There is a wide range of support available for vulnerable people in Burnley who are struggling to afford essential items. This information outlines some of the support that is available and how you can help the families you work with access it.
Please note: For certain services, individuals cannot apply directly and must be referred by partner agencies.
Department for Work & Pensions
Open to everyone — whether you’re part of a family or living on your own.
Our sessions focus on practical, affordable cooking, with an emphasis on:
Cooking on a budget
Batch cooking
Slow cooker meals
Workshops can take place at Down Town in our cookery school.
If you’re working with any individuals or groups who would like to get involved, please get in touch!
Call 01282 686402 or email contact@burnleytogether.org.uk
We have drop-in sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9-12noon.
We offer advice on: Debt, Benefits, Consumer, Housing, Energy, Immigration, Employment.
Our Debt Team also has drop-in sessions across Burnley and the whole of East Lancashire.
Adviceline: 0808 278 7909 0 Debt Team: 01282 616750
ICANN is a Lancashire-based charity providing vital advocacy services across Lancashire, the North West, and UK-wide via our phone service.
We offer support with a range of benefit-related applications, incl:
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
• UC50 – Capability for Work
• Attendance Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
We also offer dedicated advocacy support to Burnley residents undergoing benefit health assessments for PIP and Work Capability Assessments (WCA).
• In-person support during health assessments
• Guidance and representation for those challenging PIP or WCA decisions
• Assistance at benefit appeal tribunals
Thanks to funding through HSF7, this service is free for Burnley residents.
In-person sessions available at: Down Town & Valley Street
For more information or to book a consultation: Call 01772 746 061
Open 9am-5pm Monday to Thursday and Friday 9am-4.30pm www.i-cann.net
Thanks to HSF7 funding, a wide range of essential support is available for vulnerable residents in Burnley who are struggling to afford basic needs. This includes:
• Energy related goods: slow cookers, air fryers, oil filled radiators, fridge freezers, washing machines
• Home packs: cleaning packs, toiletry packs & household starter packs
• Winter warmer packs: gloves, scarfs, blanket, slippers, hand warmers and hot water bottle
• Baby starter pack: essentials for a newborn up to approx 6 months
• Paid on memberships and free shops at the community grocery at Down or Valley Street
• Transport: bus passes and travel assistance
• Uniform fund: for essentials that cannot be picked up in the Relove the preloved shop such as high school blazers or shoes
• Relove the preloved shop with school uniform, sports equipment and winter warmers
Individuals cannot apply for this fund directly and support must come from a supporting partner agency only
For a copy of the referral form email householdsupport@burnleytogether.org.uk or call 01282 686402
Individuals can apply directly to the household support fund (HSF) 7 is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions to support those most in need.
Individuals can apply directly for help with:
• Food costs
food, essentials, and support – right in your neighbourhood
• Energy or water bills
• Essential household items
• Preventative support, including debt advice Before completing the applications individuals should read the frequently asked questions to ensure they are eligible.
Additional information on eligibility and how to apply: Household Support Fund - burnley.gov.uk
There are two community groceries in Burnley, one at Down Town and one at Valley Street. Our groceries are run in partnership by The Message Trust and Life Church. Providing a wide selection of fresh and affordable food, along with household and toiletry items, plus free access to support services and practical courses.
How it works:
• Designed to bridge the gap between foodbanks and supermarkets
• Shop for as little as £5 per visit, saving up to £20 per shop
• Membership is just £5 per year, open to anyone affected by the rising cost of living
• If someone needs help with membership or shopping costs, we can connect them with the Burnley Together Hub
Please encourage your customers to scan the QR code and complete our short survey so we can offer an even wider variety of products
More Than a Food Bank –A Food Distribution Hub!
We are not just a food bank but a food distribution hub supporting families and the wider community. What we offer:
• One food parcel per month for families in need
• Coordinating food donations from partners like Kellogg’s and Warburtons
• Supporting school breakfast clubs, food clubs, and luncheon schemes across the area
Need food support?
If you know any individuals who need direct support through the foodbank please ask them to call Burnley Together on 01282 686402
Are you an organisation in need of food support?
If you are an organisation and you think the food distribution hub may be able to help you with food please get in touch with Nathan n.norris@burnleyfc.com
Saving Money
The Period Coach aims to support menstrual wellbeing by:
• Educating people on period health and hygiene
• Helping individuals save money through the use of reusable products
• Encouraging inactive individuals to become more active by removing period-related barriers
Reusable products are available for free, offering a sustainable solution that can last for years of menstrual cycles.
If you’d like the Period Coach to come and teach anyone about period poverty and how to save money please get in touch with Sam periodcoach@gmail.com
Practical skills: shopping and cooking on a budget, bulk/ batch cooking techniques, food hygiene and food storage.
Essential life skills: understanding tax, wages, national insurance, employment laws, how to read employment contracts. The risks associated with loans, understanding APR percentages, benefits and entitlements and how to apply and different banking options.
Careers Support: CV writing, interview skills, application form guidance, strengthening personal and work-based skills.
For more information or to book a session, contact Lynne Blackburn lynne@participationworks.co.uk
for qualifying households in Burnley. Range of works to be included:
• Small repairs: fitting curtain rails and shelves, rehanging doors, installing washing machines, advice on damp, filling rat holes
• Safety measures: fitting smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors
• Home security: door and window locks, door chains and door viewers
• Energy efficiency: home energy surveys: room by room advice, radiator foils, LED lightbulbs, secondary glazing, window seals, draft excluders and some warm packs.
Residents can submit an enquiry to the handywoman service and other services by completing an enquiry form.
Online Referral Form 2025
For more information visit.
The Home Improvement Agency (HIA) helps older, disabled, and vulnerable residents in Burnley live safely and independently in their own homes. We provide assistance with repairs, maintenance, and home adaptations through a range of grants and services.
Available Grants:
• Disabled Facilities Grants: Helps people with disabilities live more independently by adapting their homes.
• Emergency Works Grant: Covers urgent repairs that address health, safety, or welfare risks.
• Safe and Secure Grant: Supports older and disabled residents to feel safe and secure at home.
• Dementia Grants: Funds home adaptations and equipment to support people living with dementia or memory loss.
• Heating Rebate: Assists with improving energy efficiency to reduce fuel poverty.
• Handyperson Service: Offers small jobs to help older, disabled, and vulnerable people live independently with greater comfort and security.
• Affordable Warmth Grant (October–March) Aims to reduce fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency during colder months.
For more information about any of these grants, including eligibility criteria, please visit the Home Improvement Agency Grants web page
How to refer: You can also complete the online enquiry form for assistance form
For more information: Phone: 01282 477234
Email: housinggrants@burnley.gov.uk
For further details and to submit an enquiry, please visit.
CAP Debt Help – Support in Your Own Home Meet face-to-face with a local Debt Coach who will provide both emotional and practical support. The help is tailored to your circumstances, no matter your level of debt or income. The service is FCA regulated and completely free. Call 0800 328 0006
Drop-in sessions available:
Last Tuesday of the month, 10am - 12pm at Down Town
2nd Friday of the month, 11.15am - 12.45pm at Valley Street Community Centre
3rd Wednesday of the month, 10.30am - 12pm at the Job Centre / St Leonard’s Foodbank
CAP Job Club helps people build the skills, tools, and confidence needed to get back into work. Many members go on to find employment, volunteering roles, or training opportunities, and the programme is recommended by the Department for Work and Pensions.
Thurs 4 Sept, 9.30am to 11.45am at Down Town.
For details, contact Michael: on 07957 616 497 or email michaelorr@capjobclubs.org
CAP Life Skills Course This is a friendly and supportive group designed to help people live well on a low income. Sessions cover practical topics such as cooking on a budget, healthy living for less, and making your money stretch further..
The course runs at Valley Street Community Centre from 10am to 12.30pm, with lunch included:
25 Sept – Introduction
2 Oct – Lifting pressure
9 Oct – Taking control
16 Oct – Making your money go further
23 Oct – Staying in control of your home energy
30 Oct – Half term (no session)
6 Nov – Healthy you
20 Nov – Healthy relationships
27 Nov – Celebration.
For more details contact Steph: 07770 368650 or email stephanieastin@caplifeskills.org
This free course is designed to help you take control of your finances. It gives you the tools and confidence to budget well and manage your money more effectively.
For more deatils contact Katy: 07376 932 813 or email katherineoehring@capuk.org
More information available at capuk.org/money-and-debt-advice