If you need support with cost of living or are concerned about how to pay your council tax or rent, please do take a look at this page on Maidstone Borough Council's website, which has lots of useful links.
https://maidstone.gov.uk/home/other-services/cost-of-living-advice
This government backed website has lots of different links to help you find out what support you may be eligible for, from childcare costs to energy bills:
https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk
All households with a domestic energy meter should be receiving help via a £400 energy grant, being paid in increments of £66 or £67 between October 2022 and March 2023.
If you are struggling to pay your bills, please get in touch with your energy supplier to talk to them about any support they can provide. You can check who your supplier is here: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households… and many companies have funds that you can apply to for additional support: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/how-to-get-help-if-you-re-s…
If you need help paying your Council Tax bill, there are a number of schemes that you can apply for: https://maidstone.gov.uk/home/primary-services/council-tax/primary-area…
There are also lots of links here for different organisations that can support people from the Citizens Advice to community groups. https://sway.office.com/vRtDoRat7BZE7oo2?ref=email
In our local area, we also have our Community Fridge, run from Staplehurst Free Church (http://staplehurstfreechurch.org.uk/fcs/shepherds-pantry-community-frid…). It is open on Tuesdays 12-4pm, Wednesdays 10-1pm, Thursdays 10-4pm and Saturdays 12-2pm.
We also have a Community Centre for Debt Advice service, also run from the Free Church, who are contactable on: 01580 893583
If there is anything I can do to support do let me know via [email protected]. We are planning to hold an information session in January at Sainsbury's to help people find out more.