Our helpline

If you prefer to speak to someone, you can call our cost of living helpline on 023 9284 1047 and our friendly customer service team will be able to help you find the support you need. The helpline is available from 9am-5pm on weekdays (closes at 4.30pm on Fridays and will close at 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve) Closed on Bank Holidays.

Need a referral for a food bank?

Some food banks need a referral, here’s a list of ways to get one:

• A support worker or school may be able to refer you.
• Contact Advice Portsmouth (open Monday to Friday) – call 023 9279 4340, text 07789 550593 or email advice.portsmouth@theyoutrust.org.uk
• Call our cost of living helpline on 023 9284 1047
• If you are a city council tenant, contact your local housing office.
• Drop in to Salvation Army Southsea at 84 Albert Road, PO5 2SN, on Monday, Wednesday or Friday.

HIVE Portsmouth

At HIVE you can find the contact details for hundreds of groups and organisations supporting our communities across Portsmouth.

Samaritans

Call 116 123 for free 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Samaritans website offers self-help advice, plus an app you can download to help keep track of how you’re feeling and get recommendations for things you can do to help you cope, feel better and stay safe in a crisis.

Advice Portsmouth

Advice Portsmouth, supported by Portsmouth City Council, can help you if you are not sure what to do. The service is for anyone who lives or works in Portsmouth. It offers free, confidential and local advice on bills, benefits, debt, housing and employment issues.  Call 023 9279 4340, text 07789 550593 or email advice.portsmouth@theyoutrust.org.uk.

Money Saving Expert

You can find impartial advice on saving money at Money Saving Expert.

Help for people in financial hardship directory

if you’re struggling with money or can’t afford household essentials find local and national services that could help in our Help for people in financial hardship directory

Speak to your housing officer

If you’re a city council tenant, you can get advice on money and benefits from your housing officer, who has access to specialist money advice. Housing associations offer a similar service to their tenants so speak to your housing association directly.