Additional support available Cygnets is well connected with a range of local organisations and community groups that can provide help, support and advice to families who might be struggling with finances and bills. Please ask us if you have any concerns in this area and need our support to connect with any of the below. Local and in-person services in Westbury Crosspoint Located in the Market Place, Crosspoint is a community run charity offering a range of support services for people in Westbury and the surrounding villages. In addition to an IT suite, support with benefits applications, job hunting advice and counselling services, Crosspoint is now offering a free and confidential debt advice service. The service uses specially trained Money Mentors to help provide professional help and support with any debt issues. https://www.crosspoint-westbury.co.uk/debt-advice Westbury Area Network Food bank Run by volunteers and based at Westbury Community Project on Eden Vale Road, Westbury Area Network provides emergency parcels of food and essentials (nappies, toiletries etc) to individuals and families who are struggling. Parcels can be provided on a one-off or ongoing weekly basis depending on circumstances. Recipients need to be referred in order to access support, so please speak to Emma O if you would like help accessing the food bank. Community fridge Also at Westbury Community Project, and open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10.30 – 12.00, the community fridge aims to reduce food waste and promote food sharing. You can usually pick up bakery items including bread and cakes, plus fresh vegetables, and other surplus items from local supermarkets. https://www.westburyareanetwork.org/  Warm spaces Throughout the cost-of-living crisis, several designated warm spaces have opened around Westbury to support people who are struggling to heat their homes. By visiting these community spaces, people can keep warm, enjoy hot drinks and refreshments, and seek further support if needed.  Westbury Library is a designated warm space, as are other libraries in Wiltshire: https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/libraries-news  Westbury Town Council offers a warm space at The Laverton: https://www.westburytowncouncil.gov.uk/dept/council-offices-and-the-laverton/ Specific warm space drop-in sessions are also taking place at locations including Westbury Leigh Community Hall and Westbury Community Project so check online for details. More services available online Wessex Water In response to the cost-of-living crisis, Wessex Water have a range of support services available to customers. These include assistance with reduced bills, a bill cap scheme, debt support and flexible payment plans. https://www.wessexwater.co.uk/your-account/help-paying  Wiltshire Council Wiltshire Council has a huge range of advice and guidance services online for anyone who might be struggling. This includes: Council tax Benefits Financial support including childcare funding Energy costs Housing https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/6665/Council-tax-benefits-and-financial-support Mental Health & Money Advice Problems with money can have a serious impact on your mental health, while mental health issues can make effectively managing your money more challenging. Services such as Mental Health & Money Advice offer dedicated help and support for people facing these kinds of challenges. https://www.mentalhealthandmoneyadvice.org/en/  Citizen’s Advice Citizen’s Advice is a national charity with a local network that offers free and confidential advice online, over the phone and in person, on a range of issues including problems at work and your rights; managing benefits; debt and money worries; family, legal and housing issues and more. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/  Local Citizen’s Advice centres are available in Trowbridge, Devizes, Salisbury and Chippenham, although at present consultations are being carried out over the phone/online, with in-person support provided by appointment only. https://www.citizensadvicewiltshire.org.uk/