Worried about money or household bills?
You do not have to work everything out alone. Find help with benefits, debt, energy and water bills, food, childcare, grants and wellbeing.
I need support with…
Choose the area that best describes what you need. You can use more than one section.
Support and guidance
Open a section for practical information and trusted organisations.
💷 Benefits and tax credits
Benefits may be available whether you are working or unemployed. Before checking, it helps to know household income, rent, Council Tax band and childcare costs.
GOV.UK benefits calculators · Turn2us · Citizens Advice
Universal Credit
The main means-tested benefit for many working-age people, helping with living and housing costs.
Other benefits
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance for children
- Pension Credit
- Carer's Allowance
📉 Debt help
Free and confidential debt advice can help you budget, understand your options and access suitable debt solutions.
- National Debtline
- StepChange
- Christians Against Poverty
- Citizens Advice
- Money Wellness – free debt advice and support
Breathing Space
Eligible people may be able to access temporary protection from certain creditor action while receiving debt advice. A debt adviser must assess and apply for the scheme.
⚡ Energy and household bills
Support may be available with energy costs, supplier debt, grants and schemes. TCE can help residents understand their energy use and options.
Ofgem energy advice · Ask Bill
Local energy and fuel poverty advice: 01255 740020 · FuelPoverty@Tendringcommunityenergy.com
💧 Water bills
Water companies may offer social tariffs or other help for customers on low incomes or certain benefits.
📱 Broadband, phone and TV
Some broadband and mobile providers offer lower-cost social tariffs to customers receiving qualifying benefits.
Some people may qualify for TV Licence concessions; check current eligibility with TV Licensing.
👨👩👧 Family and childcare
Support can include funded childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and help with childcare costs through Universal Credit, depending on circumstances.
🛒 Food costs
Meal planning, reducing food waste and surplus-food services may help reduce costs. Apps such as OLIO and Too Good To Go can show surplus food nearby.
🎁 Grants and charity support
Some charities provide one-off grants which do not need to be repaid. Eligibility varies.
Turn2us helpline: 0808 802 2000.
Not sure where to start?
Tell Tendring Community Energy what is worrying you and we can help you identify the right next step.
Ask us for helpLocal food and drop-in support
These services and times are taken from the supplied cost-of-living document. Details can change, so check before making a special journey.
Free Food – Clacton
| Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9:30–11:00 | Salvation Army, 103 Old Road, Clacton, CO15 1HN |
| Monday | 12:00–13:00 | Pier Avenue Baptist Church, 117 Pier Ave, Clacton, CO15 1NJ |
| Tuesday–Friday | 10:30–13:00 | Trinity Methodist Church, 84D Pier Ave, Clacton, CO15 1NJ |
| Thursday | 9:30–11:00 | Pier Avenue Baptist Church, 117 Pier Ave, Clacton, CO15 1NJ |
| Saturday | 19:00–20:00 | St James’s Soup Kitchen, 56 Tower Rd, Clacton, CO15 1LE |
Peabody drop-ins
| Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00–12:00 | SOS BUS, Kingsway, Dovercourt, Harwich, CO12 3JR |
| Monday | 09:30–11:00 | Embrace Salvation Army, 103 Old Rd, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1HN |
| Tuesday | 10:00–12:00 | Foundry Court, Colchester Road, Manningtree |
| Wednesday | 10:00–12:00 | Harwich Job Centre, 164–168 High St, Harwich, CO12 3AT |
| Thursday | 09:30–11:00 | Enfold Baptist Church, Pier Ave, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1NJ |
| Thursday | 11:00–13:00 | Trinity Church, 84D Pier Ave, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1NJ |
| Friday | 10:00–12:00 | SOS BUS, opposite McDonald’s, Pier Avenue, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1QN |
| Friday | 10:00–12:00 | Walton Community Centre, Standley Road, Walton-on-the-Naze, CO14 8PT |
| Friday | 14:00–16:30 | Clacton Jobcentre Plus, 55 Station Rd, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1RS |
Money worries and mental wellbeing
Financial problems can affect mental wellbeing. Support is available, including urgent help if someone cannot keep themselves safe.
Shout
Confidential 24/7 crisis text support.
Text SHOUT to 85258
If there is an immediate danger to life, call 999 or go to A&E.
Would you like someone local to help?
Tendring Community Energy provides practical energy and cost-of-living support. Tell us what you need help with and we can help you find the right next step.