This information is to help all those within the Diocese regarding warm spaces, information on the cost of living crisis, and local facilities available.

Below you will find links to various help schemes, council tax support, debt management services, energy grants, food banks, and community hubs, as well as national support schemes and charities that are available to help during this challenging time.

Please click on the location/council link below:

These are a few ideas for parishes, schools and other public places who want to help.

Community Welcome

  • Invite people together, listen to their experiences, their worries, hear their suggestions.
  • Reach out to the margins, be inclusive.
  • Continue (or start) your synodal journey, address the points raised in the first sessions, reach the people that you didn’t have time to engage.
  • Look at what else is available locally in other faith and community settings – share a list, rotate with others, fill the gaps, initiate a conversation at your next local meeting of Churches Together, Faith Forum etc.

Build on what you already have…

  • Extend tea/coffee after Mass.
  • Change/add to your existing gatherings e.g bring and share food, meet more
  • Have a warm meal during group meetings.
  • Support your local SVP and help them to fundraise or recruit.
  • Laudato Si and Live Simply groups

Start something simple…

  • Introduce a film night, games night, prayer, reflection, poets’ corner
  • Start a simple Soup and Scripture club
  • Provide a hot community meal
  • Create a parish library ‘reading room’
  • Get in contact with local SVP, Citizens TELCO organisers, CAFOD reps etc.
  • Start cooking lessons – eg with a free slow cooker.
  • Have free wifi/computer banks for job search, universal credit or other needs.
  • Have a “digital champion” on hand to help people learn new tech skills.
  • See what help might be available from your local authority.

Save energy…

  • Invite an energy saving expert in to speak (see below).
  • Share cost saving ideas, start a self-reliance group.
  • Appoint a Laudato Si’ representative in your parish and begin conversations
  • Begin Live Simply group in your parish with CAFOD.
  • Start a repair shop (sewing, bikes, electronics), or advice shop (phones & computers).
  • Hold a second-hand clothing sale and a clothes recycling bin.
  • Collect for your local foodbanks

Raise Financial Resilience

  • Set up a funding circle in your parish.
  • Sign up to Acts 435
  • Open a branch of a credit union.

Social Justice

  • Learn about Catholic Social Teaching.
  • Get savvy about Economics, Politics and Faith.
  • Learn about Community Organising.
  • Invite your local councillor in to share stories and solutions.
  • Discuss these topics with your youth/sacrament groups.

Find out more about: Green Doctors and National Energy Action

Thank you to Caritas Diocese of Westminster for sharing these ideas. (website)

Government Help for Households

National Energy Action (NEA)

Acts 435 National Charity

Citizens Advice

Energy Cost Calculator UK

National Debt Line