Cost of living crisis: help for individuals and families in need

The Community Foundation funds local charities and community organisations in Tyne & Wear and Northumberland. We also provide a small number educational bursaries and support for young people leaving care through specific funds which are listed on our website here. But we do not make general grants to individuals or families in hardship.

If you are experiencing difficulties, help is available from:

• Citizens Advice Bureaux can help you to make sure you are getting any benefits you are entitled to.  They can also help if you are struggling to make ends meet, or to pay back money you owe. They can advise you online, by telephone or through their local offices.  You can find out more at www.citizensadvice.org.uk
• Other charities do make grants to individuals and families, although demand for them is likely to be very high. You can find out how to apply for these from Turn2Us www.turn2us.org.uk. They also provide advice on things like benefits and budgeting.
• Your GP, health visitor or social worker may be able to help you access other sources of help. For example they may be able to refer you to a local foodbank for support.
• If the stress is getting to you, there is someone to talk things through with 24/7 at the Samaritans. Their national number is 116123 and their website is www.samaritans.org