Other services that can help

Food and clothing are sometimes only part of what’s needed. Below is a shortlist of trusted local and national services for everything else — money, energy bills, housing, mental health, addiction, well-being and more.

Other services

Money, debt, benefits and work

Citizens Advice
Help with energy bills and prepayment meters. Information on benefits, grants and supplier support.

CAP (Christians Against Poverty)
Free debt counselling and community money courses. 0800 328 0006

Frontline Debt Advice
Information on debt and benefits.

Money Wellness
One of the largest free debt advice services in the UK, with translation in 240+ languages. 0800 011 4231 (or 0161 241 7340 at local rates)

MoneySavingExpert / Open University
Free online course on managing your money.

Skills Bootcamps
 Skills Bootcamps help Hampshire residents and local employers grow by developing valuable, sector specific skills that meet real workforce needs. Designed in partnership with employers, they support both personal career development and business growth, offering a clear path into new roles or progression opportunities. Unemployed learners are guaranteed a job interview on completion.

Open to Hampshire residents aged 19+, courses can run from 2 to 16 weeks and are designed to be flexible to suit a range of circumstances. Opportunities may be available for those who are employed, self-employed, unemployed, considering a career change, or returning to work.

Sector Based Work Academy Programme (SWAP)
Free construction skills training and a fast route into work.

Winchester City Council
Free advice for council, private and housing association tenants, in partnership with Hampshire County Council.

Community Hubs

What’s on – Housing Events and Activities – Winchester City Council

Community Hubs are a great support mechanism for Winchester City Council tenants to come and talk directly to a member of Winchester City Council Staff. Winchester City Council Officers are joined by Citizens Advice and other supportive organisations to answer questions on income maximisation, benefit entitlement, debt relief, sustaining your private or council tenancy and much more!

No need to book, just come along. The hubs take place in different locations…

Literacy/IT Skills

Read Easy Winchester
A voluntary organisation affiliated to the national charity, Read Easy UK. It is a free, one-to-one service designed for adults who want to learn to read at their own pace, without pressure, or who struggle with their reading. It’s friendly, flexible and fun!

Winchester City Council
Digital Drop-in sessions
What’s on – Housing Events and Activities – Winchester City Council

Digital Drop-Ins are for anyone who is struggling with their tablet/ laptop/ smart phone. If they need some-on to one IT support, this is a FREE session where they can get tailored support for their technology problems there, they can access expert assistance for all your tech-related questions and challenges. The sessions are arranged in different locations…

Utility Bills

Citizens Advice
Helps people who are struggling to afford their energy bills or top up their prepayment meter. They provide information and advice about certain benefits, grants and help offered by the government and energy suppliers.

Money Saving Expert
Provides up to date independent information with help and advice on reducing fuel costs
Winter Workout Tips to Save Gas

LEAP
A free service that helps people who are in, or are at risk of falling into fuel poverty, to reduce their energy bills.
Tel: 0800 0607567

Help from your supplier: the Affordable Warmth Obligation
Might be able to offer help for energy saving improvements to people’s homes if they claim certain benefits and live in private housing (e.g. home owner, rental from private landlord) or live in social housing.

Southern Water
Can offer options for reducing or changing the way you pay your water bills.
Tel: 0330 303 0277

Housing

Shelter
Shelter offers up-to-date information and advice on housing, evictions, and homelessness. Their guidance is regularly updated to reflect any changes made by the government.
You can learn more about your housing rights and the latest updates on their website

Citizens Advice

Provide guidance about housing, renting, evictions, arrears and possession orders, as well as offering help through the local citizens advice service.

For information about housing costs, rent repayments and other residential issues, contact your housing provider or look at the help provided by local housing services.

Domestic Abuse

If you are worried about someone finding out you are looking at domestic abuse information, Women’s Aid have a safety guide www.womensaid.org.uk/cover-your-tracks-online/
Women’s Aid provide a range of services, including an online instant messaging service and information on how to get help with domestic abuse. The website also links to services for men, young people, people with disabilities and all members of the LGBT communities.
The Salvation Army
Supports victims of human trafficking and modern slavery, with a 24hr referral helpline 0300 3038151

Mental Health and Addiction

Winchester Welbeing Centre
A recovery-focused well-being centre for those aged 18 or over experiencing mild to moderate mental health problems such as anxiety, stress, low mood or depression. It offers safe spaces to get back on track through groups, workshops, activities and 1:1 emotional support.

Mind
Offers information about types of mental health problems, drugs and treatments, helplines, support and services, tips for everyday living, legal rights, supporting others and more.

Support for Young People – Let’s Talk about It
Provides links to useful groups and organisations that offer services for young people across Hampshire including mental health, employment, homelessness, substance misuse and more

Inclusion Recovery Hampshire
Offers support for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs both under and over 25 years as well as families and carers affected by drugs and alcohol.

Adfam
Provides information and support for people experiencing problems with drugs, alcohol and gambling.

NHS
Offers information and advice on alcohol.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Offer help with alcohol and drinking.
Offer help with drugs and drug taking.

Catch 22
Is a county-wide specialist treatment service for children and young people affected by substance misuse.

Connect to Support Hampshire
Offers links to a wide range of resources and organisations in the community.

GamCare – Gambling Support
The GamCare South East team provide a full range of free, flexible help and support for anyone 18+ negatively affected by gambling.
For advice for under 18s, visit the Family Information and Services Hub

Well-being

Brendoncare Community Clubs
Brendoncare Community Membership enables social connections, providing friendship and fun through in-person and online clubs, telephone, digital support and events. Free membership is available to people on means-tested benefits.
Tel: 01962 857099 email: clubs@brendoncare.org.uk

Other Sources of Food

Healthy Start
The Healthy Start scheme offers extra support for families with children under 4, and for those who are pregnant. Eligible families receive a prepaid card that can be used to buy milk, fruit, vegetables, and pulses.
Visit the Healthy Start website for more information and to check if you qualify.

Unit 12 Community Food Pantry
Distributes food to individuals and families needing support to manage and budget through tough times.

Carroll Centre Food Pantry
Is a community-based food pantry offering a selection of dry, chilled and frozen food at reduced cost for anyone short on food or missing meals.

Other Local Food Banks

We support clients in Winchester city and the surrounding villages, including Alresford. If you live further out, the closest food bank to you will usually be the quickest route to help: