Supporting you through the rising cost of living
Local practical help
Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub - Anyone can access the hub and it can provide confidential advice, information, and signposting from the council's friendly team in relation to the current high cost of living.
Acorn Community Banking
Acorn Community Banking helps people to get on top of their finances by encouraging them to save when they can and making low-cost loans. They also offer money advice courses.
Website: https://acorncommunitybank.co.uk/ (opens new window)
Phone 01722 421 881
Age UK Wiltshire
A local charity working in the community to support older people, their families, and carers
Website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/wiltshire/ (opens new window)
Phone 0808 196 2424
Citizen's Advice Wiltshire
They provide a range of advice over the phone, by email and on web chat
Website: https://www.citizensadvicewiltshire.org.uk/ (opens new window)
Phone 0800 144 88 48
Community First
A charity that supports people and places across Wiltshire
Website: https://www.communityfirst.org.uk/ (opens new window)
Call 01380 722 475
Email enquiries@communityfirst.org.uk (opens new window)
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
They have launched a save safely campaign that can help people make positive changes that help finances but don't put families and homes in danger.
Website: https://www.dwfire.org.uk/safety/save-safely/ (opens new window)
Food banks
Community food providers including food banks and community fridges are available throughout Wiltshire. To find your nearest one visit our Interactive Community Directory - find out where local warm spaces and community food providers are in the county
Free sims and mobile data from Wiltshire libraries
Wiltshire Libraries are working with the Good Things Foundation to distribute free SIMs and mobile data to people in need. The National Databank scheme (opens new window) is supported by UK mobile networks including Vodafone, O2 and Three.
The free SIMs and mobile data are available from Chippenham, Devizes, Salisbury, Trowbridge and Warminster libraries.
To be able to access the National Databank you must be 18+ years old and from a low-income household. One or more of the following must also be true:
- you have no or poor access to the internet at home
- you have no or poor access to the internet away from home
- you can't afford your existing monthly contract or top-up
If you meet the criteria, contact Chippenham, Devizes, Salisbury, Trowbridge or Warminster libraries to find out more and to book an appointment.
FUEL holiday activity and food programme
FUEL is the holiday activity and food programme (HAF) is funded by the Department of Education. FUEL provides eligible school-aged children with free access to enriching activities, nutritious meals and healthy eating information during the Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays.
The HAF programme is delivered in Wiltshire using the brand FUEL (Food, Unity, Energy, Laughter) and the programme is a direct response to the growing issue of holiday hunger. The FUEL programme in Wiltshire has supported more than 10,000 children, since launching in 2021.
More information at FUEL Programme.
Interactive community directory - find out where the county's warm spaces and community food providers are
We have created an online interactive community directory to help you find out what warm spaces and community food providers there are in the county to support you through the cost-of-living challenges.
The directory has been created using information collected by us in order to establish what support is available in Wiltshire.
To find out the support that's available on your doorstep, and across the county, please visit the directory and select your postcode area - this will then automatically generate a list of what's available, as well as a host of other useful features.
Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion helps members of the British Army Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families. The Legion can advise on managing money, benefits, housing, finding a job and more.
Website: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/ (opens new window)
Phone 0808 802 8080 - lines are open from 8am to 8pm daily.
Soldiers, Sailors, Air force and Families Association (SSAFA)
SSAFA supports people who have served in the Armed Forces (British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal Marines, including Reserves), or are the immediate family of someone who served. It can help with a range of problems including dealing with debts, claiming benefits, housing and mobility aids.
Website: https://www.ssafa.org.uk/ (opens new window)
Phone 0800 220 6767
Warm and Safe Wiltshire
A service provided by Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council in partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Energy to help residents live in safer and healthier homes.
Website - https://www.warmandsafewiltshire.org.uk/ (opens new window)
Phone 0800 038 5722
Email warmandsafe@cse.org.uk (opens new window)
Wiltshire Council warm spaces
Our libraries are ready to provide a warm and friendly welcome to support anyone who needs help through the cost-of-living crisis.
Website: Wiltshire Council warm spaces
Wiltshire Local Offer
Information on the services available for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) aged between 0 to 25, and how to access them, including information about relevant grants.
Website: https://localoffer.wiltshire.gov.uk/
Wiltshire Together
A digital platform that connects people, groups and organisations in Wiltshire to their community. You can search for local events, volunteering opportunities, and nearby support
Website: https://wiltshiretogether.org.uk/ (opens new window)
Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub
Anyone can access the hub and it can provide confidential advice, information, and signposting from the council's friendly team in relation to the current high cost of living.
Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday from 9am to 4pm
Email wellbeinghub@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window)
Phone 0300 003 4576
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