Helping Camden through the cost of living crisis
“The start of a new school year can be an exciting time, but we recognise that it can also be stressful for parents and carers – particularly when it comes to paying for back-to-school essentials.
“This year, Camden Council is investing £75,000 to ensure the parents and carers of children in Year 7 who receive free school meals are sent £100 in supermarket vouchers to support with the cost of school uniform and clothing. We know that it’s not just parents and carers who need our help though. That’s why we’ve launched a Money Advice Service and a Better Off Calculator to provide everyone with help and advice with debt, benefits, money and budgeting.
“Read more about all of this below and please share this information with anyone you know who might need it. To see Camden’s full range of cost of living support, including ‘warm welcome’ spaces and energy saving tips for winter, go to camden.gov.uk/costofliving or call 020 7974 4444 (option 9). If you’re struggling, please reach out for help – we’re here for you.”
Councillor Pat Callaghan, Acting Leader of Camden Council
£100 to help with school uniform and clothing costs
If your child is in Year 7 and they were signed up for Free School Meals at the start of the academic year, you will receive £100 in supermarket vouchers from Camden Council by 9 October. This is to help with school uniform and clothing costs. If your child meets this criteria and you don’t receive anything by this date, email FSMclothingsupport@camden.gov.uk
If your child is in Year 7 and they are eligible for free school meals but are not receiving them, please sign them up following the instructions to the right so that the council can send you £100 in supermarket vouchers too. When signed up, your child will receive other support with food – including food vouchers in the holidays and free breakfast clubs.
Update on free school meals
If your child is in primary school: this academic year, they will automatically receive free school meals funded by the Mayor of London. However, if they meet the national eligibility criteria for free school meals, please still sign them up to the scheme to help them access other support with food.
If your child is in secondary school: check if they are eligible for free school meals and if they are, sign them up.
Support from Camden Council
Spotlight on benefits
Check you’re receiving all the benefits you’re entitled to, and get budgeting tips, using the council’s new Better Off Calculator camden.gov.uk/calculator
Benefits could include:
Carer’s Allowance: if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week, and if they receive certain benefits, you could receive £76.75 a week in Carer’s Allowance. Find out more and apply gov.uk/carers-allowance
Pension Credit: are you aged 66 or over? Check if you’re eligible for Pension Credit and apply. It could top up your weekly income to £201.05 (if single) or £306.85 (for couples) and could help you access other benefits like free or low-cost NHS services and a free TV licence. gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator 0800 991 234
Government cost of living support
If you receive means-tested benefits or tax credits: you should receive the second instalment of the Cost of Living Payment worth £300 this autumn.
Check if you can increase your income or save money
1. Check you are being paid the National Minimum Wage gov.uk/am-i-getting-minimum-wage
2. Check if you’re eligible for Council Tax Support for a reduction in council tax camden.gov.uk/council-tax-support
3. If you live alone, apply for a ‘single person’ 25% discount on your council tax camden.gov.uk/CTsingle
4. Check you’re on the lowest tariff for your bills. If you’re approaching the end of a contract, shop around and ask your current provider for a better deal.
5. If you are struggling with energy debt or need tips for reducing your energy bills camden.gov.uk/reducing-energy-bills
Health and wellbeing advice
If you’re feeling down, anxious or worried:
NHS Healthy Start – help to buy healthy food
If you’re a parent or carer with a low income and you’re pregnant, or if you have at least one child under the age of four, you may be eligible for financial help to buy fruit, vegetables, pulses, milk, and infant formula. You could receive around £440 a year while your child is under one, £220 a year for each child aged one to three (under four), and £140 if you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant.
Find out more and apply: healthystart.nhs.uk
0800 731 0232 or 0800 389 5789 visit your local Children’s Centre
camden.gov.uk/costofliving
All children registered for free school meals will receive additional support with food, including free breakfast clubs and activities, and food vouchers in the holidays. Their school will also receive over £1,000 a year in funding to pay for more in-classroom support and after-school activities.
All children registered for free school meals will receive additional support with food, including free breakfast clubs and activities, and food vouchers in the holidays. Their school will also receive over £1,000 a year in funding to pay for more in-classroom support and after-school activities.
Find out more and apply today: camden.gov.uk/free-school-meals
020 7974 4444 (option 9)
Don’t let your child miss out – every school day counts
Attending school classes regularly is vital for your child’s happiness and success. We know that pupils with good school attendance – of 95% or more – are far more likely to achieve the expected level in their primary school tests at age 11 and go on to gain good passes in their GCSEs at age 16. Please support your child to go to school regularly. If you need help or advice, speak to your child’s school.
020 7974 4444 (option 9)
If you’re a pensioner and entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment: you will receive an extra £150 or £300. If eligible, you will receive a letter in October or November explaining how much you will receive. helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk
Help with money
If you are struggling to afford the essentials, you may be eligible for a payment from the council’s Cost of Living Crisis Fund and/or the Government-funded Household Support Fund. Check if you’re eligible for one or both funds camden.gov.uk/MoneyHelp
If you’re eligible, refer yourself to the council’s Money Advice Service (see details below) and an advisor will call you to go through the application.
Camden’s new Money Advice Service
If you want tailored advice and support with money, bills or debt, refer yourself to the council’s free Money Advice Service and a council advisor will call you. They will also help you access any help with money that you’re eligible for. Register now camden.gov.uk/MoneyAdviceService 020 7974 4444 (option 9)
Help and support with domestic abuse
If you or someone you know is experiencing is at risk of domestic abuse in any form, contact Camden Safety Net: camden.gov.uk/domestic-violence
020 7974 2526 @ camdensafetynet@camden.gov.uk
! In an emergency call 999
• Speak to your GP
• Get in touch with iCope icope.nhs.uk 020 3317 6670
• Find local support camden.gov.uk/mental-health
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, phone the 24hour crisis line 020 3317 6333 for specialist support. In an emergency, always call ! 999
Covid and flu vaccinations this autumn
The NHS is offering flu and Covid-19 vaccines to people at greater risk of serious illness this autumn and winter, including over 65s, pregnant people, care home residents, frontline health and care staff, carers and household contacts of those at higher risk.
Find out if you’re eligible and how to book your vaccine nhs.uk/seasonalvaccinations
Is your child fully vaccinated against measles?
Measles cases are increasing in London. The best protection against the most severe forms of the disease, which can be very serious, is two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
To check if your child has had both doses of MMR, look in their Red Book. If you’re not sure, or to book a free vaccine appointment, contact your GP. camden.gov.uk/measles
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