All councils are offering financial advice and may have rebates or grants which can be accessed. Visit www.gov.uk/find-local-council or see the links at the bottom of this page for specific support from councils in our catchment area.
Cost of living support
We understand that the rising cost of living is having a particular impact on bereaved families, and we appreciate how scary this may feel. We are sorry we cannot offer financial support to families and we hope the advice below may be helpful to you.
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Sources of support
Speak with your energy provider to check that you are on the lowest rate possible. Have a look at the meter in your home. It has a unique registration number. Check that the number on your meter matches the number on your bill (this is different to your customer number). Talk to your energy provider as many companies will provide a discount for vulnerable families. It is helpful to call your energy provider to inform them of your living situation, detailing the needs within your household.
Contact familysupport@shootingstar.org.uk and we will provide vouchers for a local food bank.
Lions Charity is a nationwide scheme which forms community hubs to respond to arising need within the local community. There are currently over 600 nationwide. Contact your local Lion Charity to ask whether there are any local schemes that could support you.
Shooting Star House can be used for you and your family to spend time in a heated premises, whilst accessing the resources at the hospice. Book to use our Art & Crafts Room or Sensory Room and stay a while – we would love to see you.
Organisations are hosting sessions for families to spend time together for free in a warm space. If it is too expensive for your family to run the heating at home this winter, consider finding a safe space where you could complete homework, charge devices, meet with others and eat together. View a list of warm hubs in Surrey or find information about warm hubs outside the Surrey area on your local authority website.
If you are known to a social worker we urge you to inform them of the specific difficulties that you are facing.
If your financial difficulties have become overwhelming and you are facing debt, please contact StepChange debt charity who can offer you a debt management plan. Your situation can change for the better.
Are you facing homelessness? Contact Shelter for advice and support.
Visit MoneyHelper for government-endorsed advice on a wide range of financial topics, including money troubles, savings, benefits, housing and work. If you are overwhelmed by multiple debts, visit their
Bill Prioritiser to help you tackle your bills, step by step.
What have we done to advocate for you?
Along with other charities, Shooting Star Children’s Hospices added their signature to a letter composed by Together for Short Lives. This was to inform government of the impact of cost of living on families. If you would like more information or to speak to someone, please contact the Family Support Team.