while Lidl's has increased from 5.3% to 6.1% over the same period.

It isn't just a question of price either, with Ocado's market share growing from 1.2% to 1.8% too.

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Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda: which is the cheapest UK supermarket?

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A significant portion of the money we spend each month goes to our chosen supermarkets. This has jumped in recent months too, as a result of the lockdown, with Brits attempting to keep fridges and freezers stocked while making fewer trips to the shops.

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SCIENTISTS have revealed the secret to bagging the best yellow sticker discounts at supermarkets.

University researchers have published a report on the best tactics, times and strategies that top money savers use to pick up heavily reduced items from shelves.

They found shoppers who get the best bargains:

"Wait around" in the aisles for reductions - One shopper revealed they check the expiry dates of items such as cream cakes and then wait for a staff member to reach them with the yellow sticker gun so they can grab them straight from the reduction trolley.

Are competitive - One shopper told the researchers that she loitered by a supermarket worker printing off yellow stickers for raspberries which were reduced from £3 to 25p each for a 150g punnet. She got there before another couple and managed to pick up 15 punnets, compared to the couple who only bagged four.

Use trolleys as weapons - The report claims "shoppers are described as 'sharks' who use their 'trolleys as weapons' to prevent others from reaching reductions."

Follow staff reducing items around the supermarket - Shoppers who regularly pick up yellow sticker items say they "stalk" reducers.

Schedule shopping trips for when items will be reduced - The research found there is no universally good time for picking up reduced items, but that "final reduction usually takes place sometime in the afternoon or evening". The report said that shoppers who researched to find out when items are reduced in their local supermarkets had better luck with bargains. Shoppers said they did this by observing reducers day-to-day or by simply asking a member of staff.

Can create recipes based on their reduced buys - You don't just need to be a good bargain hunter to bag the best yellow sticker items. The research found that you need to think like the TV show "Ready, Steady Cook" and come up with ideas for "what can be 'done' or made with the item". It says the best savvy shoppers will have "food, its storage and preparation and cooking and recipe knowledge". The report adds: "Competent yellow-sticker shopping depends on 'using' what is purchased."

Look in the baskets of other shoppers - Look in the baskets or trolleys of other shoppers to check for yellow-sticker items you may have missed.

Look in random chiller cabinets and end-of-aisle shelves - Yellow sticker food may not be in the right aisles so signs won't tell you where to look. They also won't be promoted. Shoppers say they often find reduced items at random in chilled cabinets or at the end of an aisle.

The research led by Leeds Beckett University's Leeds Business School was published in the academic journal Area.

To find out the best ways of shopping for yellow sticker items, a team of three researchers analysed 968 posts on MoneySavingExpert.com from 326 contributors between March 2013 and July 2016.

Sarah Kelsey, senior lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, who led the research, said: "The findings from our paper reveal just how competent, creative and skilful yellow-sticker shoppers are in negotiating the unconventional rhythms of the supermarket and the unpredictable products available and in putting them to use within the home."

Calling on supermarkets to make yellow sticker shopping more accessible, she added: "Retailers are aware there are many shoppers that are interested in purchasing perishable short-dated food, but this facet of food retailing is not the most visually attractive.

When does your supermarket start reducing prices?

YELLOW sticker discounts allow shoppers to nab a bargain, often stocking up on more expensive items like meat and fish.

MoneySavingExpert has put together a list of reduction times per store, although it does vary depending on the location of the supermarket. As a rough guide, the first yellow stickers tend to appear mid-morning, and silly-price reductions begin early evening, when stores cut prices by 75 per cent and more. Here's where it thinks you can spot a bargain, store-by-store:

Asda - Reductions start around 7pm and most have gone by 9pm.

Co-op - Varies by store. Expect 50 per cent discount around 5pm, then 75 per cent by 8pm.

M&S Food - Final reductions at 6.30pm in stores that close at 7pm and 8pm at stores that close at 9pm. Some items are marked down due to sell-by date after lunchtime rush.

Morrisons - Reductions start late morning or lunchtime.

Sainsbury's - Some stores start at 1.30pm, others don't start until 7pm. Dependent on store location and opening times.

Tesco - No hard and fast rule. Some big stores start reductions at 8am, others don't start until early evening.

Aldi - All items are reduced - to 50 per cent of recommend sales price - before stores open on their best before or use by dates.

Lidl - Not enough info to say

Waitrose - Dependent on store but usually just before closing time, according to shoppers.

"This is perhaps why supermarkets 'hide' this aspect of their operations in dark corners of the store or disperse the activity across the shop floor."

She said supermarkets could do more to promote yellow sticker food to make it easier to find and buy in stores.

The researchers now plan to find out how shoppers use yellow sticker food at home, including how they meal plan, store food, cook the items and if they waste anything.

They are looking for shoppers, reducers and supermarkets to take part in their study. To get involved, email Ms Kelsey at s.kelsey@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.

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We've put together a guide to bagging reduced item discounts at Lidl, Aldi and B&M.

Last month we revealed how a dad-of-one saves £1,000 a year on supermarket shops by bagging free food.

Meanwhile, one shopper shared a snap of a huge haul of food which cost her just £3.21.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Money team? Email us at money@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 78 24516. Don't forget to join the Sun Money's Facebook group for the latest bargains and money-saving advice.

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The secret to getting best yellow sticker discounts at supermarkets, according to science

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SCIENTISTS have revealed the secret to bagging the best yellow sticker discounts at supermarkets. University researchers have published a report on the best tactics, times and strategies that top money savers use to pick up heavily reduced items from shelves.