Early Help and Financial Support for Families

There are a wide range of services available for families who may need support, especially during the winter months. Please see the information below.

Energy Information, Advice and Guidance

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
Fuel Direct allows energy bills to be paid directly from benefits.
Search: Manage deductions from your benefits to pay debts and bills – GOV.UK

Centre for Sustainable Energy
Offers longer-term ideas, grants, and advice to help reduce energy bills.
Call 0800 408 6601 or visit Energy Saving Trust.

LEAP – Free Energy and Money Saving Service
Helps households reduce energy bills at no cost.
Search: LEAP – The Energy Advice & Money Saving Service

Groundwork Green Doctors
Free energy advice and home support.
Search: Groundwork – Get Energy Help

Act on Energy
Local charity providing free, impartial home-energy advice.
Website: actonenergy.org.uk
Phone: 0800 988 2881

Family Support Services

Spearhead Trust – Great for Families
Family support, befriending, OAP meals, gardening and wellbeing support.
Email: familysupport@spearheadtrust.org.uk
Phone: 0121 433 3532

Mental Health Support

Project B – Free Mental Health Advice
Email: info@theprojectbirmingham.org
Phone: 0121 453 0606
Website: theprojectbirmingham.org

DAAR UL JANNAH – Centre of Advice and Education

Phone: 0121 792 5442
Mobile/WhatsApp: 07847 661022
Email: info@daaruljannah.co.uk
Services include debt advice, welfare benefits, housing support, phone support, NADRA card support, food bank support, and Islamic studies.

Nationwide Advice and Guidance

Citizens Advice
Visit local branches or the main website.

National Debtline
Free debt advice.
Call: 0808 808 4000

Turn2Us – Grants Search
Families can check what grants they may be eligible for.

StepChange Debt Charity
Debt management plans, bankruptcy support, and mental health guidance.
Website: stepchange.org

Employment, Training and Community Support

Better Pathways
Employment preparation, day activities and volunteering.
Phone: 0121 773 1455
Email: live@betterpathways.org.uk

Brandwood Centre
Accredited training, wellbeing workshops, CV support, careers advice, volunteering, and debt/benefits advice.
Phone: 0121 443 3310

Grants and Additional Support

For support with bus tickets, temporary accommodation and more, families can contact BCT Targeted Family Help Coordinators.

Housing Support Fund: hsfbirmingham.online/enquiry
Buttle UK: Support for children and young people.
BBC Children in Need – Emergency Essentials
Family Fund: Support for families raising disabled or seriously ill children.

Food Support and Food Banks

Trussell Trust – Food Banks
Search local support.

Food Justice Network Map
Search local food support hubs.

Yardley Wood Food Pantry
Affordable food pantry.

Noor-e-Huda Masjid – 24-hour Food Bank
Phone: 0121 430 2272

Other Support Services

Riverside Money Advice – B13
Free support with money management.

Rubery Swop Shop – B30 / B45
Community exchange and support.

The Children’s Storehouse – B91
Free clothing and essentials for children.

Birmingham City Council – Help with Energy Bills
Information on fuel poverty support.

Severn Trent – Big Difference Scheme
Help with paying water bills.

EH Smith Trust – Food Vouchers
Assistance for low-income households.

West Midlands Multibank
Access to essential household items.