The following is adapted from information from Isle of Wight Council.
Use the council’s cost of living web pages to see what’s available locally or call 01983 823134.
Contact Citizens Advice Isle of Wight on 0800 144 88 48 or enquiries@iwcab.org.uk. Their advice is free, confidential and independent. They can help with debt, benefits, legal advice and much more.
Contact The Footprint Trust for free advice or call them 01983 822282.
Use the connect4communities website to see what other support is available locally.
The government Help for Households website has information about help with childcare costs, benefits and many other schemes.
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Community pantries and larders are free to join
- Community pantries are free to join.
- Anyone can use them to top up their weekly shop – you don’t need to be on benefits.
- Join a pantry and for £5 a week, receive over £15 worth of food.
- You don’t need a referral, contact your nearest pantry directly to join.
Newport Community Pantry
The Pyle Street Pantry, 98 Pyle Street, Newport, PO30 1UH
pylestpantry@gmail.com
Opening hours:
Wednesday 11am to 1pm and 5pm to 7pm
Pan Community Larder for East Newport residents
Downside Community Centre, Furrlongs, Newport, PO30 2AX.
01983 248170
Opening hours:
Tuesday and Friday 12pm to 2pm
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Find a Warm Welcome Space
There’s a great network of Warm Welcome Spaces across the Island. These friendly spaces are run by the community for the community.
In a Warm Welcome Space you might find support and advice, tea and coffee, other refreshments, games, crafts and you’ll always find a friendly face and someone to chat to.
There’s a list of Warm Welcome Spaces on Isle of Wight Council’s website.
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Help with childcare costs
Make sure you’ve opened a Tax-Free Childcare account to save on your yearly childcare bills.
Families can use their Tax-Free Childcare account to pay for any approved childcare including holiday clubs, breakfast and after school clubs, child minders and nurseries.
The scheme provides working families, with children up to the age of 11, or 16 if their child has a disability, up to £2,000 a year per child or £4,000 a year if their child is disabled.
For every £8 paid into a Tax-Free Childcare account, families automatically receive the government top up of £2. Families can save up to £500 every 3 months for each child or £1,000 if their child is disabled.
Don’t forget:
- Eligible working families in England with 3 and 4 year old children can receive 30 hours of free childcare a week.
- Families in England who have 2 year old children and are on certain benefits can get 15 hours of free childcare a week.
- All families with children aged 3 and 4 can also access 15 hours of free childcare a week.