We understand that there can be long gaps between meetings, and sometimes you may need support sooner than we can provide it. Below is a list of services and organisations offering support in Lambeth and Wandsworth.
Please note that some services are specific to each borough, and we cannot guarantee eligibility for all of the options listed.
Eligibility calculators
Eligibility calculators take around 10 minutes to complete and use the information you provide to find out if you are eligible for any benefits from the government or council that you are not already claiming. If you are a Wandsworth resident, Wandsworth Council uses the Better Off calculator which can be found here:- https://wandsworth.entitledto.co.uk/home/start or you can also use the Entitled To Calculator which can be found here:- https://www.entitledto.co.uk/
Turn2Us is another useful organisation that also has a benefits calculator. They also provide a Grants Search to find out if you could get help from charitable grants. The link to their website is here:- https://www.turn2us.org.uk/
Cost of Living support
Wandsworth Council has a webpage with a list of organisations and council teams that help with general debt advice:- https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/report-apply-and-pay/pay-for-services-from-the-council/debt-advice/ The Cost of Living Hub is also useful and lists a range of voluntary and community groups in Wandsworth who provide support and advice:- https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/cost-of-living-hub/local-support-and-advice/cost-of-living-advice/
Lambeth Council also has a webpage on cost of living, money, and debt. It lists sources of emergency support, support for parents and guardians, support with housing and homelessness, benefits and financial support, support if you’re over 60, and advice on energy costs and managing money:- https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/community-solutions/cost-living-money-debt
Council tenants
If you are a Wandsworth council tenant, you may benefit from speaking with a member of the financial inclusion team. To get in touch, you will need to complete their Contact Form:- https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/housing/council-tenants-and-leaseholders/rent/council-rent-arrears/financial-inclusion-team/contact-financial-inclusion-team/
Energy costs
CREW Energy provide free energy advice to Wandsworth residents and also distribute Warm Home Packs to help keep energy bills low for eligible residents. Their email address is info@crewenergy.london Similarly, Thinking Works provide energy advice home visits. Their email is enquiries@thinkingworks.co.uk and their phone number is 0800 118 23 27.
Transport costs
Dial-a-Ride is a door-to-door service for people with long-term disabilities, and Taxicard provides subsidised taxi and minicab travel in London for people with mobility impairments. You may need a GP to endorse your application for these. Both schemes are operated by Transport for London:- https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/dial-a-ride/ and https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/taxis-and-minicabs/taxicard-and-capital-call
Water costs
Thames Water have a scheme to help those eligible with water bills:- https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/account-and-billing/financial-support/watersure
Council Tax Reduction
If you are a Wandsworth resident and eligible for a Council Tax Reduction, there is a link to a discount form on the Wandsworth Council website which will tell you if you are eligible:- https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/council-tax/council-tax-discounts-exemptions-and-reductions/apply-for-a-council-tax-discount/
For Lambeth residents, please click on this link:- https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/council-tax/help-paying-bill
Debt and money advice
The National Debtline provides free, impartial debt advice and support. The link to their website is here:- https://nationaldebtline.org/ or you can call them on 0808 808 4000.
Money Helper is recommended by both Lambeth and Wandsworth Councils and provides financial advice in a range of areas including debt and money troubles. The link to their website is here:- https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en?source=mas. They also signpost to a range of free debt advice organisations who can provide support online, over the phone or face-to-face. Some debt advice services are listed below:
PayPlan, phone: 0800 280 2816
Money Wellness, phone: 0161 518 8282, website: https://www.moneywellness.com/
Debt Advice Foundation, phone: 0800 622 61 51
StepChange Debt Charity, phone: 0800 138 1111
You can also get debt advice from:
Merton and Lambeth Citizens’ Advice:- https://www.caml.org.uk/
London Mutual Credit Union:- https://creditunion.co.uk/
Brixton Advice Centre:- https://brixtonadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/
Funeral costs
If you have recently suffered a bereavement and are struggling with the cost of organising a funeral, Quaker Social Action may be able to help. Their website can be found here:- https://quakersocialaction.org.uk/
Local Councillors and MPs
Your local councillors or MP can advocate on your behalf in certain circumstances. To view contact details for Lambeth or Wandsworth councillors, please click on the link below and then enter your postcode.
Lambeth councillors (Lambeth only)
Wandsworth councillors (Wandsworth only)
Lambeth MPs
To view contact details for your MP, please click on the link below.
Florence Eshalomi – MP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Helen Hayes – MP for Dulwich and West Norwood
Bell Ribeiro-Addy – MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill
Wandsworth MPs
To view contact details for your MP, please click on the link below:
Rosena Allin-Khan – MP for Tooting