Crisis support

As part of the back on track scheme, we offer crisis support for people who need help immediately. 

Support is given in the form of goods and services. We will not provide cash payments or payments into your bank account. 

Support can include: 

• help with energy costs, usually through a PayPoint voucher
• essential food and toiletries, usually through a referral to a food bank
• essential clothing and footwear, usually through a referral to an appropriate agency
• essential baby consumables

Who can apply?

Crisis support is for people who need immediate help because something unexpected means they cannot afford their essential daily living expenses. It is only available if the wellbeing of the applicant or their partner or dependent will immediately deteriorate because they cannot afford essentials.

You must:

• be aged 16 or over
• be a resident of the Borough or moving into the Borough as part of a planned resettlement
• have a link to the Borough
• have no other form of financial assistance from family, friends, your employer or other funding streams

You or your partner must (one of the following):

• have a serious physical health problem that you are receiving treatment for
• have a dependent child who normally lives with you and whose health and safety is at immediate risk
• be at risk of homelessness
• have a substance or alcohol misuse problem that you are receiving treatment for
• be on probation or receiving support related to your offending history
• be affected by or at risk of domestic abuse, hate crime, honour-based violence or forced marriage
• have a learning disability
• have a physical or sensory impairment
• have a mental health problem that you are receiving support for
• be facing a severe risk to your health and safety
• be pregnant
• require support with costs to ease exceptional circumstances for you and your family

How to apply

You can apply for support online.

Before you apply, make sure you have:

• proof of your need including up-to-date bank statements
• proof of identity
• proof of address
• proof of qualifying benefit

Apply for crisis support online

If you cannot apply online, you can apply by phone by calling us on 01642 524180.

Our opening hours are:

• Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
• Friday, 8:30am to 3:30pm

If outside of these hours, and you need immediate support, contact the Emergency Duty Service on 01642 524552 or visit our Emergency and out of hours support pages.