Advice & support
If you’re struggling, there are people who can help.
We have information on organisations that can help with a wide range of issues. The links on this page won’t cover everything, but we have tried to focus on support that is local or easy to access.
Financial Support
If you are struggling to pay your rent, or need advice and support about debt or managing your money, this list includes organisations that may be able to help.
Debt Advice
Citizens Advice Somerset
Citizens Advice Somerset is an independent charity that provides free, confidential and impartial advice for people in Somerset. Their specialist Debt and Money Advice Project provides support for people who are unable to deal with their debt issues.
Somerset Village and Community Agents
The Community Council for Somerset is a charity working to support people in Somerset to live healthy, independent and safe lives. Their Village Agents provide confidential and practical solutions and advice.
Turn2us
Turn2us is a national charity that provides practical help to people who are struggling financially. They have a free to use Benefits Calculator to check what you are able to claim.
MoneyHelper
MoneyHelper is a free service provided by the Money and Pensions Service, an arm’s length body of the Government. They provide free, impartial help and advice for money and pensions.
Entitledto
Entitledto are an independent provider of online benefits calculators.
Help paying energy bills
Burnham and Weston Energy
Burnham and Weston Energy are a not-for-profit local energy enterprise that help local households struggling with fuel poverty. You can request a free energy and money saving visit from a Home Energy Advisor on their website.
British Gas Energy Trust
British Gas Energy Trust is an independent charitable organisation that provides access to grants to pay off energy bills, support resources and signposting to local support organisations.
Wessex Water Restart
Wessex Water have a debt support scheme called Restart. This helps customers who have significant water debt that they cannot repay.
Ofgem
Ofgem are the energy regulator for Britain. They have guidance about where you can get help to pay your gas and electricity bills on their website.
The Rainbow Fund
If you are experiencing financial hardship, Shal has a fund that may be able to help. You could be eligible for a one-off payment for things like essential white goods and furniture, food and utilities.
Applications can only be made after we’ve completed an income and expenditure form and benefit entitlement check with you. We may refer you to other assistance schemes before awarding a grant from the Rainbow Fund. All applications will be considered in line with the Rainbow Fund policy [link to policy page] and applications are limited to one per year.
Please get in touch if you’re struggling financially and we can talk you through the application process.
Text WHO to 07984 355553 to get your Housing Officer’s contact details or call us on 01278 444344.
Mental health and wellbeing
Mind in Somerset
Mind are a mental health charity providing advice and support for anyone with a mental health problem. Their website has lots of useful information about services across Taunton, Yeovil, Bridgwater, Minehead and Shepton Mallet. Their 24/7 support service, Mindline, is available on 01823 276 892.
Sedgemoor Community Connector
Sedgemoor Community Connector is a community-interest company that aims to bring people together and provide support across Bridgwater. They run ‘Connect’ drop-in sessions every Tuesday in Hamp at the Recreation Community Hub, and every Friday in Parkway at the Rollercoaster Community Centre.
Somerset Domestic Abuse
Part of Somerset Council, Somerset Domestic Abuse offer information and support for people dealing with domestic abuse. Their service is confidential, local, and includes an advice line and live web chat.
Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS)
SDAS provide free, confidential and non-judgemental support for anyone dealing with drug and alcohol use and abuse. Services are delivered by Turning Point and they have centres in Taunton, Yeovil and Street.
Hoarding and decluttering
If you need support with hoarding and decluttering your home, please get in touch with us. We can work with you and connect you to available support services. Speak to your Housing Officer by text RENTS plus a message to 07984 355553, or emailing reception@shal.org.
