Financial Inclusion (cost-of-living support)

A survey conducted by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) found that 3 in every 4 adults (77%) reported feeling very or somewhat worried about the rising costs of living, and that nearly two-thirds (63%) of UK adults have been concerned about a friend, family member of those who have been worried about finances (ONS, Opinions and Lifestyle Survey 2022).

The most common signs of financial worry include changes in mood and temperament, trouble sleeping, and being anxious, stressed or lacking in confidence to contact their bank. You can use the MECC approach to look out for these signs and enable people to access help, guidance and advice on mental health, debt and money management. There is a wide range of guidance available from the UK government's Money Helper website (Money & Pensions Service) which we have incorporated into MECC Link.

This section also provides support and contact details for organisations that can help with the cost of living.

Support with food costs

The cost-of-living crisis is impacting everyone. Increases in food prices and utility costs mean people often have very little budget to provide essential food for themselves and their families.

Foodbanks, such as The Trussell Trust (Stop UK Hunger) provide nationwide access to support in the local community. The Trussell Trust offers food parcels, emergency food supplies, support helplines, a benefits calculator and advice on energy bills.

Web: trusselltrust.org/get-help/

SSAFA Crisis Fund - cost-of-living support
SSAFA's Crisis Fund (2022/23) was relaunched in June 2022 as part of SSAFA’s response to the cost-of-living crisis. The aim of the fund is to provide support to an identified crisis* short-term immediate need. It enables a local branch to be identified and a caseworker to be assigned for onward support; this fund is not a replacement for normal casework.

People who meet the following criteria will be eligible for support:
• Anyone that would normally be eligible for SSAFA support;
• An immediate need has been identified due to the cost-of-living crisis;
• They are unable to access local provision such as food banks, statutory services or in-service welfare teams. 

Please note that the crisis fund team cannot provide financial assistance if:
• An application for assistance has already been submitted on Mosaic (CMS2) for support;
• Crisis support has already been provided.

The fund assists with:
• Food vouchers – These are provided on a case-by-case basis with an individual 
receiving up to £50 and a family with two children or more, up to £200.

Crisis Fund support will only be provided via the 'Regional Hubs'. To request support an 
individual or SSAFA volunteer must contact their local Regional Hub. Hub staff will complete the 
application form and email it to: crisis.fund@ssafa.org.uk. Hub staff are required to ensure all 
requests are recorded on Mosaic.

Vouchers will be sent directly to the Hub for onward distribution to the beneficiary. The Welfare 
team will not deal directly with any beneficiaries or branches. Please note that, in line with SSAFA policy, retrospective payments cannot be made.

*A crisis case in relation to the 'cost-of-living crisis' is defined as someone unable to feed or clothe themselves.