Further help and support
from our partners and friends
If you need further support and advice, here are some links and phone numbers for organisations that might be able to help.
Housing and Accommodation
Homelessness, temporary accommodation, unsuitable accommodation, etc..
Advice Aid – A Birmingham City Council Resource
Birmingham Advice Aid provides comprehensive advice around; Homelessness legislation, tenant rights, benefits, harassment, S21 notices, mortgage arrears, domestic abuse, rights of occupation, welfare reform, illegal eviction, rent
arrears, housing disrepair and much more.
Shelter
Shelter provides expert housing and homelessness advice online. If you have nowhere to sleep tonight or are at risk of harm or abuse in your home, call the emergency helpline for urgent advice: 0808 800 4444
Citizens Advice
Advice line: 03444 77 1010 (Mon-Fri 09.30-16.30)
enquiries@bcabs.cabnet.org.uk
The Citizens Advice is a free, independent, information, advice and guidance service. They provide the advice people need for the problems they face. They offer information and advice on a wide range of issues to those living or working in the Birmingham area.
Temporary Accommodation Team
If you are currently living in Temporary Accommodation provided by Birmingham City Council you can only contact them via email.
If you have a named housing worker on your Personal Housing Plan (you will have been sent or given a copy when you first moved into TA), then they are the best person to contact.
Housing Options (Phone)
0121 303 7410
Birmingham City Council’s central housing options telephone number may ask you to contact a specific team but will provide you with a contact email.
Debt Management
Budgeting assistance, credit counselling, debt settlement, bankruptcy help. etc..
Gas Street Church – Love your Neighbour
Phone:0121 820 5618
Part of the Christian Against Poverty network, Gas Street Church has a debt advice service that will provide impartial advice and guidance regardless of your religion. You can either give them a call or go to the website a complete the
online form. They offer many services alongside their debt support including employment advice, emergency food and parenting and SEND support.
Birmingham Settlement
Based in Ladywood and Edgbaston they have an expert team of advisors who can help you with your debts by identifying priority debts, maximising your income
and talking to creditors. They also provide advice on the court process and the welfare benefits appeal process.
0121 250 0765
money.advice@bsettlement.org.u
Christians Against Poverty
A national charity which offers support with money advice. The website has a number of useful tools to help you manage your money as well as contact details for support near you.
Step Change Debt Management
A government backed national charity which can support you to access debt management. Offering personalised advice and plan to tackle your debts.
Birmingham City Council
Birmingham City Council has also developed several support factsheets which provide useful information on a range of debt related issues. You can view and download Information on: www.birmingham.gov.uk/debtadviceteam
Pregnancy
Prenatal care, maternity support, childbirth education, prenatal nutrition, postpartum care etc..
Birmingham City Council: births
0121 675 1004, 0121 675 2904 and 0121 675 2902
To register the birth, get birth certificates, etc..
Child Benefit
0300 200 3100
There is also an application form in your Bounty pack
Child Tax Credit
0345 300 3900
Not available for the third child
Healthy Start Vouchers
0345 607 6823
There are free vouchers every week for those with children under 4 to spend on milk, plain fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, and infant formula milk. Check the website or phone to see if you qualify.
Fuel/Energy Guidance
Energy efficiency, renewable energy, fuel conservation, utility bill management etc..
Warmer Homes West Midlands
0808 196 8298 (option 1)
Advice and support are delivered by a team of qualified energy advice specialists who run our freephone service. This work is complemented by their team of community development workers who work closely with local residents.
British Gas Energy Trust
British Gas Energy Trust are an independent charity set up to help families and individuals dealing with financial hardship and energy debt across England, Scotland and Wales.
The rising cost of living means more people are struggling with their finances, many for the first time. You don’t have to be a British Gas Customer to apply for their grant or to get advice about your energy.
Birmingham City Council
Birmingham City Council have a number of schemes to help residents manage their energy bills.
Green Doctor
Offer free, impartial advice and support to help you save energy, reduce your bills, and live in a warmer, more comfortable home.
Leap, Local Energy Advice
0800 060 7567
support@applyforleap.org.uk
LEAP is a free service that is helping people keep warm and reduce their energy bills without costing them any money.
Adult Mental Health
Anxiety disorders, depression support, stress management, counselling services etc..
Health Exchange
0800 158 3535
info@healthexchange.org.uk
A local health organisation that offers a range of support and activities, including mental health and wellbeing. You can self-refer yourself If you are feeling low or
are suffering from depression and anxiety, they provide support through 1:1 therapy, online support, local activities and group workshops.
St Germain's Emotional Wellbeing Service
0121 517 0476
wellbeinghub@stgermains.org.uk
St Germain’s Wellbeing Hub offers free emotional support to anyone aged 18+ experiencing common mental health problems (e.g. anxiety or depression).
People can access this support at our weekly Wellbeing Drop-In, or they can register with them for a short course of one-to-one emotional support sessions.
St Martins
0121 600 6025 / 0772 574 1199
counselling@smchh.co.uk
A charity which offers free or heavily subsidised counselling and psychotherapy to residents of Birmingham.
Birmingham Healthy Minds
Birmingham Healthy Minds is an NHS primary care psychological therapy service for people with depression and anxiety symptoms. They offer a self referral system for
1:1 support as well as a wide range of self-help resources alongside a helpline where you are able to speak to professionals and volunteers about how you are
feeling.
Living Well Consortium
0121 663 1217
info@livingwellconsortium.com
Providing, free, mental health and wellbeing services to residents who are
registered with a Birmingham GP. You are able to self-refer to their support.
Income Maximisation and Benefit Support
Welfare benefits, tax credits, employment support, financial aid, pension advice etc..
Ladywood Community Advice Service - Karis Neighbour Scheme
0121 454 8994
If you’re having problems with your benefits and need help or advice about this, or are struggling with filling in forms, then you’re welcome to get in touch. They can also help to explain letters you’ve received, or help you to contact bodies like
the council or utility providers if you have an issue or need to find out
information.
Benefits Calculator
This tool is provided by the Government and is the most accurate way to find out what benefits you are entitled to.
Turn2Us
Turn2us is a national charity providing practical help to people who are struggling financially.
Entitled To
An independent benefit calculator which offers up to date benefit calculations
depending on your circumstances
Domestic Abuse
Crisis intervention, shelter services, legal assistance, counseling support etc..
Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid
0808 800 0028
A local charity which supports women and children who have experienced or
living with domestic abuse. specially trained team of female workers provide
emotional and practical support, including emergency housing.
National Centre for Domestic Violence
0800 970 2070
office@ncdv.org.uk
A free, fast emergency injunction service to survivors of domestic abuse and
violence regardless of their financial circumstances, race, gender or sexual
orientation.