UK Bill Help

Brighton and Hove City is a faith based charity that helps people of all religions. Most of the assistance is provided from the Basics Bank, and this programme can provide free food parcels, help with heating bill arrears from Winter Fuel Allowance donations, and household items. To receive support from any of their services, residents of East Sussex need a referral to the charity, as the Brighton and Hove City Mission has limited resources and they aim to only help the most vulnerable.

Assistance and social welfare programmes

Families facing an emergency, that was not caused by them or their lifestyle, can get help from the Basics Bank. This is the main service that helps the vulnerable in East Sussex that are under exceptional pressure. The practical support is extensive, and volunteers can also sign post clients to other local charities or services.

In order to receive assistance from the Basics Bank, referrals are needed. The Mission partners with authorities and agencies such as Brighton & Hove Citizens Advice Bureau, British Red Cross, First Base Day Centre, St John’s Ambulance, YAC Housing Services, and the Brighton & Hove City Council. People can call these places for a referral. Or try other not-for-profits, such as Brighton Housing Trust, Off The Fence Trust, local Job Centres,Working Links or others. By working with these recognised charity or government agencies, the organisation is able to ensure that the limited resources are targeting those who are really in need.

Food is a priority, as an aim is to prevent hunger. The charity will assist for up to four weeks, and meals as well as parcels of groceries and free food is passed out. There may be meats, milk, bread, and more.

Tenants in rent arrears or the homeless in East Sussex can receive help in locating new home, applying for housing benefits or a deposit scheme, and also be provided with a Start-Up Home Pack. There may be beds, small appliances or white goods, and more, and the aim of City Mission of Brighton and Hove is to end homelessness and keep people in their accommodations.

The packs are fully inclusive. Using donations from the community, they may have saucepans, utensils, crockery and cutlery, pillows and pillow cases, and more. Everything is needed to help a formerly homeless person get the support they need.

Brighton and Hove City Mission heating bill help

This is provided during the winter to the vulnerable. The Fuel Aid scheme will help households that struggle with keeping their home warm and buying food at the same time. It is a real benefit for the elderly in East Sussex or maybe families with children, as they often struggle with gas expenses.

The Fuel Aid service will accept donations of Winter Fuel Allowance from the more fortunate in the city. The funds collected from this will then go to help those who live in fuel poverty pay their winter heating bills and costs. Staff from the Brighton and Hove City Mission will ensure that this aid will only go to the truly vulnerable, such as an older person that is facing a disconnect. There are many other services provided, and read more help with heating bills.

Assistance at Christmas and holidays

Christmas help is provided by the Basics Bank. There are presents and meals for children as well as senior citizens in East Sussex. There may be a small toy for a child, or food and clothing for poor or families in poverty. Volunteers also visit the elderly in Rest Homes in East Sussex, and this is all provided as part of the Basics Bank services.

Many partners work on the Christmas Cheer programme. They include Brighton & Hove Social Services as well as churches in East Sussex. The aim is to ensure the toys and gifts get to the most vulnerable.

Many other services are available for those facing a crisis. The Brighton and Hove City Mission has an address of Calvary Church Building, Stanley Road, Brighton, BN1 4NJ. Call the Basics Bank at 01273 695330.