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 families caring for children with complex conditions, 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. www.lionsclubs.co/Public/contact-us
DEPHER will come to your home to make repairs free-of-charge during the winter months. They also provide a discounted service the rest of the year. Please visit www.depher.com/get-help-now/ for more information.
Visit the family information directory to find local toy libraries across Surrey. Please google toy libraries in your local area to find your closest toy library.
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. Bookings can be made here.
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. Here you can find a list of warm hubs in Surrey. Information about warm hubs outside the Surrey area can be found on your local authority website.
- Scope offers practical support through a helpline for parents. This helpline supports enquiries on benefits, finance, social care, work, equipment and assistive technology, housing and home adaptations.
- My Family, Our Needs provides financial advice for families with disabled children and a helpful placeto check whether you are receiving the correct benefits to support your family.
- Contact supports families who have children with any health condition or additional need. They have a freephone helpline staffed by advisers who can help with a wide range of topics including grants/funding. They run some financial advice workshops and are a hub of information to help you manage your finances and reduce spending with helpful tips.
- Carers UK website – If you are a carer, have you checked you are receiving all benefits you are entitled to?
Have you had a Carer’s Assessment by the local council to see if you are eligible for support?
Turn2us help people in financial need gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and other
financial help – online, by phone and face to face through partner organisations.
We urge you to inform your Social Worker of the specific difficulties that you are facing.
Charlie & Carter Foundation can provide up to two months of support for bills/rent etc. The criteria is:
– The sick child must be diagnosed with a life-limiting condition – confirmed in writing from
a medical professional
– The parent/s must care for the sick child up to 16 years old
– One of the parents must have had to leave their job or reduce working hours to care for their child
• Engage Foundation
• Family Fund for essential items
• League of the Helping Hand: help those who are living on a very low income, receiving the appropriate
welfare benefits and who have exhausted all other funding sources including statutory funding,
occupational, local and specialist charities.
We are aware of one or two other funds that some families will be eligible for.
Please speak with us if you wish to find out more.
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 who have a child or young person with a life-limiting condition. If you would like more information or to speak to someone, please contact the Family Support Team