• StepChange Debt Charity www.stepchange.org 0800 138 1111 Advice, budget support and solutions to help you manage your debts.

• National Debt line nationaldebtline.org 0808 808 4000 National Debtline offers free debt advice online through its My Money Steps tool and its web guides, fact sheets and sample letters.

• Debt Advice Foundation www.debtadvicefoundation.org 0800 622 6151 Debt Advice Foundation is a national debt advice and education charity offering free, confidential support and advice to anyone worried about debt.

• PayPlan Debt Advice | Free Debt Help | Debt Solutions | PayPlan 0800 280 2816 PayPlan offer free debt advice and a range of solutions on their freephone service and a range of online services. Chat with debt experts on our online live chat option, over email, via WhatsApp or simply request a call back on our debt help request form. Their website also offers a wealth of online resources and tools.

• Universal Credit - your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

• Income Support

• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• The guaranteed element of state Pension Credit

• Child Tax Credit (provided you're not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more £16,190)

• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

  
  

  Follow the link for the application

contact EYE@lincolnshire.gov.uk by email or telephone 01522 552752 to find out if you are eligible.

The service also provides a 24 hour, 7 day a week CAMHS Crisis & Enhanced Treatment Team. School or families can refer into CAMHS.

Launches in Lincolnshire   

People across Lincolnshire can now access confidential urgent mental health support through a new text and online chat service called ChatHealth. The service offers a discreet and accessible alternative for people who may find phone calls or face-to-face contact difficult. ChatHealth has been developed to support individuals experiencing a mental health crisis and is an extension of the NHS 111 option 2 mental health support provided by the Lincolnshire 111 Mental Health Team. It enables secure two-way messaging between people seeking help and trained healthcare professionals. 

Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with the team aiming to respond to messages within two hours. Anyone needing urgent mental health advice can send a text or start an online chat. 

 Two dedicated text numbers are available:

•         Adults (18+): 07312 263027

 •         Children and young people (under 18): 07480 635303

To chat online, visit:

 •         Adults (18+): https://chathealth.nhs.uk/start-a-chat/h/LincsMentalHealth

•         Under 18: https://chathealth.nhs.uk/start-a-chat/h/LincsCYPMentalHealth

•          After sending a message, users will receive an automated reply confirming receipt. Demographic details are requested, but people can choose to remain anonymous. 

ChatHealth is available to anyone experiencing emotional distress or mental health concerns, including low mood, anxiety, overwhelming feelings, self‑care difficulties, or thoughts of self‑harm, and to support anyone worried about a loved one. The service cannot provide prescriptions, medication reviews, diagnoses, face‑to‑face assessments, hospital admissions, welfare checks, or GP referrals. People already supported by a mental health team should continue to contact their usual service during office hours. 

This service is free, however text messages may be charged at the network’s standard rate. Check with the mobile provider for details. 

For immediate physical danger or life‑threatening emergencies, people should continue to call 999 or attend A&E.  

ChatHealth is delivered by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. For more information, visit www.chathealth.nhs.uk.

-What is domestic abuse

-Support available

-Keeping safe

-Helping others

-Impact on Children

-Your behaviour

-Attending family court

Useful ideas about correct portion size and how to make your packed lunch healthier can be found here.