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Local support and advice

Local organisations which can provide support and advice on the cost of living.

Citizens Advice Richmond

Citizens Advice Richmond provide specialist advice on a range of issues such as claiming benefits, employment issues, housing, immigration, debt, tax, advice for EU citizens etc. They offer hardship grants on behalf of other local funders and food vouchers.

Richmond AID

Richmond AID provide support for disabled people, people with long term health conditions and carers. They can provide advice and support on issues including housing, social care, mobility, transport, education and training. They can also provide support on benefits and form filling, general money advice, including debt.

Opening hours of the Disability Action and Advice Centre are 11am to 4pm Monday to Thursday. Please make an appointment in advance.

  • Website: Richmond AID
  • Advice line: 020 8831 6070 or 020 3393 7011

RUILS

RUILS provide support for adults and children with disabilities. They provide information, advice and advocacy across all aspects affecting disabled people, for example care and support at home, activities in the community and housing.

  • Website: RUILS
  • Telephone: 020 8831 6083

Age UK Richmond

Age UK Richmond provide specialist welfare benefits and financial support service for older people; advising them on the types of benefits and grants available to them, support to fill out the applications and making applications on their behalf if necessary. Follow through to award to ensure best chance of success. Home visits offered, if needed.

Step Change

Step Change is a national debt charity offering comprehensive non-judgemental debt advice helping people who have debt problems take back control of their finances. Whatever the situation, they look for practical solutions that help to improve it.

  • Helpline: 0800138 1111 (open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 8am to 4pm)
  • Website: Step Change

Thinking Works

Manages the Winter Warmth service for Richmond borough providing home visits and telephone advice.

Crosslight Advice

Crosslight Advice can provide specialist, holistic advice for those struggling with debt or money issues.

South West London Law Centres

South West London Law Centres offer free and independent legal advice on social welfare issues including housing, debt, immigration and employment.

​Richmond Furniture Scheme

Richmond Furniture Scheme is a local furniture recycling charity service Richmond and Twickenham. They provide good quality, value for money second-hand and refurbished furniture, discounted for those receiving benefits.

Libraries

Libraries across the borough are open to 7pm on certain days, three libraries (East Sheen, Richmond Lending and Teddington) are open seven days a week.

All libraries serve as 'heatbanks' in colder weather and are free to access all day long. Many have toilet facilities.

What's on offer

Borrowing books, rather than buying your own, can be more cost effective.

Our libraries also offer a free digital library with online access to e-books, e-audio, newspapers and magazines and you don’t need a subscription to access them.

There are board games for all ages which can be played in our libraries.

Working or studying

Working or studying at your local library can reduce your electric, gas and water usage as well as commuting costs.

Libraries offer fast reliable Wi-Fi, device charging, desk space and comfortable seating, access to personal computers and printing facilities (printing fees apply). We do ask that you bring personal headphones if you are planning on joining online meetings.

The Information and Reference library in Richmond offers our quietest study and workspaces. However, all libraries have quieter periods, so enquire with your local branch if you are looking to avoid busy times such as Storytime sessions which occur weekly.

Housing association advice

View how your housing association can support you with the cost of living:

If your housing association is not shown, please visit their website for any cost of living advice.

Domestic abuse and violence

If you are experiencing domestic violence or abuse find out about what support is available, including emergency accommodation.

Useful tools

View other useful online tools:

Up to: Richmond Cost of Living Hub

Updated: 16 April 2024

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