Cost of living support

NHS low-income support

Although most NHS treatments are free, there are still some costs people might need to pay for, such as prescription charges or travel costs to attend a hospital appointment.

Support is available, depending on a person’s circumstances.

Fill in this 3-minute online form to check if you’re eligible for help with NHS costs such as prescription charges, travel or dental treatment.

You do not have to be claiming benefits to apply for NHS support. If you're employed with a low income, you may also be eligible for help.

Household income will be considered, as well as council tax and housing costs.

Any help received also covers partners and children under 19.

Get help paying for:

• NHS prescriptions
• NHS dental treatment
• Sight tests, new glasses or contact lenses
• Repairing or replacing your glasses or contact lenses
• NHS wigs and fabric supports
• Travel for NHS treatment

Apply online for help with NHS costs

• Applications take about 20 minutes to complete
• Answer personalised questions based on your circumstances
• Get instant confirmation that we've received your application
• Get a reference number to use if you have any queries

Certain benefits or tax credits already entitle people to full help with health costs. You do not need to apply if you or your partner:

• Get Income Support
• Get income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Get income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Get Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Are named on, or entitled to, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate – if you do not have a certificate, you can show your award notice; you qualify if you get Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits with a disability element (or both) and have income for tax credit purposes of £15,276 or less
• Get Universal Creditand meet the criteria

 Save money on NHS prescriptions by prepaying for them

If you pay for your prescriptions, you could save money by buying an NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate.

You can pay a set price for prescriptions for 3 or 12 months, no matter how many prescriptions you need or what your financial circumstances are.

A single prescription costs £9.35 per item, but prepaying for an unlimited number of prescriptions is:

• £30.25 for 3 months
• £108.10 for 12 months (or 10 Direct Debit instalments of £10.81)

Find out how it works and buy yours here

Free flu and COVID-19 vaccination

Getting the COVID-19 booster and the flu vaccination if you are eligible, is one of the single best things that people can do help keep themselves well and support the NHS this winter

Those eligible for both vaccinations include anyone age 50+, pregnant women, and people with long-term conditions. In addition, children aged 2-3, and most school-aged children are being invited to have a nasal flu vaccination this winter.

Speak to your GP practice about getting vaccinated, call 119 or book online to find your nearest clinic: www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination

Help with prescription charges

Care at the Chemist is an NHS scheme available across all community pharmacies in Knowsley, which enables patients to get treatment for certain minor conditions without needing to see or contact their GP for a prescription first.

Treatment under Care at the Chemist is fast, convenient, and medicines are free for anyone who does not pay for their prescriptions. Those who do pay will only pay for what the item costs or a standard prescription fee (whichever is lower).

Some of the symptoms currently covered under Care at the Chemist include treatment for sore throats, urinary infections, eye infections, minor skin conditions and thrush – plus many more.

Social prescribing link workers

Social prescribing teams – also known as 'link workers' – can help support patients to deal with non-medical issues that can impact on their physical or mental health, such as money problems, coping with a cancer diagnosis, dealing with grief, or loneliness and social isolation.

They can work with individuals to help them create a personalised wellbeing plan and link them to local resources, groups and activities that they can access in their own community, which can help support their health and wellbeing.

Ask your GP practice to refer you to a social prescribing link worker.

Free clinician-approved healthcare apps you can download today

The NHS in Knowsley have worked together with clinicians to provide residents with a platform that gives unlimited access to thousands of FREE health-approved apps that can help patients combat smoking, deal with anxiety, sleep better, get fit and live well.

Our library only contains apps that manage data privacy safely and have been developed with health and care professionals, so we can be sure that the ones we recommend to you meet safety standards.

Visit the platform and start downloading today: https://knowsley.orcha.co.uk/

A list of local organisations that can support with the cost of food and essential items can be found below:

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Knowsley Council Emergency support scheme

In Knowsley, a number of local organisations can provide support to people who may be struggling to afford food for themselves or their families. This support is available in all areas of the borough and includes food pantries, social supermarkets and other community groups and organisations.  For information on other sources of food and essentials, visit the Knowsley Offer website

Healthy Start Vouchers 

You may be able to claim vouchers to help with your food costs if you are pregnant or have a child under 4 years old, and you are on a low income. You could get help to buy, fruit, vegetables, pulses, milk and infant formula. You could also get free Healthy Start vitamins. To check if you are eligible, visit Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)

Prepayment meter help 

The council’s Emergency Support Scheme has been extended to offer support to all residents who are struggling to top up their prepayment meter, regardless of benefit status.  Applications can be made online or if this isn’t possible, by calling the council’s Contact Centre on 0151 443 3200 where an advisor will complete the online application on your behalf. 

As part of the council's work with the Fuel Bank Foundation, some local organisations can also issue residents with fuel vouchers for prepayment meters.  All of these Fuel Bank partners offer residents tailored support with their finances and a voucher may be issued as part of this.  Fuel vouchers will only be issued once eligibility and need have been determined, as part of a package of support. They are available from: 

Halewood  

Torrington Drive Community Association, Lichfield Road, Halewood, L26 1TE, 0151 443 2168 

Huyton 

Homestart, 55 Rupert Road, Huyton, L36 9TB, 0151 480 3910 

Enterprise Credit Union, Hall Lane, L36 6AX, 0151 482 0177 

HIYA, Hillside Neighbourhood Centre, Hillside Avenue, L36 8DS, 0151 449 3688  

Kirkby 

Centre 63, Old Hall Lane, Kirkby, L32 5TH, 0151 549 1494 

Prescot  

Prescot Advice Centre, Prescot Shopping Centre, Aspinall Street, L34 5GA, 0151 443 4639  

Borough-wide sites

 Knowsley Foodbank (0151 538 8243), Care Merseyside, Citizens Advice Knowsley (0808 278 7839), Flourish and Succeed (0151 245 6111) 

Advice and support

Citizens Advice can provide advice and support regarding energy efficiency. To find out more, email Citizens Advice Knowsley on advice@citizensadviceknowsley.org.uk or call 0808 278 7839 (see below for full addresses). 

Priority Services Register 

You can join this register if you:- 

• Are state pension age 

• Are disabled or have long-term medical condition 

• Are recovering from an injury 

• Have a hearing or sight condition 

• Have a mental health condition 

• Are pregnant of have young children 

• Have extra communication needs 

• Need to use medical equipment that requires a power supply 

• Have poor or no sense of smell 

• Would struggle to answer the door or get help in an emergency 

Being on this register means you get priority treatment from your energy supplier and gas/electricity network operator if there is a problem such as a power cut or a gas leak.  

To join the register you need to contact you energy supplier(s). They will add you to the network operator list (eg Cadent). You will need to contact United Utilities for the water register separately. 

Cheaper broadband for low-income households

Broadband bills could be cut for millions of low-income households under Government plans to encourage social tariffs. Find out more on gov.uk

Read more about social tariffs and see if you qualify on Ofcom.

All libraries are open from 10am until 5pm Monday to Friday and from 10am until 1pm on Saturday. They are located at: 

All of the borough’s libraries provide free access to computers and WiFi, so as well as using the library as a Warm Hub, you can use the computers to find out the latest cost of living help and support that is available as well as comparing prices for your energy and phone tariffs etc.  You can either book an appointment or walk up to use a computer if any are available. For more information about this service please contact the library. 

Knowsley Housing Solutions Service offers a free and confidential service. The specially trained team can help with all sorts of housing support related problems. Together you can look at your situation and decide on the best way to help you tackle your problems. 

They can help with:- 

• Homelessness prevention 

• Benefit entitlement 

• Alternative accommodation 

• Working with your landlord and helping with issues 

• Supported housing schemes 

• Finding secure private rented accommodation 

• Giving useful advice on debt, mortgage and rent arrears, disrepair, overcrowding, under-occupancy, domestic abuse 

• Providing funding for bedding or goods from charities 

If you are being evicted due to rent arrears they may be able to negotiate a repayment plan with your landlord or pay off some of your arrears. 

Knowsley Housing Solutions team can be contacted on 0151 443 2333. 

Sleeping rough 

If you're sleeping rough, or know someone who is sleeping rough, you can contact the Housing Solutions team for help – call 0151 443 2333. 

Severe weather accommodation 

Severe weather emergency provision must be provided when the weather is forecast to be below 0 degrees for 1 night. At this point, emergency shelter is provided by the Council, this means extra provision is made for rough sleepers regardless of their status. 

Breathing Space is a scheme that can help tenants with rent arrears. It pauses the eviction process for up to 60 days while you get debt advice. For more information, call the National Debtline on 0808 808 4000. You can also contact your local Citizens Advice (details above). 

Housing condition 

To report poor housing conditions email environmentalhealth@knowsley.gov.uk or call 0151 443 4712.  

Adults 

If you or someone you know are in mental health crisis and no longer feel able to cope or be in control of your situation and need urgent help, you can call the NHS Mental Health crisis line. NHS staff will then support you to get the help you need. Available 24/7 for people of all ages. Call freephone 0800 051 1508. 

Children and young people mental health crisis support  

Available 24/7, for children and young people up to the age of 18 experiencing a crisis needing an emergency response.  (registered with a GP in Knowsley, Halton, St Helens or Warrington).  Call 01744 415640 

Non-urgent mental health and wellbeing support 

Shout offers confidential 24/7 text messaging support for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or is struggling to cope. The service is staffed by trained volunteers who will work with you to take your next steps towards feeling better. They can help with issues such as stress, anxiety and depression and are able to talk via text at any time of day or night. Text the word “SHOUT” to 85258.Visit www.giveusashout.org 

Samaritans a safe place to talk 24/7 about whatever is troubling you.  Call free from any phone on 116 123.  Visit www.samaritans.org.uk  

Talking Therapies – free NHS therapy for people with common mental health problems such as anxiety or depression, to help you change the way you feel by changing the way you think.  Online therapy available 24/7, with weekly online support from your therapist.  Six-week course also available to help you to develop skills to manage your mood.  Visit www.merseycare.nhs.uk  and search talking therapies. 

Listening Ear - provides counselling support for people of all ages.  Call 0151 488 6648 Visit https://listening-ear.co.uk 

Silver Line - free, confidential telephone service (run by Age UK) for those aged 55 and over, provides friendship, conversation and support 24/7. Call 0800 470 8090 or visit www.thesilverline.org.uk/  

AMPARO provides support for anyone affected by suicide. Find out more by calling 0330 088 9255 or visit www.amparo.org.uk  

Every Mind Matters NHS website - offers expert advice, practical tips and personalised action plans from the NHS to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.  Visit  Every Mind Matters - NHS (www.nhs.uk) 

Non-urgent support for children and young people 

Zuntold provides online and face to face counselling and support using the power of creative writing and books as therapy.   Available for young people aged 11-19 and up to age 25 for those with additional needs.  visit the website. 

Listening Ear - provides face to face counselling support for children and young people affected by domestic abuse, or who require support following bereavement, loss or separation. Call 0151 488 6648.  Visit  https://listening-ear.co.uk 

ADDvanced Solutions - provides support for children, young people and their families living with neurodevelopmental conditions, specific learning difficulties and associated mental health needs. Call 0151 486 1788. Visit www.addvancedsolutions.co.uk  

Young Minds - offers lots of practical tips and advice and real-life stories from other young people who have struggled with their mental health.  Parents and carers who are concerned about their child’s mental health up to the age of 25 can get advice from the confidential helpline – call 0808 802 5544.   You can also access webchat and email advice via the website www.youngminds.org.uk 

Papyrus is for children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, or anyone concerned about a young person. Find out more by calling 0800 068 41 41. Visit www.papyrus.uk.org  

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) works with young people up to the age of 18 who have emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties which are causing difficulties in their school, family or social life.   Speak to your GP, health visitor, social worker or school health advisor who will be able to refer you into this specialist service.  

Whether you’re out of work looking for employment, in employment and looking to move jobs or would like to learn new skills and try something new, we can help.

The Knowsley Works team can support you will employment and training needs including helping you with job searches, job applications, developing your CV and preparing you for interview.

They can also advise on training options to help you get to where you want to be.

To find out more about employment support as well as training opportunities available, call the Knowsley Works team on 0151 443 5010 or email employment.team@knowsley.gov.uk

In addition, Knowsley Family And Community Education (FACE) team offers a range of training courses across the Borough – many are completely free of charge to attend including drop-in digital sessions and online courses with many more courses being free to eligible residents.

You can find out more by visiting www.knowsleyface.co.uk or call 0151 443 5386 or 0151 443 5385.

Residents can make their money go further by comparing bills and switching utility providers online, comparing shopping prices and using cash back websites.

Our Digital Buddies are on hand in Knowsley Libraries to support residents to get online and can help you to browse the web, set up an email account, show you how to video call, carry out online shopping, how to use social media, how to access Council services and much more!

Visit one of Knowsley’s libraires (Halewood, Huyton, Kirkby, Prescot and Stockbridge Village) to find out more:

Monday            10am until 5pm

Tuesday           10am until 5pm

Wednesday      10am until 5pm

Thursday          10am until 5pm

Friday               10am until 5pm

Saturday           10am until 1pm

If you’re struggling with debt or money worries, it is important to know there is a wide range of support available to help you, including advice on dealing with debts and getting your finances back into shape.

Knowsley Council

Call the council’s dedicated Financial Advice line on 0151 443 3300 to find out more about free sources of money and debt advice, and credit unions or visit the Knowsley Council website for more advice on money, benefits and dealing with debt.

Citizens Advice Knowsley

Contact the Citizens Advice Debt Advice Team on 0808 278 7839 or contact them email. They will work with you to find a solution to your debt issues. Online self-referral is also available here.

Money Helper

Residents in financial difficulty can access money and debt guidance for free. Money Helper UK provides guidance based upon individual circumstances and help find support in their area.

There is information on:

More information:
https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/money-troubles

The Big Help Project

Knowsley charity the Big Help Project offer the Jubilee Debt Advice service to support people with their debt issues. Contact them via the online form or call 0151 482 6089.

StepChange

For free debt support and advice visit the StepChange website or call the helpline on 0800 138 1111.

Loan Sharks

A loan shark is someone who runs a money lending business without permission from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Anyone who believes they might be the victim of a loan shark can contact the Stop Loan Sharks 24-hour confidential helpline on 0300 555 2222, email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk or complete an online report form. Live Chat is available on the website 9am-5pm weekdays.

The Stop Loan Sharks app is free to download on both iOS and Android devices from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

How to spot a scam

Scams include texts or emails mimicking genuine support packages and include fake cost of living payments, bank card refund scams, bogus energy and council tax rebates and phoney competitions are growing as fraudsters try to capitalise on the cost of living crisis.

How to spot a scam

Ask yourself the questions below, if you answer yes to any of them, there’s a good chance it’s a scam.

Trust your instincts and protect yourself – if you aren’t sure, don’t share ANY personal details.

Hang up, close the door, delete the text /email and call the company to confirm – not on a number given to you by a potential scammer.

• Have you been contacted out of the blue?
• Have you been asked to share personal or bank details?
• Are the contact details vague, such as premium phone number or a PO box?
• Are you being asked to keep it a secret?
• Does it sound too good to be true?
• Are you feeling pressured to make a decision?
• Are there spelling or grammar mistakes?
• Is this the correct email address? Check the sender to see if it looks wrong!

If you’re concerned and think you’re trying to be scammed, contact Knowsley Council’s Trading Standards team on 0151 443 2885.

Further information and advice can be found at:-

tradingstandards.uk or by calling 0808 223 1133

actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040

Feeding yourself a family on a budget is extremely challenging – particularly at this time of year with rising energy bills and the cost of living pressures placed on everyone - but there are a range of low-cost, healthy recipes available for you to try.

Below are just a small selection:-

Tesco’s budget recipes include budget meals for 4, lunch recipes, kids’ meals, ideas for meals with ingredients you have and budget swaps to reduce the cost of meals.

Asda’s Good Living Guide offers easy bakes for under 50p and a range of meals for under £1 per head.

Aldi provide an range of budget-friendly seasonal recipes.

Lidl shares a range of seasonal recipes as well as 5 meals for £20.

Sainsbury’s share a range of ‘on a budget’ recipes.

Morrisons share their recipes for meals on a budget.

Good to know offer recipe ideas for under £1 per head.

My Foodbank shares 30 budget dinner meal ideas.

BBC’s Good Food Guide shares 40 budget healthy meals.

Gambling support

When money is tight, we know it can be hard to resist the lure of ‘easy money’. But gambling is never the answer.

Gamble Aware offer free, confidential help and support to anyone who is worried about their (or someone else’s) gambling.

Visit www.begambleaware.org to find out more or call 0808 8020 133.

Drug issues

If you care concerned that you have a drug problem of if you’re worried about a family member or friend, contact Knowsley Drug and Alcohol Integrated Recovery Service on 0151 482 6291 or 07780 495742 out of hours for free and confidential help and support.

Advice and support is also available on the Talk to Frank website or by calling 0300 123 6600.

Alcohol issues

Having an odd drink may help you to unwind feel better in the short-term, but longer term, it can make your issues much worse.

You’re advised not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week – that’s equivalent to 6 pints of average strength beer or 10 small glasses of lower-strength wine.

If you’re struggling to have alcohol free days, help and support is available. Contact Knowsley Integrated Recovery Service on 0151 482 6291 or 07780 495742 out of hours for free and confidential

Energy savings

There’s a number of practical steps you could take to reduce your energy costs:-

1. Standardise working hours ensuring energy use is contained within a certain timeframe.
2. Ensure equipment is turned off when not in use.
3. Install energy-efficient lighting.
4. Add smart meters to monitor consumption.

Control costs

1. Assess all costs – by completing a thorough review of all costs, you could identify those that could be cut or identify a cheaper alternative.
2. Source locally which will save on import costs.

Support employees

Everyone is feeling the impact of the cost of living, including your staff:-

1. Sign up to corporate staff discount schemes with the benefits passed on to your staff with savings in supermarkets or meals out.
2. Provide staff with tea, coffee, milk or food items (such as tins of soup) for them to use whilst at work.

Focus on customers

1. Everyone is reviewing their spend, including your customers. You could look at ways to maintain their custom by introducing loyalty schemes and introducing payment instalments to help to spread the cost of buying.

Help and support

Call 0151 477 4000 to speak to a member of Knowsley Council's Business Growth Team who can provide a range of advice and information.

Invest Knowsley Events

To coincide with the British Business Bank's Finance Week, Knowsley’s Business Growth Team has developed the Funding Business Growth and Investing to Save event for established businesses within the borough. As businesses respond to changes in the global economy it can be daunting to consider taking on investment.

Experienced investment managers George Wright and Jeff Cummins will give an overview of the investment landscape in Liverpool City Region and the importance of being prepared and ‘investment ready’ before pursuing finance.

Find out more here 

Community Catch-Up

Thursdays 1-3pm at One Knowsley, The Studio, The Courtyard, Court Hey Park, L16 3NA
An opportunity for residents to enjoy a hot drink and find out about what’s happening locally, and how to get involved - with support from One Knowsley’s Social Prescribing team. No need to book.Contact Info@OneKnowsley.org for more information.

The government has worked with a range of Internet Service Providers (IPSs) and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to deliver low-cost broadband and phone service packages, called social tariffs, for those on low incomes.

Social tariffs are available for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits, with some providers offering deals from £15 a month.

Find out more Discounts and offers - Help for Households

The Help for Households campaign homepage brings together over 40 support schemes that the public may be able to access depending on eligibility. There are also online tools for the public to check the support they might be eligible for and how to access it.

In addition to this online support, you can also call the Knowsley Cost of Living helpline on 0151 443 3300. Staff are on-hand to provide support Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm from Monday 21 November 2022.

The team is also available through the online chat facility, available Monday to Friday from 9am until 5pm, accessible through the Council’s website.

Remember, you can also call in to any of the Borough’s libraries – located in Halewood, Huyton, Kirkby, Prescot and Stockbridge Village – between 10am and 5pm Monday to Friday or 10am until 1pm on Saturdays where you can access PCs for free, staff are on-hand to help you get online or just call in for a cuppa and a chat. The Council has extended the opening hours of their libraries, meaning they are all now open six days a week, to provide Warm Hubs during the colder months.

We also know that there are many residents who want to support others – like they did throughout the pandemic and there are a number of simple ways you can support others:-

• Check-in on your vulnerable neighbours, relatives and friends. For many, you could be their only contact with others so call in and check they are okay, have a cuppa with them and share the support that is available to them.
• Are you going to the supermarket / into the town centre? Could you offer a lift to a neighbour / relative to help them get to where they need to go to on your way? Maybe suggest you could drop them off at one of the Borough’s libraries that are operating as a Warm Hub? They’ll get a hot drink, company and support to help them to get online.
• Have you cooked too much and have a spare portion that a vulnerable neighbour, relative or friend would appreciate? Consider sharing what’s left over with someone who would really appreciate a hot meal.
• Knowsley Foodbank provide food to vulnerable residents and particularly in the run-up to Christmas, stocks usually run low. Could you add a few extra tins of soup or some pasta into your weekly shop to donate to the Foodbank? Or could you make a financial donation for the Foodbank to purchase supplies? You can find out items they need and your local drop-off on the Foodbank’s website.
• Take a look at the range of volunteering opportunities that are available across the Borough, supporting local communities, which can be found on One Knowsley’s website.

The Fire Service has shared advice the dangers of using alternative ways to heat your home. The website has guidance and safety advice to help prevent accidental fires and information on fire safety checks.

Livv Housing Group  is supporting its residents through the cost of living crisis and has compiled all the support available. It is also offering support through its Advisory Services Team.

For Housing residents who are experiencing financial difficulty can get in touch with their team via email livewell@forhousing.co.uk or by phone 0300 123 5522

A Good Life-  Help for people in Knowsley facing challenges in their lives working with individuals, services and community groups tackling the crisis and resolving immediate issues; building knowledge, skills and resilience. Developing the foundations for A Good Life. https://www.kdc.org.uk/a-good-life-2/

Increased funding support to Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise organisations
Contact Info@OneKnowsley.org for more information

Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise Sector Wellness Response Forum

Mondays 10am-11.30am (via Zoom)
A chance for people working in the VCFSE sector to discuss any challenges they are facing, and to find potential solutions.
Contact Info@OneKnowsley.org to join

VCFSE Sector Enrichment

Fridays 12-2pm at One Knowsley, The Courtyard, Court Hey Park, L16 3NA
A flexible programme of workshops to respond to the changing needs of the sector, including; funding, financial resilience, mental health, and wellbeing, caring for our workforce and volunteers, health and safety, GDPR and budget forecasting.
All volunteers and paid VCFSE sector staff welcome.
Contact Info@OneKnowsley.org for more information.

The Simple Payment Plan was created for those in financial difficulty.

Qualifying customers can choose from either a fortnightly or monthly payment plan that spreads the cost of a TV Licence over 12 months, this means you make smaller payments more frequently, helping you to better manage your finances.

TV Licensing accepts referrals to the Simple Payment Plan from not-for-profit organisations such as charities or your local authority money advice department. It cannot accept referrals from commercial organisations.

If you would like to speak to someone about your finances, you can contact your local authority debt advice team or there are many not-for-profit organisations offering free, confidential and independent advice. Any not-for-profit organisation providing this service can refer you to us to join the Simple Payment Plan.

More information on the simple payment plan and how to access it can be found here.

There are other TV licence concessions, which you might be eligible for depending on your circumstances. There are concessions available for:

• People who are aged 75 or over and receive Pension Credit.
• People who are blind (severely sight impaired).
• People who live in qualifying residential care and are disabled or over 60 and retired.