On top of the financial and other support available on this page, there are also lots of community groups and local organisations that can help people who are struggling with the cost of living.
Below you will find a list of support available across the district, which will be updated on a regular basis.
A charity working across Wales and its English border counties towards a world where natural resources are used sustainably, communities are resilient against inequality and climate change does not threaten our future. Provides an advocacy service supporting households with any energy issues they have, offering home visits to see where improvement measures and savings can be achieved, they also have emergency funds.
Website: https://severnwye.org.uk/
North & West Gloucestershire Citizens Advice helps people to solve their problems, whatever they are, by providing free, confidential and impartial advice, particularly on debt, benefits, employment, housing, family and consumer problems. CAB is also administering part of the Household Support Fund and can help with funding for energy costs, food and wider essentials where appropriate.
Website: https://gloscab.org.uk/
With the constant changes in benefits, it can be a very daunting process to go through the necessary processes to be able claim, and know what you are entitled to. One of the most vital services that we provide is to come alongside people and assist them in this process.
Providing a personal and confidential service and advice for example: Blue Badge applications, carer's allowance, attendance allowance, disability allowance etc. in the comfort of your own home to help you with these and many more issues.
For further information or to obtain any of the services provided please contact our office on 01594 860143.
Website: https://www.lydcare.org/
Ensure people are claiming any financial support they are entitled to such as attendance allowance, helping to fill forms in, help to support older people in their homes and provide activities and events for people to go to. Monday to Friday, 10am -3pm.
Contact: 01452 422660 - Enquiries@ageukgloucestershire.org.uk
An online directory of support services available in Gloucestershire.
Website: www.yourcircle.org.uk
Guideposts is a UK-based charity working with people in local communities to help them access the support, opportunities and skills they need to overcome social challenges, improve their wellbeing and change their lives.
Contact: 01452 529697
Website: www.guideposts.org.uk
A local charity that provides emotional and practical support to parents with at least one child under 5 years old who are facing challenges and stresses of family life, including a wide range of difficulties such as isolation, low self-esteem, physical and mental health issues. The emphasis is on parents helping parents in this increasingly pressured society. Office opening times 9am to 1.30pm Monday to Thursday.
Email: enquiries@homestartnwglos.org.uk
Tel: 07584 472025
Website: https://homestartnwglos.org.uk/
We are a local group of volunteers who care enormously about our community.
Any family in financial crisis can access essential baby items as well as some types of baby equipment, donated by the public and businesses. Forest Baby Bank is also administering part of the Household Support Fund and can help with funding for energy costs and wider essentials for families where appropriate.
Call us on 07789 465127 from Monday to Friday between 9am-11am.
Website: https://www.forestbabybank.org/
Supporting victims of domestic abuse which may increase with the stresses of financial problems, 24hour National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247.
Contact: support@gdass.org.uk 01452 726570
Open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday.
Website: https://www.gdass.org.uk/
We have a community wellbeing team here at Forest of Dean District Council who can offer a range of support.
See our wellbeing pages here for more information.
Website: https://theforest.foodbank.org.uk/
"We will feed anyone who needs us no matter who you are or what walk of life you come from, it doesn’t matter if you are a single person, a couple or a family we are here for you."
To access agencies who can refer you to the foodbank see the webpage here. You must have been referred before visiting one of the distribution centres:
LYDNEY
Tuesdays 1.00pm - 3.00pm
Address: Regents Hall, Bath Place, Lydney.
CINDERFORD
Thursdays 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Address: The Forest Community Church, Parragate Road, Cinderford
COLEFORD
Wednesdays 10.00am – 12 noon
Address: The Salvation Army, Broadwell
The Lord's Larder Foodbank, which now services the Forest of Dean, Newent, Leadon Vale and West of Severn areas, was conceived to provide short-term access to basic food and toiletries. The Larder, which is run and maintained entirely by volunteers, works with agencies within the county, we aim to target aid where there is a genuine need and have adopted a Voucher System which enables us to do this most effectively. Alongside this, we also use an Emergency Pack System in certain circumstances.
Telephone: 01531 821641 (St. Mary's Church Office) or Emergency Mobile: 07944 590520
Email: contact@thelordslarder.org.uk
Website: https://thelordslarder.org.uk/
Gloucestershire County Council also have an online support hub with a wealth of information.
The ‘Support Hub’ is split into five key areas - money, food, energy, warm spaces, and protecting health and wellbeing.
The county council is also launching its warm bank offer called ‘Warm and Welcome’. This will allow residents to access free warm and welcoming spaces within libraries.
Website: https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/support-hub/
If you run a local support group and would like to add it to the list please email Frances.Palmer@publicagroup.uk
© Forest of Dean District Council 2023 Cyber Essentials Plus Certified