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Main page for health and wellbeing. Get advice on healthy eating, sexual health and infectious diseases. Find out our health and wellbeing strategy.

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Resource Board for Those Seeking Sanctuary

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Resource Board for Those Seeking Sanctuary

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Financial abuse: spotting the signs and leaving safely

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Financial abuse: spotting the signs and leaving safely

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Useful information and resources from the Money and Pensions Service

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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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Find a number of free courses to improve your English, Maths, Digital Skills and lots more

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The majority of our courses are now back in the classroom. Course descriptions in the panel above will indicate if course delivery is to be online or face to face.

Face to face courses will operate in line with current COVID-19 guidance.

To access courses online in your own home you should own a device on which you can access an internet connection.

Our adult community learning service provides more than 100 free courses, enrolling over 750 eligible learners, in 40 locations a year.

We offer opportunities for residents to gain new skills in subjects like health and wellbeing, maths, English and IT, or to help them prepare to return to work.

What should I do next?

You may want to enrol on a course to help you return to work or improve your skills. Perhaps you want to gain some confidence or maybe you just want to be able to help your child with maths and english.

We can offer you impartial advice about getting back into learning. We can also provide information about all learning opportunities across Swindon including the local colleges and other training providers. We can help you find the right next step.

You can also contact the National Careers Service, who offer impartial advice on careers, skills and the labour market in England

Skills toolkit

Help keep your mind healthy by learning something new using The Skills Toolkit from the Government website. Find easy to access, high quality digital and numeracy courses you can do whilst you're at home and build up your skills today.

Volunteering opportunities

The Adult Community Learning Team are keen to recruit local residents as volunteers to help our tutors and learners within the classroom and learning groups. To get involved or to find out more, contact us using the details below.

For other volunteering opportunities, visit Volunteer Centre Swindon.

Most recent Ofsted report

We were judged by OFSTED to be a 'Good' provider of Adult Community Learning in our recent inspection. The full report, published in May 2020, can be found on the Ofsted website.

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The majority of our courses are now back in the classroom. Course descriptions in the panel above will indicate if course delivery is to be online or face to face. Face to face courses will operate in line with current COVID-19 guidance.

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Swindon Libraries and Information Service

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Swindon Libraries and Information Service

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Homepage for Swindon libraries, including links to all pages in section. Join the library, search the catalogue, make renewals and reservations, and find your local library opening times.

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Website to visit if you are experiencing or supporting someone experiencing economic abuse

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Surviving Economic Abuse: Transforming responses to economic abuse

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Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) is the only UK charity dedicated to raising awareness of and transforming responses to economic abuse.

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Careers advice - job profiles, information and resources | National Careers Service

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The National Careers Service can help you with your career, learning and training choices. Find out more about us and the different ways we can support you. This service is available to people who live in England.

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For those who want to build confidence and get back into the workplace. CV writing, confidence building and finding what you really want to do.

Have you thought about a career in childcare? Explore your options and what opportunities may be available to get you the career you want.

Improve basic English reading and writing skills. Suitable for those with little or no English skills. Will build confidence to progress either onto further courses or into work.

Struggle with computers and the internet? Covers the basics: using email, internet searches, wordprocessing. Suitable for complete beginners.

Covers the basics of how to create and build your own website. Looking at areas such as web design, coding, uploading amongst other things.

Is your smartphone confusing you? Are you unsure how to make use of its many features? This course will help you understand your phone, troubleshoot problems and use some of its most popular features and apps.

Want to feel and look confident, think positively and be in control out of your comfort zone? Want to get people to listen to you? This confidence course will show you how.

This workshop will inspire you to create and make exciting items such as bags, jewellery, ornaments etc using only recycled and secondhand materials.

Want a career in the Customer Service Industry? What skills do I need? Where can I work? Where do I start? This course will answer these questions and more.

Suitable for anyone who is thinking about setting up a small new business or becoming self-employed.

Would you like to learn the basic techniques involved with manicure and nail design? Covers areas such as filing, shaping, polishing etc.

Learn the basic techniques of this relaxing treatment and how to safely perform a head massage to help relieve stress and pressure of everyday life.

For anyone looking at returning to work after a break or thinking of starting a new career. This course will offer an insight into what employers are looking for and how you can deal with the basics of life in the workplace.

Covers the essential principles around E&D within the workplace. Such as legislation, discrimination and your own responsibilities in respect of Equality and Diversity.

Looks at the support available to help your personal and family finances.

Wednesdays. No Booking Necessary. Get help with your CV, accessing Universal Job match and completing application forms. The ALC Job Club can help you.

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For those who want to build confidence and get back into the workplace. CV writing, confidence building and finding what you really want to do. Have you thought about a career in childcare? Explore your options and what opportunities may be available to get you the career you want.

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Surviving Economic Abuse- Grants, Benefits and Financial Support

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Surviving Economic Abuse- Grants, Benefits and Financial Support

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Certain industries and workplaces have charities or schemes that provide financial assistance to workers in need. Your workplace may also have a scheme, even if it is not listed here.
Bank Workers Charity
Economic abuse can happen to anyone, including bank employees. The Bank Workers Charity advocate for the health and wellbeing of current and former bank employees, and can provide financial support and legal advice for workers. They may be able to help with living expenses in the short term, disability aids, respite breaks for carers, transport costs and more.
B&CE Charitable Trust
Provides help if you currently work in construction or if you've done so previously. They can help with homelessness, rent in advance, arrears, essential utility arrears (gas, electricity, water, oil and council tax), funeral costs and support towards mobility aids for individuals with medical needs.
Cavell Nurses' Trust
Provides financial help to nurses, midwives, nursing associates, maternity support workers and healthcare assistants, both working and retired. You must have less than £4,000 in savings to be eligible.
For You, By You
Can provide financial assistance for current and former civil servants in financial difficulty. Help can be provided for household bills, equipment and travel costs. May also be able to help with clearing priority debts, such as rent or council tax arrears. You may need to show a bank statement, a recent payslip or pension letter, a breakdown of income and expenditure and copies of household bills.
Grocery Aid
Provides one-off grants to people working or who previously worked in the grocery industry, including supermarkets. You will need to provide detailed financial information and not have more than £6,000 in savings. Grocery Aid also provides grants of £150 to help pay for school essentials for children.
Hospitality Action
Can provide financial support to hospitality workers with limited savings. Grants can go towards household costs, debt solutions and one-off costs such as funerals, mobility aids or white goods.
Junius S. Morgan Benevolent Fund
Provides one-off grants to practising and retired nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants, as long as they have worked in the profession for at least 5 years. Grants are usually around £1,000 and can help with rent, bills and other essentials.
My Foothold
Helps engineers with less than £16,000 in savings deal with life events and unexpected costs.
Rainy Day Trust
Supports people who worked in the home improvement industry for at least 1 year and be on a low income, roughly £20,000 per year before tax.
Royal British Legion
Provides grants and advice to current and former Armed Forces personnel and their families. Grants can be a one-off emergency fund, help to find employment, help purchase mobility aids or make household adaptations.
Royal College of Nursing
The RCN provides grants to those in nursing and healthcare professions (both working and retired) to cover costs in times of hardship. Grants can help with rental deposits, white goods, childcare costs, mobility aids, essential clothing and more.
Teaching Staff Trust
Provides grants to a wide range of professionals in the education sector. They can help with bills, travel expenses and support after life-changing events. You will need to provide a payslip or benefits notification in your application.
The Care Workers' Charity
Provides four types of grants to care workers: a Covid-19 emergency fund; a crisis grant (which includes domestic abuse and relationship breakdown); a mental health and well-being grant; and help with funeral costs.
The Drinks Trust
Gives financial assistance to those working in the UK drinks industry, or who have previously worked in the industry for at least 2 years. You will need to provide proof of financial hardship and they will pay the grant directly to the landlord/utility company where possible.

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Grants, benefits and financial help - Surviving Economic Abuse

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If you have experienced economic abuse, there are organisations that may be able to provide financial support with day-to-day expenses.

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Find training, support and advice to gain the skills you need for the job you want

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Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP)

If you're looking for a job and are currently claiming Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), a SWAP can help you learn new skills, gain industry experience, and enhance your CV for free.

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Find training, support and advice to gain the skills you need for the job you want

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Earnings

If you're employed, you'll need to include proof of your earnings with your HC1 application form:

If you get paid weekly or fortnightly, you will need to provide your 5 most recent payslips.

If you get paid monthly or four-weekly, you will need to provide your 2 most recent payslips.

If you cannot provide the payslips we need, you can complete the LIS82 proof of income form (PDF: 238KB) and send it with your application.

If you're self-employed, you'll need to send your profit and loss accounts for a period representing at least 6 months.

The period they cover must end within 12 months of the date of your claim or, if you're claiming a refund, within 12 months of the date the charges were paid.

If you cannot send profit and loss accounts, you can send a trading account showing your business receipts and expenses for the period ending within 12 months before the date of the claim.

You'll also need to complete self-employment proof of income form LIS61 (PDF: 342KB) and send it with your application.

If the business has been trading for less than a year, or the trading pattern has recently changed, the assessment period will be adjusted to reflect this.

Students

If you're a student, you need to include evidence of all grants, bursaries and awards you get. Normally this will consist of an award notice showing how much money you get.

If you applied for a student loan, we need to see a copy of the financial assessment that was carried out, regardless of whether a loan was actually awarded.

The full amount of student loan available to you will be included as income in your assessment. This includes the income-assessed and the non-income assessed loan elements, regardless of whether an application was made for both elements, and any assessed contributions to the loan regardless of whether they are actually paid.

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Earnings If you're employed, you'll need to include proof of your earnings with your HC1 application form: If you get paid weekly or fortnightly, you will need to provide your 5 most recent payslips. If you get paid monthly or four-weekly, you will need to provide your 2 most recent payslips.

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This campaign is aimed at 14-19 year olds and brings together all education and training choices for young people. It spotlights T Levels, apprenticeships, traineeships and higher technical qualifications, helping to increase take up and promote careers in shortage sectors.

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Skills for Life: it all starts with skills

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Whether you're growing your business, changing your career or just starting out, it all starts with skills.

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Information about staying healthy- tips on exercise, eating and other health issues

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NHS advice about healthy living, including eating a balanced diet, healthy weight, exercise, quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol.

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On this page you can listen to a series of mental wellbeing audio guides to help you boost your mood.
You can listen to them privately, in your own time, to help you through feelings such as anxiety or a low mood.

If you're not sure how you're feeling, try our mood self-assessment.

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On this page you can listen to a series of mental wellbeing audio guides to help you boost your mood. You can listen to them privately, in your own time, to help you through feelings such as anxiety or a low mood. If you're not sure how you're feeling, try our mood self-assessment.

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YouTube channel from the British Council to support those learning English

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LearnEnglish is the British Council’s website for adult learners of English.

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An estimated £15bn of benefits are believed to go unclaimed each year.

Use a free benefits calculator to find out what you could be entitled to.

Or contact Citizens Advice Swindon (0808 278 7813) for one-to-one help to do this.

If you are turned down for a benefit, seek advice on whether to challenge the decision. Many benefit decisions are overturned, and organisations like Citizens Advice can offer advice about challenges.

Pension Credit (0800 99 1234) provides extra money for living costs and access to other help.

Around a third of eligible pensioners don't claim Pension Credit - often because they don't know they can or that they need to.

Find out if you're eligible and how much you could get using the Pension Credit calculator.

People of State Pension age may be entitled to Pension Credit even though they may have modest savings, or a retirement income or own their own home.

An award of Pension Credit can provide access to a range of other benefits such as help with housing costs, Council Tax, heating bills and, for those aged 75 or over, a free TV licence.

Over one million families are missing out on up to £2,000 a year towards childcare costs - check what help you could get.

Use this calculator to find out how much you could get towards approved childcare, including:

free childcare for children aged between two and four

help with childcare costs if your child is under 16 (or under 17 and disabled)

If Housing Benefit or Universal Credit doesn't cover all your rent, check to see if you can make a claim for a discretionary housing payment.

Swindon residents of working age who claim Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), may be eligible to apply for Council Tax Support - which could pay up to 80% of your Council Tax bill or 100% if you receive certain disability benefits. If you're on a low income and over state retirement age, you could also be eligible for 100% support.

If you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you, check to see if you are eligible for Attendance Allowance to help with extra costs.

You could get £69.70 a week in Carer's Allowance if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and you, the person you care for and the type of care you provide meets the criteria.

Get free and impartial energy saving advice from Warm & Safe Wiltshire (0800 038 5722) to help manage energy costs and keep your home warm.

Contact your energy supplier if you are struggling to pay for energy or think you may get into difficulty - if you already have energy debts, some larger suppliers offer grants to help pay this off.

If you can't get a grant from your supplier, check if you can get a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust. These grants are available to anyone - you don't have to be a British Gas customer.

Contact Citizens Advice Swindon (0808 278 7813) if you're struggling to afford enough food, to discuss options which could include a referral to the food bank in Swindon.

If you're at least ten weeks pregnant or have a child under four years old, you might be able to get free vitamins and Healthy Start vouchers for milk, fruit and vegetables and infant formula milk.

If you or your child receive certain benefits, you can apply for free school meals from Year 3 and above.

Check if your child is eligible for free holiday provision through the Holiday Activities and Food Programme running in the summer and Christmas holidays.

If you're in debt, seek advice early rather than let things spiral out of control. Contact Citizens Advice Swindon (0808 278 7813), StepChange (0800 138 1111), National Debtline (0808 808 4000) or Crosslight Advice (020 7052 0318) for help.

Households earning below £16,480 can apply for a 50% discount on their water bill through Thames Water's WaterHelp scheme or call their Extra Care Services Team on 0800 009 3652.

The council's Emergency Assistance Fund provides emergency assistance to Swindon residents who most need it.

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Help if you’re struggling with living costs | Swindon Borough Council

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16 actions you might be able to take if you’re struggling with money during the crisis in the cost of living.

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Use this calculator to find out how much you could get towards approved childcare including:

free childcare for children aged between 2 and 4

help with childcare costs if your child is under 16 (or under 17 and disabled)

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Use this calculator to find out how much you could get towards approved childcare, including:

free childcare for children aged between 2 and 4

help with childcare costs if your child is under 16 (or under 17 and disabled)

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Check what help you could get with childcare costs

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Use this calculator to find out how much you could get towards approved childcare, including: free childcare for children aged between 2 and 4 help with childcare costs if your child is under 16 (or under 17 and disabled)

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Support for improving your health including stopping smoking and losing weight.

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Homepage for Live Well Swindon. Find out different services that can help you and give advice to look after yourself, stop smoking or manage active lifestyle.

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LearnEnglish Teens is brought to you by the British Council, the world’s English teaching experts. If you want to learn English while having fun, this is the channel for you! LearnEnglish Teens can help you improve your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and help with tips for exams, gr…

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Support available to help provide food and provisions for young families

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What is Healthy Start?

If you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk.

If you're eligible, you'll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops. We'll add your benefit onto this card every 4 weeks.

You can use your card to buy:

plain liquid cow's milk

fresh, frozen, and tinned fruit and vegetables

fresh, dried, and tinned pulses

infant formula milk based on cow's milk

You can also use your card to collect:

Healthy Start vitamins - these support you during pregnancy and breastfeeding

vitamin drops for babies and young children - these are suitable from birth to 4 years old

If you live in Scotland

You can get help from Best Start Foods (opens in a new tab) instead.

Advice on healthy eating

For more advice on healthy eating, visit:

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If you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk. If you're eligible, you'll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops.

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"learn english" kids "british council" free online "learning resources" children games songs stories

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LearnEnglish Kids is the British Council's website for children around the world who are learning English as a second or foreign language.

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All children in reception, Year 1 and Year 2 get free school meals.

However, if you or your child receive certain benefits, you should apply for free school meals. This may help you get further support as well as helping the school to get extra funding from central government, which will be used to buy additional resources to benefit its pupils.

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Children in reception, Year 1 and Year 2

All children in reception, Year 1 and Year 2 get free school meals.

However, if you or your child receive any of the benefits listed on this page, you should apply for free school meals. This will help the school to get extra funding from central government, which will be used to buy additional resources to benefit its pupils.

Apply for free school meals

Children from Year 3 onwards

You can apply for free school meals from Year 3 and above if you or your child receive any of these benefits:

Income support

Income-based Job Seekers Allowance

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

The guaranteed element of Pension Credit

Child Tax Credit (provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and your household annual income is less than £16,190)

Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for the four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)

Universal Credit (provided your household annual income is less than £7,400 after tax and not including any benefits you get)

Apply for free school meals

We will process your application within five school days. However, if you’ve recently applied for Universal Credit, we can only process your application once your benefit claim has been confirmed by the Department for Work and Pensions. This can take up to six weeks.

Change in circumstances

A change in your or your child's circumstances may affect your right to claim free school meals. You should inform us if:

you or your child no longer receive any of the benefits listed on this page

your child leaves school

your family moves out of the borough

your child is absent from school for a long time

To let us know about a change in circumstances, email schoollunches@swindon.gov.uk.

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Free school meals | Swindon Borough Council

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Find out about who qualifies for free school meals for your child and make your application online. Find out about changes in your circumstances that may affect eligibility.

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Money Saving Expert- Information about Healthy Start

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Money Saving Expert- Information about Healthy Start

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Further information about Healthy Start vouchers

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We aid refugees and asylum seekers across Swindon

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Adult Community Learning courses for those wishing to learn to speak English, or develop their skills

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Want to make an enquiry about English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) courses? enquire

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Free courses to help you learn new skills or get a new job.

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One in three people have used online learning to help them get a better job. On average, online learning can boost your annual pay by £3,640 too [ 1]

94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career development [ 5].

Help boost team productivity and motivation by upskilling your employees with free, high-quality digital, numeracy and soft skills courses. All courses on The Skills Toolkit are free and available online, so your teams can learn flexibly from home at a time that suits them.
Explore courses

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Learn a new skill at home. Find free, high quality digital courses in The Skills Toolkit.

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Words that Count is a financial resilience campaign in partnership with Experian giving young people the confidence to make better financial decisions and improve their literacy skills.

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We're giving young people in Manchester the confidence to make good financial decisions, in partnership with Experian.

Test your Getting a job knowledge below for a chance to win £100 in our weekly prize draw.

The stars of Love Island on money

Money. It is what it is! Some familiar faces from Love Island are here to make sure you don't get mugged off.

Tom from Love Island shares hint and tips on how stay on top of your finances.

Take our quiz

Discover your money personality in our fun quiz. You could win £100 in our weekly draw!

Let Biggs pull you for a chat about the importance of saving money.

Don't be a melt with money. Danny from Love Island shares his experience with cash growing up.

Understanding your money

Read the topics below to get your head around new financial words and phrases.

Test your Getting a job knowledge below for a chance to win £100 in our weekly prize draw.

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Words that Count financial resilience campaign

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We're giving young people in Manchester the confidence to make good financial decisions, in partnership with Experian . Test your Getting a job knowledge below for a chance to win £100 in our weekly prize draw. Money. It is what it is! Some familiar faces from Love Island are here to make sure you don't get mugged off.

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Providing mentoring and creating opportunities for young people aged 11-25.

I would like a mentor.

Would you like support in finding a job, a college course, an apprenticeship? OR are you in education and need help thinking about your future?

Find Out More

Volunteer as a mentor.

Are you able to offer 1 hour a week to provide both practical support and a listening ear? Find Out More

Business Engagement

How could your business get involved?

Find Out More

Schools & Colleges.

How could your school or college get involved?
Find Out More

I would like a mentor.

Would you like support in finding a job, a college course, an apprenticeship? OR are you in education and need help thinking about your future?

Find Out More

Volunteer as a mentor.

Are you able to offer 1 hour a week to provide both practical support and a listening ear? Find Out More

Business Engagement

How could your business get involved?

Find Out More

Schools & Colleges.

How could your school or college get involved?
Find Out More

25% of young people accessed Education in 2019

38% of young people continued mentoring into 2020

39% of young people in 2019 accessed short term opportunities

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Providing mentoring and creating opportunities for young people aged 11-25.

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Would you like support in finding a job, a college course, an apprenticeship? OR are you in education and need help thinking about your future? Find Out More Are you able to offer 1 hour a week to provide both practical support and a listening ear?

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Refugee Council | Supporting and empowering refugees

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The Refugee Council is one of the leading charities in the UK working directly with refugees and asylum seekers and supporting them to rebuild their lives.

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A useful and informative website to find information about support with childcare

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All about Government help with childcare costs, including 15 to 30 hours free childcare, Tax-Free Childcare, tax credits, Universal Credit, vouchers and support while you study

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Psychological Support Service

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Lift Psychology is now open to new referrals. Clients can book a telephone appointment by calling 01793 836836 between 9am and 5pm.

Following government guidance, all our face to face groups are cancelled until further notice, but we are now able to offer a reduced number of virtual courses. Please see our Upcoming Courses list for details.

Life can throw up all sorts of difficulties and even day-to-day life, both at home and at work, can be stressful. We offer many types of support for a variety of issues, ranging from general stress to low self-esteem and anxiety.

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Swindon LIFT Service | Swindon LIFT Service

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Lift Psychology is now open to new referrals. Clients can book a telephone appointment by calling 01793 836836 between 9am and 5pm. Following government guidance, all our face to face groups are cancelled until further notice, but we are now able to offer a reduced number of virtual courses.

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Swindon Cost of Living report shows the impact of rising prices on Swindon residents. Full report available here

Follow us on:

Twitter@SwindonCAB

Facebook @CASwindon

Instagram @caswindon

We are here to help, you can contact us in a number of ways .....

Telephone: 0808 2787813 (calls to this number are free)

Due to high demand you may not get through first time, however we are operating a voicemail system and will call you back. We aim to call you back within 48 hours although in busy periods this may be longer. We may call back on a withheld number

Email contact form: Contact Us

Drop in triage conversation : Sanford House Monday & Thursday's 10am - 1pm

Wednesday 2pm - 4pm
How it works
Please do not attend the office if you or anyone in your household has tested positive for Covid-19 in that last 10 days or has any of the following in the last 24 hrs - high temperature, new or continuous cough, loss of taste or smell

We provide free, confidential and impartial advice and campaign on big issues affecting people's lives.

Our goal is to help everyone find a way forward, whatever problem they face.

We're an independent charity and part of the Citizens Advice network across England and Wales.

More from us

People come to us with all sorts of issues. You may have money, benefit, housing or employment problems. You may be facing a crisis, or just considering your options.

We value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination wherever we see it.

Volunteer with us

We are currently recruiting volunteer Advisers and Trustees. Visit our volunteer page for more details and an application form.

Our highly trained volunteers come from all sorts of backgrounds and help with everything we do.

See the roles we're currently recruiting for. Could you join them?
Apply here

Campaigns

We use our clients' experience, stories and evidence to research and campaign for positive change locally and nationally.
Support our national campaigns

Donate and help us to keep giving advice for free

Without the generous support of people like you, we couldn't continue to do the work we do.

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Twitter@SwindonCAB Facebook @CASwindon Instagram @caswindon We are here to help, you can contact us in a number of ways ..... Telephone: 0808 2787813 (calls to this number are free) Due to high demand you may not get through first time, however we are operating a voicemail system and will call you back.

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Stratton Advice Point is a voluntary organisation set up to provide free confidential advice on Welfare Benefits, staffed by trained volunteers from the local community. Drop-in sessions on Thursdays between 10:30-12:30pm, in Upper Stratton Library, Beechcroft Road, Upper Stratton. The library is served by bus route 10.

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Stratton Advice Point is a voluntary organisation set up to provide free confidential advice on Welfare Benefits, staffed by trained volunteers from the local community. We are members of AdviceUK and work in partnership with other organisations in Swindon such as Wiltshire Law Center, Citizens Advice Bureau and the Harbour Project.

We can provide you with a benefit check and give advice on the range of welfare benefits available and applicable to you.

We will guide you through the application process and provide assistance in completing relevant forms. (Please note that we are not registered to offer advice to immigrants or deal with debt problems).

You can send us an email on or visit our drop-in sessions on Thursdays between 10:30-12:30pm, in Upper Stratton Library, Beechcroft Road, Upper Stratton. The library is served by bus route 10. enquiries @strattonadvicepoint.co.uk

You may be able to find the answers you need by following the links on the left to the Benefit Checker and the Citizens Advice websites.

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Stratton Advice Point (SAP) provides free, confidential and independent advice on welfare benefits, housing, council tax and related subjects.

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Volunteer with us

Over 16,000 highly trained volunteers support the delivery of our service. Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and find volunteering rewarding, challenging and fun. We have a range of roles in local Citizens Advice and Witness Service, want to find out more?

Our volunteer opportunities

Find your local Citizens Advice

For more information and advice

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Online free advice from Citizens Advice to help you find a way forward, whatever the problem. Our research enables us to campaign on issues affecting people's lives.

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Make reports, request council services and pay online at your convenience, without having to phone or visit. Use the search bar or links to quickly get to the page you need.

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Drug and alcohol support

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Speak to one of our experienced practitioners using the webchat service.

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Support for male and female victims of domestic abuse

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Local Offer is a website in Swindon for children & adults who have support needs, giving you correct information and advice at any time

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WaveLength is the UK’s leading loneliness charity giving media technology to those most in need.

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WaveLength is a UK charity committed to reducing loneliness & isolation by gifting radios, TVs and tablet computers to those in need.

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Front Page

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Tailored support to help people become job-ready

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Helping people to find work and stay in work.

The Salvation Army's Employment Plus service offers tailored support to help people become job-ready. Our aim is to help job seekers to get a job and stay in work.

Operating at the heart of communities in more than 650 locations across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, we empower individuals to overcome obstacles they face professionally and personally, and to fulfil their life ambitions.

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We offer tailored support to help people become job-ready

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Free online courses to improve digital skills

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Learn My Way | Learn how to use the internet

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Learn how to use the internet. Learn My Way is a website of free online learning for beginners, helping you develop digital skills.

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Welcome to... Swindon City of Sanctuary seeks to build a culture of welcome, inclusion and support for everyone in Swindon, with a focus on those seeking sanctuary. In practical terms, we do this by bringing people and organisations together, raising awareness and celebrating our diverse ...

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Free travel for those fleeing domestic abuse.

Travel to Refuge is an umbrella scheme run by Women's Aid in which travel companies cover the cost of train or coach tickets for women, men and children escaping domestic abuse travelling to refuge accommodation.

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To ensure survivors of domestic abuse benefit from the scheme, National Rail Enquiries, Great Western Railway, Southeastern or National Express will check the domain name of the requester's email against our list of member services.

During the first trial, free rail travel requests were received from non-domestic abuse organisations. To relieve the burden of checking if a claim is valid, the train companies requested that we share our members' domain names with them. We are only able to share the information of our actual members, not organisations we do not have a relationship with.

We are working on ways that the scheme could include non-members. Please contact for more information.

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Travel to Refuge Free travel for those fleeing domestic abuse. Travel to Refuge is an umbrella scheme in which travel companies cover the cost of train or coach tickets for women, men and childr...

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Being a Digital Champion

Cartoon by Chris Andrew.

Digital Champions can be of all ages and backgrounds. You might be a Digital Champion as a volunteer, or as part of your job role.

You don't have to be a technical whizz to be a Digital Champion. You do need to be patient, understanding and a great communicator.

You'll offer friendly and patient support to learners, so that they build their confidence, know how to find further help, and stay safe online.

Digital Champions help others to improve their digital skills and benefit from using the internet safely.

The importance of Digital Champions at all levels

We believe Digital Champions are central to achieving digital inclusion and helping people with what they need and want to do online. Having the right Digital Champions with the right training in the right place can support your communities in a variety of different ways.
We believe having a blend of types of digital support is the best way to achieve inclusion.
Digital Champions aren't always called by that name. In your organisation they might be called Digital Friends, Digital Volunteers, Digital Leaders or Digital Helpers, or just "that person who's good at helping with computers"!

More formally, we can categorise Digital Champions into four main types:

Digital Leaders: people in strategic positions who understand the vital role of digital inclusion in service transformation. These leaders are vital if you want lasting, systemic change to happen across an area or a service.

Professional Digital Champions: dedicated outreach workers who are recruited by an organisation, partnership, or directly by us at Citizens Online to work solely as a Digital Champion. This person can often be a "Super Champion" - the driving force of a project, training and inspiring others.

Embedded Digital Champions - people who work in a specific role, such as being a Job Centre Plus advisor, a Citizens Advice counsellor, or in HR or training, who integrate Digital Champion work into their role. They're being a digital champion, helping colleagues and service users, all the time... it just isn't in their job title.

Volunteer Digital Champions: people who are recruited and trained by an organisation or partnership to support digital inclusion work, but are unpaid. They may be helping out at a drop-in, internet cafe, church hall, or library. Even just an hour or two a week can make a life-changing difference to someone. Find out more about volunteering with Citizens Online.

It is worth bearing in mind that volunteers don't come "for free" - management time is required to recruit, train and support them, and they may leave the project at any time.

Digital Champions are the essential elements of our approach to digital transformation - they get the work done on the ground and make a huge difference. Read our stories about the impact that Digital Champions have or contact us to find out more about how we can support a Digital Champions programme in your area or organisation.

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Digital Champions can be of all ages and backgrounds. You might be a Digital Champion as a volunteer, or as part of your job role. You don't have to be a technical whizz to be a Digital Champion. You do need to be patient, understanding and a great communicator.

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A great resource to find out what is available in your area

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Volunteering opportunities

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Find your good. Indiviudal Volunteering. Employee corporate volunteering platform. Not for profit platform

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We provide interactive digital training - new sessions available

We offer regular webinars on a range of topics including evaluating international qualifications, combating education fraud, specialist interactive webinars on countries and regions worldwide ( more...)

We also have a library of free, on-demand webinars providing expert insight into a range of international education topics ( more...)

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We provide interactive digital training - new sessions available We offer regular webinars on a range of topics including evaluating international qualifications, combating education fraud, specialist interactive webinars on countries and regions worldwide ( more...) We also have a library of free, on-demand webinars providing expert insight into a range of international education topics ( more...)

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Find out everything you need to know about drugs, their effects and the law. Talk to Frank for facts, support and advice on drugs and alcohol today. | FRANK

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Refuge is the largest domestic abuse organisation in the UK. On any given day our services support thousands of women and their children, helping them to overcome the physical, emotional, financial and logistical impacts of abuse and rebuild their lives - free from fear.

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Explains how to apply for a free level 3 qualification. These courses could help you improve your wage outcomes and job prospects, and gain skills that employers value.

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Growbaby supports families with children ages 0-5 years, regardless of income, background, or faith.

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Growbaby Swindon. 597 likes · 30 talking about this. �Pattern Church project to serve families in Swindon. �Providing necessities for babies and their carers. �Get in touch to learn more...

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Information and tips to get the most out of your clothes

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Refashion & upcycle

Clothes due for an upgrade? Look no further for inspiring ways to create a fresh look from the...

Read More

Who needs care labels?

Are you a 'washing whiz' or 'laundry learner'? Take our care label quiz to find out!

Read More

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Clothes due for an upgrade? Look no further for inspiring ways to create a fresh look from the... Read More Are you a 'washing whiz' or 'laundry learner'? Take our care label quiz to find out! Read More

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Online support and information about a helpline to support those on Zero Hours contracts

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An employee is a type of worker, but not all workers are employees.

The question of whether you are an employee, worker or self-employed contractor, because it affects what legal rights you have.

If you are working on a zero hours contract, you will most likely be an employee unless:

you do not have to do work personally and can provide a substitute to do the work;

the employer is a client or customer.

Some contracts may include substitution clauses in order to show that you do not have to do the work personally. However, if in reality you are required to do the work personally, then the contract could be a "sham" contract and you would be an employee.
Just because a contract states that an organisation does not have to guarantee work and you have the right to turn down work, it does not mean that you are not an employee. If you have developed a pattern of regular work over time, there is an overarching "umbrella" contract, which means that you remain employed between assignments even when you are not actually doing any work.

If you can show you are working under an umbrella contract, then you have continuity of employment and can take advantage of certain rights, such as claiming unfair dismissal, calculation of statutory redundancy payments and receiving paternity and maternity pay.

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An employee is a type of worker, but not all workers are employees. The question of whether you are an employee, worker or self-employed contractor, because it affects what legal rights you have.

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Support for those aged 60+

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MHA in your community

Find the care home, retirement community, or support group that's right for you

As the UK's largest charity care provider, we enable people to live later life well.

Through specialist care homes, thriving retirement living and vibrant community groups and befriending, we inspire the best care and wellbeing at every stage of later life.

With over 75 years' experience we put people at the heart of everything we do in all our homes, schemes and community services across Britain.

What makes us special

Our approach focuses on creating opportunity for older people to gain peace and fulfilment to live later life well.
Read more about MHA

Fundraise for MHA

Help us to support crucial and life enhancing services that eliminate isolation and loneliness, enabling people to live later life well.
Find out more

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Keep in touch with our latest news, updates and how you can get involved to support MHA.

Sign Up

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Find the care home, retirement community, or support group that's right for you As the UK's largest charity care provider, we enable people to live later life well. Through specialist care homes, thriving retirement living and vibrant community groups and befriending, we inspire the best care and wellbeing at every stage of later life.

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Mental Health Support

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Welcome | Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind

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Testimonials
Your music group with our service users especially the younger ones has proved to be very popular. They enjoy it hugely and improves their confidence and self-esteem. For some it is the highlight of the week. It helps in keeping their mood up and it seems to have an excellent antidepressant effect. Please consider this as a letter of support for your excellent project. Consultant psychiatrist, Swindon

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Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre supporting Swindon area

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Testimonials Your music group with our service users especially the younger ones has proved to be very popular. They enjoy it hugely and improves their confidence and self-esteem. For some it is the highlight of the week. It helps in keeping their mood up and it seems to have an excellent antidepressant effect.

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TWIGS Community Gardens are a colourful and vibrant set of gardens in the heart of Swindon. They are managed by TWIGS as a resource to give people who experience mental health problems the chance to regain confidence, self-esteem and to learn new skills. The gardens provide plenty of different ideas to take home to your own garden, along with plants and craft goods to enhance it. All monies raised through sales go directly towards funding our service.

Please enjoy your visit to our website and we hope it will encourage you to visit the gardens themselves. The gardens are normally open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (except Bank Holidays) from 10.00 am to 3.30 pm.

If you feel that participating in the therapeutic activities at TWIGS could be beneficial for your mental health then please fill in this pdf referral form (or this MS-word version) and send it back to us. Here is some more information about criteria for referrals.

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TWIGS Community Gardens are a colourful and vibrant set of gardens in the heart of Swindon. They are managed by TWIGS as a resource to give people who experience mental health problems the chance to regain confidence, self-esteem and to learn new skills.

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Learn, develop and share skills- including a Men's Shed

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Renew promotes and facilitates mental well-being by providing welcoming, safe and supportive environments to connect with others, be active, learn new skills and share knowledge & give to others through renewing, repairing and re-using materials which would otherwise go to landfill.

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This 12-week course is proven to help men and women lose weight, live a healthier lifestyle, and change their life for the better!

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Football Fans in Training | Swindon Town FC Community Foundation

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The STFC Community Foundation’s Football Fans in Training programme is continuing from strength to strength. This hugely successful 12-week course is proven to help men and women lose weight, live a healthier lifestyle, and change their life for the better!

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Good news! The Active Swindon Challenge is now live, with a new app-based approach that will allow residents, workers and visitors to compete as individuals or teams and gain points that contribute towards prizes and rewards.

How do I play?

The Active Swindon Challenge app is now available to download in the Apple App store and Google Play. Once you download the app and register, competitors can record journeys in the app where the car has been left behind in favour of walking / running, cycling / scooting, and taking public transport.

Now that it is available on both platforms, we will officially launch the challenge and kick start the prizes!

You will gain points for the journeys you make - whether it's the commute, walking to school, popping to the shops, nipping around a friend's house or taking the dog for a walk. The points will build up and you can watch your progress on the individual and team leaderboards.

Q+A

Where is my verification email?

If you don't receive a verification email, please check your junk mail folder / promotions folder (Gmail).

How do I earn points?

Points are awarded on distance travelled, but there are more points on offer if you have put more effort into the journey. For example, you will gain:

20 points per mile for walking and cycling

7 points per mile for taking a bus or train

1 point per mile for going by car

Additionally there are 10 additional points if you replace a car journey, and 50 additional points for completing one of the sub-challenges.

How do you define "replacing a car journey"?

This is subjective, but if you could have made the journey by a car, but went by sustainable transport, then you have replaced the car journey with walking, cycling or taking public transport. For example, if you are walking the dog, or heading out purely to walk or cycle for exercise, then no, you did not replace a car journey. If you are going to a destination, and could have got a taxi, a lift or taken your own car, but chose not to, then we think this classifies as replacing a car journey.

What are the sub-challenges?

To keep up your interest, we have various challenges sprinkled through the period - such as making one off journeys by bike, taking public transport a certain number of times in a given period, or even being the designated driver at weekends! You can join up to 5 challenges simultaneously and if you successfully complete the challenge, you will gain 50 extra points and be entered into a prize draw. If you don't complete the challenge, it will simply expire.

When does the challenge start and end?

We have launched the Active Swindon Challenge on 18th January 2022 and the app is ready to download on both iOs and android devices. We apologise that it has taken us longer to launch than anticipated, but there were some glitches to iron out to make sure it's as great as it can be.

The challenge will initially run through the rest of January, February, March and April. After this time you will still be able to log your journeys and compete on the leaderboards, but the prizes will be on pause until the next "flash challenge" period later in the summer.

What are the prizes?

We know you enjoy the thrill of a little reward here and there so we will randomly reward two lucky players with t-shirts, waterbottles and "Tony's Chocoloney" chocolate each week. There's also an additional weekly prize draw to win a £50 Love to Shop voucher.

Between launch and the end of April, there will be specific mode or time-limited challenges to join. Competitors successfully completing each challenge will gain fifty additional points, and go into a prize draw to win a delicious hamper of goodies from local deli, Bloomfields.

Later in 2022 we are adding the additional challenge of having to track down QR codes to scan all over the borough. This will give you an opportunity to explore new places around Swindon. Each scan of a QR code earns the participant an entry into the weekly QR prize draw.

Can I play if I don't live in Swindon?

Yes, you can download the app and log journeys from anywhere in the UK, but only journeys made in Swindon will be eligible to win prizes. This means that people who live outside the borough but who work in Swindon, or visit Swindon and log journeys here will be eligible for prizes.

Beyond April?

We will keep the app operational beyond April so you can continue to motivate yourself by recording journeys and competing on the leaderboards. However, we'll pause the prizes and challenges, and evaluate the game so far. We intend to bring back "flash challenges" through the year, and longer term will encourage local businesses to get behind the challenge and offer players additional treats, such as money off their products.

We'll update this page regularly so call back soon to find out more!

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Active Swindon Challenge | Swindon Travel Choices

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Good news! The Active Swindon Challenge is now live, with a new app-based approach that will allow residents, workers and visitors to compete as individuals or teams and gain points that contribute towards prizes and rewards. How do I play? The Active Swindon Challenge app is now available to download in the Apple App store and Google Play.

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Swindon Stories- Children's Happiness and Wellbeing book list

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Swindon Stories- Children's Happiness and Wellbeing book list

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Tips for parents about the benefits of Reading and Writing

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Advice, tips and tools to look after your mental wellbeing

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If you are feeling stressed, anxious, low or can’t sleep, Every Mind Matters can help with expert advice, practical tips and personalised actions to help you.

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Lots of information and links to resources to help maintain a healthy lifestyle

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Why you need vitamin D

To keep bones and muscles healthy, everyone should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement in autumn and winter, when we cannot make vitamin D from sunlight.

And some people who are at risk of not getting enough vitamin D should take them all year round.

Just 10 micrograms a day is all you need - it's the same for kids and grown-ups.

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Take steps to improve your health. Lose weight, boost your mood, get active and quit smoking with Better Health. Try our free NHS tools and tips to get you started.

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Most people recover from mental health problems without needing to go into hospital. There are a number of specialist services that provide various treatments, including counselling and other talking treatments. You may also need help with other aspects of your life - for example, claiming benefits or dealing with housing problems. Often these different services are coordinated by a community mental health team (CMHT).

CMHTs are usually based either at a hospital or a local community mental health centre. Some teams provide 24-hour services so that you can contact them in a crisis. If you are already in contact with a CMHT you may find it useful to keep their number by your phone in case you need it. Otherwise you should be able to contact your local CMHT via your local social services or social work team.

Other kinds of community mental health team include Crisis and Home Treatment teams, which provide you with help in your own home and can come out to see you in an emergency or help you get into hospital if you need inpatient treatment.

You may also find it helpful to contact your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau for advice about benefits, debt problems, legal issues and local services. The Citizens Advice Bureau website has a directory listing its local offices.

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Most people recover from mental health problems without needing to go into hospital. There are a number of specialist services that provide various treatments, including counselling and other talking treatments. You may also need help with other aspects of your life - for example, claiming benefits or dealing with housing problems. Often these different services are coordinated by a community mental health team (CMHT).

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Reading Well books on prescription scheme

Working together with The Reading Agency, our Public Health Department, LIFT Psychology and the Clinical Commissioning Group, the Swindon Libraries and Information Service provides books to help people with a range of common health problems.

A list aimed at adults dealing with common mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, anger and much more.

A list aimed at children from 5 to 11, helping them to cope with worries, fears and difficult issues in a very gentle way. Suitable for parents, carers, schools and others settings.

A list for people living with dementia and carers to help people understand the issues and to help them lead fulfilling lives.

A list specifically for young people giving advice on things such as bullying, ADHD, body image and stress.

A list for long term health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease and sleep problems.

These books are available in all five core Swindon Libraries; Central Library, North Swindon Library, West Swindon Library, Highworth Library and Park Library and can be borrowed by anyone however, a healthcare professional may prescribe you a book from one of the collections.

Additionally some collections may be available in the Community libraries too. Please check with your local library.

How does the prescription work

A prescription may be issued by a doctor or other health professional and then book can be borrowed from your local library.

If you are not a member, you will be asked to join the library when you take your prescription in. The Library is free to join, visit the join library webpage to find out more details.

If the book you have been prescribed is on loan, you will be offered a free reservation so we can get the book to you as quickly as possible.

Further information

Prescription books can be kept for three weeks and an extension may be possible if no one else is waiting for the book. Some of the books contain assessments and/or diary sheets, so you will ned to make a copy before filling them in.

The books on the list can often be helpful, but they may not work for everyone. If you are still experiencing difficulty or distress then you need to go back to whoever prescribed the book or visit your GP for further advice.

For further details, contact your local library or email librariesoutreach@swindon.gov.uk.

Give feedback about this page

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Working together with The Reading Agency, our Public Health Department, LIFT Psychology and the Clinical Commissioning Group, the Swindon Libraries and Information Service provides books to help people with a range of common health problems. A list aimed at adults dealing with common mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, anger and much more.

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Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Wellbeing Programme

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Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Wellbeing Programme

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Health & Wellbeing | Wiltshire Wildlife Trust

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Improving the health and wellbeing of people in Wiltshire and Swindon.

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SBC webpage with information about and links to local Parish and Town Councils

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In addition to services provided by Swindon Borough Council, the borough is also served by parish and town councils.

The parish and town councils are responsible for the maintenance of their parishes, including street cleaning and grass cutting.

They are also responsible for a number of other services including recreation grounds, parks, play areas, burial grounds and allotments within their parishes. They are also statutory consultees on all planning applications submitted in a parish.

If you wish to talk to someone about any of these services, you can follow the relevant link to contact parishes directly:

You can find out which parish area you live in by using the parish post code checker.

Alternatively, you can view a map of the parish council boundaries.

You can find more information about parish councils.

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In addition to services provided by Swindon Borough Council, the borough is also served by parish and town councils. The parish and town councils are responsible for the maintenance of their parishes, including street cleaning and grass cutting. They are also responsible for a number of other services including recreation grounds, parks, play areas, burial grounds and allotments within their parishes.

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Affordable goods for the local community and regular events.

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Swindon Scrapstore is a low cost community resource centre and environmental charity. We stock creative materials from craft supplies to home DIY.

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The Home of Creativity, Community & Value

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If you wish to donate items to us, you must contact the store and book a slot on 01793 513982

Donation slots are booked for Wednesdays and Fridays only

We will not accept donations without a time slot booking

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Want to see more pop over to 37 The Parade in Swindon Town C entre and grab a real bargain!

Would you like to donate and help us continue to help the community? Donate

The charity is focused on raising funds and building up general reserves with the intention of purchasing a building. In the past we have relocated premises 5 times through no fault of our own and due to the impact this has had on the charity, our volunteers and local community we are hoping to purchase a building to enable us to provide a secure and permanent premises. This will ensure the charity has a permanent home and provide a sustainable service for the Swindon community.

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We have currently raised £150,000 through fundraising events, donations from our service users and income from sales generated through the arts and crafts shop. Our target goal for a deposit on a building is £300,000 and we are looking for additional sources of income to help us reach our goal. The cost of purchasing a property is expected to amount to approximately £750,000.

Support us the next time you use Amazon by clicking Amazon Smile Here

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⭐️ The SCRAPSTORE in Swindon is a low cost community resource centreand environmental charity that is home to a multitude of projects dedicated to releasing the untapped potential of all things, people and possibilities. An Aladdin's cave of materials ready to stimulate your imagination! From Crafts to Furniture, Reclamations to DIY and Play - The SCRAPSTORE has something for you.

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The Home of Creativity, Community & Value ​ If you wish to donate items to us, you must contact the store and book a slot on 01793 513982 Donation slots are booked for Wednesdays and Fridays only We will not accept donations without a time slot booking ​ ​ ​ ​ Want to see more pop over to 37 The Parade in Swindon Town C entre and grab a real bargain!

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Swindon Hub aims to build a strong cohesive and sustainable community for all in Swindon through facilitating accessible spaces for organisations and citizens to meet, work, play, discuss, learn and share resources

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Directory of courses to help develop and enhance your digital skills

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Resources from National Numeracy to help improve your skills

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Money, maths and confidence

If a lack of number confidence gets in the way of managing your money...we can help!

If you don't feel confident with numbers, you're not alone! Lots of people avoid getting to grips with their credit cards, tax, salaries, pensions and bills because they feel anxious about maths.

With a little help from us, you can build your number confidence and skills, and begin to feel comfortable getting the best deals, getting out of debt or understanding interest rates. You might even be able to make your money go further.

The free National Numeracy Challenge is designed to help you! It is quick and easy, you go your own pace and level, and can get started in just 10 minutes. We have already helped 400,000+ others to get number confident using the Challenge. Join them now!

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If you don't feel confident with numbers, you're not alone! Lots of people avoid getting to grips with their credit cards, tax, salaries, pensions and bills because they feel anxious about maths. With a little help from us, you can build your number confidence and skills, and begin to feel comfortable getting the best deals, getting out of debt or understanding interest rates.

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Al-Anon Family Groups UK & Eire is there for anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else's drinking.

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You could get £76.75 a week if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits.

You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.

You do not get paid extra if you care for more than one person.

If someone else also cares for the same person as you, only one of you can claim Carer's Allowance.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg) and in an easy read format.

How you're paid

You can choose to be paid weekly in advance or every 4 weeks.

It will be paid into an account, for example your bank account.

What else you can get

For each week you get Carer's Allowance you'll automatically get National Insurance credits.

You may also be able to apply for:

If you live in Scotland

If you live in Scotland and get Carer's Allowance, you may also get Carer's Allowance Supplement.

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Apply for Carer's Allowance - money to help you look after someone who needs to be cared for. Apply online or use form DS700.

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A mental health breathing space is a debt respite scheme for people currently receiving mental health crisis treatment certified by an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP)

Breathing space is a scheme where you can get a period of respite from your debts. This means that your creditors cannot contact you during that time or take action against you to recover their debt

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A mental health breathing space is a debt respite scheme for people currently receiving mental health crisis treatment certified by an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP)

Breathing space is a scheme where you can get a period of respite from your debts. This means that your creditors cannot contact you during that time or take action against you to recover their debt

There is a particular version of breathing space for people who are receiving mental health crisis treatment. It can last longer than a standard breathing space.

A debt adviser applies to the Insolvency Service for a mental health crisis breathing space on your behalf.

You can apply for a mental health breathing space if:

You live in England or Wales.

You have debts you cannot afford to pay.

You are getting mental health crisis treatment.

"Receiving mental health crisis treatment" means that you are either:

Detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act - this is also known as being sectioned.

You have been taken to a place of safety by a police officer under the Mental Health Act. The place of safety might be your home, a friend or family member's home, a hospital, or sometimes a police station.

You are getting crisis care from a specialist mental health team in the community or a hospital. For example, this could be if you are staying in a crisis house, being treated by the crisis team in your home, or are an inpatient in hospital. This would usually be intensive support, maybe because you are at risk of harming yourself.

You might find that you have poor mental health but do not meet the definition of getting crisis treatment. However, you can still get debt advice and apply for a standard breathing space.

How is the mental health crisis breathing space different from the standard breathing space?

The main differences between a mental health crisis breathing space and the standard breathing space are:

Standard breathing space

Mental health crisis breathing space

Lasts for 60 days.

Lasts for the whole of your crisis treatment, plus a further 30 days.

You must get debt advice before applying.

You do not have to get debt advice. Still, you need to have a signed evidence form from an Approved Mental Health Professional that says you are getting crisis treatment.

You can only apply once every 12 months.

You can have a mental health crisis breathing space anytime you are getting crisis treatment.

How to apply for the mental health breathing space scheme?

You can refer yourself for a mental health crisis breathing space, or someone can apply on your behalf. However, you need to have a signed evidence form from an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMPH) before applying.

An AMHP is a health or social care professional who has specialist training in mental health conditions. They are approved under the Mental health Act to determine if someone is in a mental health crisis.

An AMHP usually is a social worker or a psychiatric nurse. However, other professionals such as psychologists and occupational therapists can be AMHPs too. But doctors, such as a GP or a psychiatrist, cannot be AMHPs.

In addition to applying yourself for a mental health breathing space, the list below outlines who else can apply on behalf of you:

Whoever refers you for a mental health crisis breathing space will still need to get an evidence form signed by an AMHP.

How can I get a signed evidence form?

The best way to get a signed evidence form is to speak to a healthcare professional involved in your care. For example, explain that you think you might qualify for a mental health crisis breathing space and ask them how to contact an AMHP.

Not all healthcare professionals will know about breathing space, so it might be helpful to show them this webpage if you can.

You can also try and contact an AMHP directly. Most AHMPs work either for the local authority or the local community mental health team. Try contacting the adult social care services department and see if you can speak to an AMHP there.

What happens during a mental health crisis breathing space?

Once you start your mental health crisis breathing space, you will remain in breathing space for as long as you receive mental health crisis treatment plus another 30 days.

Your debt advisor will contact your nominated point of contact every 20 - 30 days to check you are still getting crisis treatment.

Once the debt adviser knows that you are no longer getting crisis treatment, they will tell the Insolvency Service to end your breathing space.

The breathing space ends 30 days after you stopped getting crisis treatment. Not 30 days after the debt adviser was told you had stopped crisis treatment.

Mental health crisis breathing space process

1. An AMPH signs an evidence form to say that you are receiving crisis treatment.

2. The evidence form is sent to a debt adviser via the single point of entry.

3. The debt adviser will get a copy of your credit reference file to check your outstanding debts. They may also contact you to get more information about any debts that you have.

4. If the debt adviser agrees that you are eligible for a mental health breathing space, they will apply to the insolvency service on your behalf.

5. The debt adviser will contact the nominated point of contact every 20-30 days until you are no longer receiving crisis treatment.

6. Once your crisis treatment ends, the debt advisor will cancel your mental health crisis breathing space with the Insolvency Service.

7. The Insolvency Service will then advise your creditors of the date that your mental health crisis breathing space ended. Your end date will be the date you finished your mental health crisis treatment + 30 days.

8. You will now need debt advice - your debt adviser will probably contact you to advise you. Or you can contact a different debt adviser to get advice.

What debts qualify for a mental health crisis breathing space?

Qualifying debts are the same for standard and mental health crisis breathing spaces, these include:

Credit cards.

Store cards.

Personal loans.

Payday loans.

Overdrafts.

Arrears on utility bills.

Mortgage arrears.

Rent arrears.

Council tax debts.

Tax debts.

Welfare benefit overpayments (unless they are fraudulent).

Penalty charge notices.

Joint debt

Joint debts can be included in breathing space, even if only one person goes into the scheme.

The joint debt would become a breathing space debt, and creditors cannot enforce the debt against either person who owes them money. However, creditors can still charge the other person interest or fees. The breathing space does not affect any other debts that person has in their name.

Guarantor loans

Guarantor loans can be included in breathing space, but the creditor can still take action against the guarantor. The guarantor can apply for their own breathing space if they're eligible.

What debts do not qualify for a mental health crisis breathing space?

The following debts do not qualify for a mental health crisis breathing space:

Secured debts (like mortgages, hire purchase or conditional sale agreements). You can only include arrears on secured debts.

Debts incurred after you have started breathing space.

Fraudulent debts.

Magistrates Court fines.

Child maintenance or any money owed from family court proceedings.

A crisis or budgeting loan from the social fund.

Student loans.

Personal injury damages.

Universal Credit advanced payments.

What can and can't my creditors do when I'm on the mental health crisis breathing space scheme?

Once you have entered a mental health crisis breathing space, your creditors can't:

Charge you further interest, fees or charges on the debts listed in your breathing space.

Take any enforcement action.

Instruct enforcement agents or bailiffs to recover the debt.

However, creditors can:

Accept payments.

Ask your debt adviser to cancel the breathing space if they feel you are not eligible for breathing space.

If your debt adviser does not agree to cancel the breathing space, the creditor can apply to a court to cancel it.

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What is a mental health breathing space?

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A mental health breathing space is a debt respite scheme for people currently receiving mental health crisis treatment certified by an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) Breathing space is a scheme where you can get a period of respite from your debts.

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You may be entitles to get a one-off payment of £500 to help towards the costs of having a child. This is known as a Sure Start Maternity Grant.

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Overview

You could get a one-off payment of £500 to help towards the costs of having a child. This is known as a Sure Start Maternity Grant.

If you live in Scotland you cannot get a Sure Start Maternity Grant. You can apply for a Pregnancy and Baby Payment instead.

You usually qualify for the grant if both of the following apply:

you’re expecting your first child, or you’re expecting a multiple birth (such as twins) and have children already

you or your partner already get certain benefits

You must claim the grant within 11 weeks of the baby’s due date or within 6 months after the baby’s birth.

You do not have to pay the grant back and it will not affect your other benefits or tax credits.

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Sure Start Maternity Grant is a £500 payment to help with the costs of a new baby: what you’ll get, eligibility and how to apply (claim form SF100)

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Support and Advice about the costs of funerals

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Support to organise an affordable and meaningful funeral, or reduce the impact of funeral related debt.

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Woman's Services

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With care, support and encouragement, change is possible.

To reach out and ask for help - whether it's for you or someone you care about - can be the hardest step to take. But for 1000s of people now enjoying lifelong recovery, they say contacting us was the best thing they ever did.

Even if you're not 100% sure if the Nelson Trust is the right place for you or for a loved one, please get in touch. We'll find you the right person for you to talk to.

Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.

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Apply for a council house, housing repairs and advice and information about homelessness. How to pay your rent, exchange your home, rent a garage or contact housing services.

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Housing advice from Shelter

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Housing advice from Shelter - Shelter England

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Shelter's online advice helps millions of people each year with homelessness, council housing, eviction and more

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About Threshold

Threshold Housing Link is Swindon's Homeless Charity. We aim to end homelessness in our town and to help vulnerable people create a better life and independence. We offer support in a holistic approach and in a person centred way to local homeless individuals and to those threaten with homelessness.

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Threshold Housing Link is Swindon's Homeless Charity. We aim to end homelessness in our town and to help vulnerable people create a better life and independence. We offer support in a holistic approach and in a person centred way to local homeless individuals and to those threaten with homelessness.

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Legal support for housing issues

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We are a registered charity that provides FREE confidential advice on:

Housing, Anti Social Behaviour Injunctions, Employment, Welfare Benefits * & Debt *
You must qualify for legal aid to be eligible for some of our services.
* GreenSquare Housing tenants only. Unfortunately suspended from 13/3/18 awaiting renewed funding from 1/4/18- we shall update when we know .........

Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday
9.30 am to 4.30 pm (except Bank Holidays)

Telephone 01793 486926

Registered Charity No: 1000950

Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), No 60107

Licensed as a registered Legal Aid provider by the Legal Aid Authority (LAA)

Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) No: 617426

Holder of the Specialist Quality Mark. SQM DP is the Legal Aid Agency approved audit provider for SQM

A company limited by guarantee registered in England No: 1796532

Information may be provided by email. Disputes can be resolved about this via the ODR platform http://ec.europa.eu/odr and info@wiltslawcentre.co.uk

Professional Indemnity Insurance is held with Naturesave Insurance, Babbage Road, Totnes TQ9 5JA. Territorial coverage: Worldwide

Registered with the Information Commisioner's Office (ICO) Registration No: Z7401232

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We are a registered charity that provides FREE confidential advice on: Housing, Anti Social Behaviour Injunctions, Employment, Welfare Benefits * & Debt * You must qualify for legal aid to be eligible for some of our services. * GreenSquare Housing tenants only. Unfortunately suspended from 13/3/18 awaiting renewed funding from 1/4/18- we shall update when...

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Emergency Accommodation -We have five emergency rooms providing up to 3 nights' accommodation for those who find themselves homeless.

This service, although short, provides an opportunity for the client to link in with Swindon Borough Council housing options team, to get support to apply for benefits, to register with a GP and other agencies and to do this in a safe and supportive environment.

After the initial three days, we continue our support and involvement, offering access to our support team as needed, use of telephone and private meeting space and where there is availability, further accommodation.

Resettlement Accommodation - This service offers longer term accommodation and support for clients. During their stay the client will have access to our Support Worker service and be allocated a keyworker to provide advice and support to address any areas highlighted through our support planning process.

Clients using our resettlement service have access to a range of social activities and events on and off site, including film nights, arts and crafts sessions, Karaoke, quiz nights, guitar skills, photography, fishing, and access to our own registered cycle club.

Emergency Bed Space (Sit-Up) - This service is for referrals from Swindon Borough Council and provides emergency shared accommodation for 2 people nightly raising to 6 where the council has deemed that the weather is so bad that there may be an increased need for people to be housed. This is called the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP).
Chaplaincy
At Booth House we have a Core Recovery Fellowship (CRF) as part of a Salvation Army national initiative to offer an informal spiritual meeting led by our Christian chaplain. This meeting whilst inspired from the Christian tradition is underpinned by the values of being interactive, person centred and non-judgemental supporting a person's spiritual journey. Everyone is welcome regardless of background or personal circumstances.
Social Enterprises
Our Social Enterprises, The Sandwich People and Recycles, offer work experience opportunities and training in specific work skills including mechanics, food safety, customer service and sales. The enterprises are operated by our clients, giving them the chance to be involved in learning new skills while supporting the running of a small business.
Client Involvement
Our Your Say Forum for clients meets monthly and is open to all clients to come along and have their say in how Booth House is run and what support services are needed. A monthly Newsletter is produced for all clients to ensure that everyone is up to date and to feedback on issues raised at the forum. Clients are involved in policy and procedural development and actively encouraged to take part in the recruitment of staff.
Other Services
At Booth House we are linked in with many supporting agencies locally to provide a broad range of support and advice to our clients, these services include a weekly Drug and Alcohol Drop-In, a monthly good foot health clinic, access to an Employment Plus worker, debt advice and budgeting support, MIND counselling and support and much more. Through our monthly Your Say forum for clients, we regularly review and assess the services available

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Emergency Accommodation -We have five emergency rooms providing up to 3 nights' accommodation for those who find themselves homeless. This service, although short, provides an opportunity for the client to link in with Swindon Borough Council housing options team, to get support to apply for benefits, to register with a GP and other agencies and to do this in a safe and supportive environment.

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Do you have a Disability? Are you a parent or carer of a Disabled child or adult?
If so, use this website to save time finding Disability Grants.

Charities and Trusts provide funding towards the high cost of disability equipment, holidays, housing, days out.........in fact anything above and beyond the normal costs of everyday living.
Searching for extra funds takes time - in between work, hospital appointments, caring, therapies........
And the hundred and one other things we all have to juggle every day!

That's why Disability Grants is here to help YOU, your family or anyone you're supporting with a disability.
Discover what's available nationally and in your local area by searching the individual sections.
Here are some tips to get you started...

If you still can't find what you are looking for use the Site Search Box below or in the top right hand corner of every page in "Full Site" view.
This will search every page on the website for your keywords.
Popular Pages

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Disability Grants - Charitable Funding for the Disabled

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Do you have a Disability? Are you a parent or carer of a Disabled child or adult? If so, use this website to save time finding Disability Grants. Charities and Trusts provide funding towards the high cost of disability equipment, holidays, housing, days out.........in fact anything above and beyond the normal costs of everyday living.

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Time-saving checklists giving ideas for maximising benefit income and finding other sources of financial help for your clients.

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Over 14 million people in England have been unable to access crisis support from their local authority as more crisis... A detailed guide to help all social landlords provide furniture and white goods to their tenants is published today by... Over 13 million people in England have no access to a local authority crisis support scheme, according to our latest...

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SBC- Holiday Activities and Food Programme 

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SBC- Holiday Activities and Food Programme 

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The Department for Education (DfE) is providing funding to local authorities to coordinate a programme that provides healthy food and enriching activities to eligible children during the 2022 Easter, summer and Christmas school holidays. This is known as the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme.

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The Department for Education (DfE) is providing funding to local authorities to coordinate a programme that provides healthy food and enriching activities to eligible children during the 2022 Easter, summer and Christmas school holidays. This is known as the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme.

Around 7,000 children across Swindon will be eligible for free holiday provision over these periods.

Places will be available at a range of holiday club providers, and offer eligible children the opportunity to attend sessions four hours per day for four days over Easter, four days per week for four weeks over the summer and for four days over the Christmas holidays.

Children who take up a place at a free holiday club will have the opportunity to:

eat more healthily over the school holidays, with a meal provided at each session

be more active, by being involved in physical activities and a range of engaging and enriching activities to develop resilience, character and wellbeing

be safe and not socially isolated over holiday periods

most importantly, have fun with friends

The programme will grow over the summer so a wider offer is available to families to access during this holiday period.

Eligibility

School aged children from any of the following categories are eligible to access the programme:

Children in receipt of benefits related free school meals

Children in need

Child protection

Young carers

Summer 2022 - how to apply

The summer HAF programme will be running from throughout the school summer holidays.

Children will be eligible to attend for a period of four days per week for four weeks over the summer (16 days in total).

Parents or carers of eligible children will receive an email and/or text message from e-vouchers containing details of a Holiday Activity Voucher to be used over the summer period. You do not need to apply to receive a voucher. Your child's school will issue vouchers automatically to eligible children

Available HAF providers and the sessions they are offering will be published on the e-vouchers booking system.

Use the link in the message you receive to view a full list of activities available. You'll be given the option to book a space for your child.

Book early as spaces are limited.

If you have any further questions, use the relevant options below:

For questions relating to an activity or booking - contact the HAF team by email: HAF@Swindon.gov.uk

For questions relating to your voucher/e-vouchers, email support@evouchers.com

For questions relating to your child's eligibility, contact your child's school in the first instance

For help articles visit help evouchers

For further support accessing a place, email HAF@Swindon.gov.uk

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The Department for Education (DfE) is providing funding to local authorities to coordinate a programme that provides healthy food and enriching activities to eligible children during the 2022 Easter, summer and Christmas school holidays. This is known as the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme.

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KFR’s mission is to:

Refurbish furniture and white goods so that quality items are available to households with limited income

Revive communities by removing unwanted items, reducing landfill and retraining people with new skills

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KFR Devizes - Refurbishing Furniture. Reviving Communities

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Kennet Furniture Refurbiz KFR in Devizes sells second hand furniture to support the Wiltshire community. Buy or donate furniture and white goods here.

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Victim Support is here to help anyone affected by crime.

Because we're an independent charity, you can talk to us whether or not you've reported the crime to the police. If you want, we can support you without the involvement of the criminal justice system, and we won't contact them about you unless we feel someone is at risk. We are here just to support you.

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Victim Support is here to help anyone affected by crime. You can talk to us whether or not the police or criminal justice system are involved

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Contact the England Illegal Money Lending Team to report a loan shark. Call the 24 hour helpline 0300 555 2222 or complete a secure form on the website.

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Shoe Aid is working with some of the largest organisations

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Shoe Aid is working with some of the largest organisations in the UK to reduce shoe poverty and reduce footwear waste. Donate today.

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The Mental Health and Money Toolkit is a resource to help you understand, manage and improve your mental and financial health.

You can use it to help guide conversations with your relevant healthcare worker about your mental health and money. You can also take it with you to any money or debt advice appointments you might attend.

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The Mental Health and Money Toolkit is a resource to help you understand, manage and improve your mental and financial health.

You can use it to help guide conversations with your relevant healthcare worker about your mental health and money. You can also take it with you to any money or debt advice appointments you might attend.

*If you're a healthcare professional wanting to use the Toolkit with your patients, click here for further information.

Download Toolkit

How to use the Mental Health & Money Toolkit

Why use the Mental health and Money Toolkit?

The Toolkit will help guide mental health and money conversations with your healthcare worker or debt adviser. It was co-produced with people with lived experience of mental health and money difficulties and healthcare professionals who support people to manage their mental health and money.

The Toolkit can help you:

Understand the relationship between money and mental health.

Learn self-help techniques for managing your anxiety and mental health around your money worries.

Take control of your finances.

"This toolkit is such an essential first step in knowing that there is something to turn to if you're struggling..."

"Money and mental health issues can be so challenging to talk about because of the stigma associated with it. This toolkit is such an essential first step in knowing that there is something to turn to if you're struggling, and in showing that you can ask for help without judgement or embarrassment. It's great. "

- James - Lived experience of mental health and money worries

"...an excellent resource to support those experiencing common mental health difficulties."

"This guide is an excellent resource to support those experiencing common mental health difficulties in understanding the relationship between wellbeing and money difficulties as well as providing lots of practical tools to help manage things themselves."

- Charlotte Maxwell-Davies - Senior Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner

What's in the Toolkit

The Toolkit is split into different sections, allowing you to choose which ones are relevant to you. We recommend everyone completes Section 1 first. You don't have to go through the resource in one go; you can come back to it at any time.

1. Mental health and money: Where to start

2. Getting ready to take action

3. Understanding your finances

4. Navigating the benefit system

5. Support

6. Signposting and appointment planner

Download your free

Mental Health and Money Toolkit

Download the Mental Health and Money Toolkit to help you understand, manage and improve both your mental and financial health.

This interactive digital PDF allows you to work through the document on any device and save what you have entered each time. Next time, open your saved PDF and continue your journey.

Download Toolkit

Download the Toolkit activity sheets

These activity sheets feature in the full Toolkit, but you may wish to print them off individually to work through. They cover confidence building, self-care, problem-solving, bill prioritisation and income and outgoings.

Mental health and money advice

In addition to the Toolkit, we have several in-depth articles which can help you better manage your mental health and money situation.

Relationship between mental health and money worries

Understand the links between mental health and money, how it affects you, what the impact might be and how to manage the situation.

Welfare benefits advice

Applying for benefits with a mental health condition can be daunting. Our easy to understand guides explain everything from a mental health point of view.

Managing money advice

Managing your money can be difficult, and your mental health can suffer if you're are dealing with money worries.

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The Mental Health and Money Toolkit is a resource to help you understand, manage and improve your mental and financial health. Download your free toolkit today.

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Specialist support for gaining employment

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“The Swindon team’s mantra is to ensure that our participant is always at the heart of what we do. We are local to Swindon and we have over 20 years of experience across recruitment, employability and related support services.