'Support available in Camden during cost-of-living crisis'

In these tough times you need strong communities and, fortunately, in Camden, we have them in abundance. Working together, Camden Council, our voluntary organisations and our wonderful communities will be there to help you this winter if you need it.

We are here for you if are really struggling with money or have none left. Through our cost-of-living crisis fund, we are providing payments of up to £500 to help residents in severe financial hardship and unable to pay for essentials - including food or energy bills. These payments are to help people most in need and there are criteria to meet. If you don’t meet the criteria, we can help you access other support.

We’ve just had half-term and we are continuing to support families who are on free school meals or who receive housing benefit or council tax support with supermarket vouchers to ensure no child goes hungry. Families will receive £15 per child for each week of the school holidays between now and March 2023.

Cllr Richard Olszewski says that there is help available for those who need it during the cost-of-living crisis (Image: Camden Council)

Together with our partners, we are here to help advise you if there is any further support you are entitled to. These include heating payments for pensioners, disability payments and support for people on low incomes. Citizens Advice Camden and StepChange provide debt advice and GPs and NHS services can help you with mental health support. Please reach out for help if you need it.

We are also stepping in to support residents through the winter by making warm welcome spaces available to everyone – these are in our libraries and some of Camden’s children’s and community centres. Depending on where you go, the support on offer may be different – but you can relax, meet up with others and get support with the cost-of-living crisis in a safe and warm space.

Warm spaces and food banks will be a lifeline this winter, although they shouldn’t be necessary in a truly civilised society.

I thank all the staff and volunteers who help run them. On that note, the Young Camden Foundation and Camden Giving are two of our charity networks who fund projects run by smaller local charities that will support families, help provide food and address inequalities. If you are in the fortunate position where you do not have concerns about money, please do consider if you can donate to them.

For full information about the help and support available, visit camden.gov.uk/costofliving

Cllr Richard Olszewski is cabinet member for Finance and Cost of Living, Camden Council.