The Council, working closely with it's partner Brentwood Borough Council, has produced a toolkit of assets and posters to support our #ByYourSide campaign. If you would like to support and share #ByYourSide campaign you can download the toolkit here.
On 1st December Cllr Simon Wootton, Leader, Rochford District Council held an online webinar where he led a panel answering questions directly from residents and local businesses about the Cost of Living Crisis.
Cllr Wootton was joined by Kathy Kentish, Chief Executive, Citizen's Advice South Essex, Ann Scott, Development Manager (Essex) of the Federation of Small Businesses, Tracey Lilley, Director of Communities and Health Brentwood & Rochford, Cllr Arthur Williams, portfolio holder for Communities and Health and Danielle Belton, portfolio holder for Climate and Economy.
You can access the full webinar here
The Council is determined to do everything it can at a local level to support people as the cost-of-living rises. This page provides useful information, advice and support from the Council , DWP and other organisations.
The Council is also working with partner organisations to ensure that support continues to be targeted to the most vulnerable residents in the district and welcome any additions to the information we share with residents. Please email to partnerships@rochford.gov.uk
These pages will be regularly reviewed and updated in line with any government changes in support and any local information provided by partners.
The links are for support and information. They are not an endorsed or approved by Rochford District Council.
Help for Households - Get government cost of living support
Cost of living support Factsheet - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Support with bills and money
Support to make the most of your money and find help if you need it and includes help with budget planning, help with energy bills and other useful information.
Rochford information
Financial Help and Money Advice
Other useful information
Cost of living support government fact sheet - 26 May 2022
Energy bills support government factsheet - 21 September 2022
Money Manager for Universal Credit claimants
Get help with the cost of living - MoneySavingExpert
Cost of living crisis: help, advice and UK news - Which?
Coping With The Cost Of Living. Debt Advice. StepChange
Help with your broadband bills
Support with food
Advice and guidance on eating on a budget, finding your local foodbank in the district, money saving tips, support organisations and cheap recipes.
The Hub at MegaCentre Rayleigh - Tel: 01268 779999
Cost of Living Crisis: The 25p Meal
What can I make with... recipe finder
30 delicious recipes you can cook for under £1
Support with wellbeing
Information on local support organisations to support physical and mental health wellbeing.
Rochford information
Looking after your mental health
Crouch Walks - South of the River
Healthy homes and independent living
Castle Point & Rochford Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2022-25
Other useful information
The Hub - The MegaCentre Rayleigh
Ramblers Wellbeing Walks Rochford
Cost of living assistance. Help with the Cost of Living crisis. | NELFT NHS Foundation Trust
Keep well this winter | Age UK
Go Green
Advice on how you can reduce your own energy costs to go green such as retrofitting house to improve their energy efficiency and also enjoy the District's green spaces.
Rochford information
Crouch Walks - South of the River
Reuse and recycling in the District
Other useful information
A helpful guide to draught-proofing - Energy Saving Trust
How to save money on my energy bills - Energy Saving Trust
Support with work
Advice and support to help you work such as cost of living payments and childcare vouchers.
Working Families | Cost of Living Support for Families - Working Families
Support with running a business
The new Energy Bill Relief Scheme is cutting energy prices for businesses, charities and public-sector organisations such as schools and hospitals. If you're on a default or variable tariff your prices will also be automatically cut, but you may be able to save more by moving to a new fixed price contract. Please beware of scams. You DO NOT need to apply for the scheme For further information please visit the .gov.uk website.
Reduce your business costs and save money
Commissioned by Rochford District Council (using the UK Shared Prosperity Fund), Colbea and Auditel are offering any business with a premises in the Rochford District, a FREE commercial cost review of all your overheads. This will identify current usage and spend, and highlight potential opportunities for improved service, reduced admin and lower cost, through the ‘Rochford Business Cost Reduction Programme’.
If you would like further information or have any questions, please contact Colbea on 01206 548833 or email enquiries@colbea.co.uk
To furtherreduce your business running costs, you can also develop a Low Carbon Reduction Plan for FREE, which will help lower your energy bills too! Rochford District Council has funded Colbea to assist you with this by working with sustainability experts. Please find out more on our Business Events page
For FREE financial advice, including debt advice and to find out all about the different finance options available to your business, please visit Let’s Do Business Group
You can also access the Cost of Living Hub on the Business Debtline website
Warm Hubs
Warm Hubs provide a warm space at certain times for the local community.
Monday
Emmanuel Church, Main Road, Hockley, SS5 4NR - Open 10.15am -3.15pm
01702 543514
St Marks Hall, St Marks Field, Rochford, SS4 1PT - Open 11am -2pm
01702 781267
Tuesday
Megacentre, Brook Road, Rayleigh, SS6 7UT - Open 9.30am-3.30pm
01268 779100
Wednesday
Hockley Methodist Church, Main Road, Hockley, SS5 4QY - Open 10.15am -3.15pm
01702 205870
Salvation Army, High Street, Rayleigh, SS6 7BU - Open 10am -1pm
01268 771752
Rayleigh Library Warm Welcome, High Street, SS6 7BX Open 2pm -3pm
0345 603 7628
Free Church, Ferry Road, Hullbridge, SS5 6QF Open 2pm-4pm (only on 14 & 21 December).
01702 233164
More dates in the New Year
Thursday
Christ Church URC, Crown Hill, Rayleigh, SS6 7HA - Open 10am -1pm
01268 781258
Friday
Bramerton Community Church, Bramerton Road, Hockley, SS5 4PJ - Open 10.15am -3.15pm
01702 203557
Holy Trinity, Rectory Garth, Rayleigh, SS6 8BB - Open 10am - 4pm
01268 742151
St Marks Hall, St Marks Field, Rochford, SS4 1PT - Open 11am - 2pm
01702 781268
Rochford Library Community Tea, Roche Close, Rochford, SS4 1PX - Open 10.30am -11.30am
0345 603 7628
Saturday
Great Wakering Library, High Street, SS3 0EQ - Open 2pm-3pm (next event 7 January 2023)
0345 603 7628
Hockley Library Community Tea, Woodpond Avenue, SS5 4PZ - Open 10.30am-12pm
0345 603 7628
Hullbridge Library Warm Welcome, Ferry Road, SS5 6ET - Open 10am -11am
0345 603 7628