Financial support
If you need support with:
- Benefits, call Welfare Rights on 0191 277 2627
- Debt and budgeting, call Money Matters, on 0800 1707 008
- Housing and homelessness, call the Housing Advice Centre on 0800 1707 008
Universal Credit is gradually replacing means tested benefits like Tax Credits. To find out more see the move to Universal Credit page on Newcastle Council Website.
Support for parents of school age children
If your child is school age, you might benefit from free school meals, free transport to school and free activities in the school holidays.
Healthy Start: Get help to buy food and milk
If you or your family get certain benefits, you can apply for a prepaid card to spend on milk, fruit and vegetables. This is from ten weeks pregnant until your child is four. See Healthy Start or speak to your midwife or health visitor.
Foodbanks and clothing banks
On Information Now, you can find your nearest foodbank and when it is open. There is also information about clothing banks for free or low cost clothing.
Citizens Advice Newcastle
Offering free, confidential, independent advice on benefits, debt, housing, law, immigration and more.
Drop in at City Library (Monday - Friday, 10am - 12pm), or call 0808 278 7823.
Gambling
Gambling (also known as betting) involves any games of chance that are played for money. This could be things like betting on sports (such as football or horseracing), playing bingo, or playing casino games. Gambling can have a negative impact on your health and wellbeing. It may also affect your household finance. This can negatively impact yourself and other members of your family.
Gambling can also be in the form of children’s video games and loot boxes. This is because of their use of random chance to gain items after committing real-world funds. Games using loot boxes may start gambling behaviours in a person.
If you live in Newcastle you can access the NHS Northern Gambling Service. This is either via self-referral or you can be referred by a professional.
