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Cost-of-living support

Find out what help and support is available to you and your family as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite.

 
   

Get in touch with us to let us know if you’re struggling with your finances

Gladstone Park Primary School      email: admin@gladpark.anthemtrust.uk         Tel: 020 8452 1350

We know everyone is feeling the pinch this winter and we want to support those families in our school community who are impacted the most. If you’re struggling with your finances, please do get in touch to let us know, as there may be things we can suggest which will help. We want to do everything we can to help you and your child through this difficult winter.

Below are a number of things you could do:

Let us know if your child is entitled to free school meals (FSM) If your child is eligible for free school meals (FSM) you need to get them registered. This will allow them to get a free meal at school, and we’ll get extra funding to support your child’s learning. https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals
 
   

Contact your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau or Family Hub

Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB)

You don’t have to be a UK citizen to get support from your local CAB, you just need to be
a resident of the local area. The CAB can help you with:

  • Getting benefits or other financial support organised
  • Accessing support for essential costs (food, bills, rent)

Visit the Citizens Advice’s website or contact your local branch to book an appointment                                 270-272 High Rd, London NW10 2EY, Phone: 020 8438 1249

 

 Family Hub Contact your local Family Hub to get help accessing all the support you might need as a family. Willesden Green Library,   95 High Rd,  Willesden    NW10  2SF                                                               Opening hours:  Mondays and Tuesdays 10:30am to 5pm

 

 
   

Check you’re paying the right amount of tax. Make sure you’re on the right tax code. If you aren’t you might be due a refund. Use the Money Saving Expert’s free tax code calculator to find out.

 

 
   

Claim any benefits you’re entitled to  Use 1 of these benefits calculators to determine whether there are any benefits you could be claiming:

You may be able to get benefits paid early if you’re already feeling the squeeze - this is known as ‘a short-term benefit advance’ - you will need to contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) office that’s dealing with your claim.

Wembley Jobcentre, Government office    Wembley · 0800 169 0190

Harlesden Jobcentre, Government office Harlesden House, 161 High Street Harlesden · 0800 169 0190

 
   

Check you’ve received all the government’s cost of living payments The government’s cost of living payment is available for those receiving certain benefits or tax credits. You don’t need to apply for these – if you’re eligible the money should go straight into your account.

If you think you’re due a payment, but haven’t received one – report a missing payment to the government here.

Be aware of scams! If you receive any emails, texts or phone calls asking you to fill in an application form or asking for your bank details to receive a cost of living payment, do not talk to them or send a reply. Get more information on cost of living scams on the Money Saving Expert’s website

 
   

Find out what help you can get with your energy bills  Take a look at these resources from Simple Energy Advice, the British Gas Energy Trust and the Money Saving Expert website.

 

 
   

Get free or low-cost food If you’re worried about not having enough food to feed your family, you’re not alone. There are a number of places offering support.

  • If you have a child under 4, and meet the eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to healthy start food vouchers
  • Local food bank: Vestry Hall, Neasden  NW102TS                                                                                      Find a local foodbank with these websites: Bankuet, The Independent Food Aid Network, the Trussell Trust, or your local community fridge
  • Use food waste apps and websites like Olio (for free food and household items from your local community), Too Good To Go (for low cost food from local restaurants), or Low Price Foods (food that has passed its best before date, but is still safe to consume)