The cost-of-living crisis has affected many in Luton with further strains being put upon individuals and families.
We’ve compiled a list of support available in Luton to try and ease the financial pressures.
LUTON CARES
Written by Inspire FM on November 7, 2022
HELP WITH FOOD
Luton Foodbank can help provide food parcels.
Contact them by emailing advisors@lutonfoodbank.org.uk or call 01582 725838 (Mon-Fri, 8.30am-4pm). Their advisors can assess your situation and arrange food parcels where appropriate.
Alternatively, you can contact one of their referers:
Luton Council: 0800 4561673 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5.30pm)
Citizens Advice: 0808 278 7847 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-3.30pm)
If you need food come along to a drop-in session, and pick up some essentials. Female guests only.
MONDAY 9-11pm
WEDNESDAY 12-5pm
FRIDAY 9-11pm
Drop-in is at 3A Upper George Street, Luton. Opposite the Town Hall, next to Treatz. The entrance is through the archway and on the left of the courtyard.
Blessed is our Hands Luton provides food parcels to the vulnerable, isolated, elderly, disabled, job loss and low-income families.
EMERGENCY FOOD
Tuesday
Time: 5.30pm
Location: Luton Central Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 1 North Street,Luton, LU2 7QD
What’s provided: free hot meal (meat-free)
Wednesday
Time: 6 to 7pm
Location: Town centre, near Barclay’s Bank and NatWest Bank
What’s provided: free hot meal
Friday
Time: from 6.30pm
Location: Discover Islam, 37c Upper George Street
What’s provided: curry kitchen
Saturday
Time: 6 to 8pm
Where to go: George Street, opposite Barclays Bank
What’s provided: soup kitchen
Sunday
Time: 5 to 6pm
Location: Outside Luton Town Hall
What’s provided: free hot meal and bag of food
HELP WITH BILLS
Warm Home Discount Scheme
This autumn nearly three million low-income households are eligible for a £150 rebate on their winter electricity bills.
Winter Fuel Payment
If you were born on or before 25 September 1956 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.
Cold Weather Payment
You may get a Cold Weather Payment if you’re getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest.
Sustainable Warmth Funding scheme
Sustainable Warmth is a non-repayable grant scheme, designed to fund energy-efficiency upgrades for residents who are most likely to be impacted by rising bills and the cost of living crisis.
Council Tax Discount
There are a number of ways you can get help to pay, or reduce, your Council Tax bill.
HELP WITH PHYSICAL HEALTH
Help with Health Costs
You might be able to get free NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests and help with other NHS costs.
HELP WITH PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH
There are many things that can affect your mental health, particularly if you are dealing with financial problems. It’s normal and help is available.
The BLMK MIND Wellbeing Centre in Luton offers a range of services to support better mental health across the borough including groups, drop-in and 121 support.
Call The Samaritans for free any time, from any phone on 116 123 just to talk. You don’t have to be suicidal.
Younger than 18? Support is available via Chat Health. From 11 to 19 year olds can text the Luton Community Health services school nurse team on 07520 616070 for advice and support on all aspects of health and wellbeing.
HELP WITH SCHOOL UNIFORM OR SHOES
Level Trust can help provide school uniforms and shoes.
Vist the Unifrom Exchange on the Upper Level inside The Mall Luton.
HELP WITH SCHOOL RESOURCES
If you or someone you know needs financial assistance with learning resources please talk to your school family/pastoral worker and they may recommend you receive a code giving you access to the Level Trust Learning Fund.
Codes are available for children aged between 4 and 18 who need financial assistance with learning resources.
Once you have a code you can email sam.willis@leveltrust.org and let him know what you require for your children.
GET ADVICE
Citizens Advice is an independent organisation specialising in confidential information and advice to assist people with legal, debt, consumer, housing and other problems.
If you live in Luton South you can speak with Rachel Hopkins MP to get advice or help.
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