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Public health news: June 2024

There is lots of help and advice available on South Tyneside cost of living information.

This includes information on government help, welfare support and the Household Support Fund. There is also help and support on the following subjects:

• Money and debt advice
• Benefit entitlement
• Crisis support and food
• Job and skills support
• Education
• Data tariffs

Pension Credit

Thousands of people in South Tyneside are missing out on pension credit payments.

You could be entitled to pension credit if you are over 66 years old and living on a low income. This tops up your state pension and could help you cover your costs. You may even qualify if you have some savings.

You can check your eligibility at or by calling 0800 991234.

For more information or assistance with the application process call Citizens Advice on 0191 455 7958 or Welfare Support on 0300 123 663.

Welfare Support team

The service is free and confidential for anyone living in South Tyneside.

They can help if you need:

• Debt advice, including bankruptcy and debt relief orders
• Advice on whether you will be better off in work
• Support with budgeting
• Support to keep your home and make the most of your money
• Short term help if you are in a money crisis

Call: 0191 424 6040

Email: welfaresupport@southtyneside.gov.uk  

Website:

Free online benefit checkers

Millions of people are missing out on thousands of pounds. Check what you are entitled to now.

Website: 

Website: 

Northumbria Water discounts

Many residents may be missing out on water tariffs to help save money on water bills. There is a quick and easy way to check if you're eligible at .

Eligibility includes:

• Household income is less that £23,933
• 3 or more children living in the property
• Someone in the household has a medical condition that needs lots of water
• Household income is not enough to pay essential bills
• If you already have a water meter
• In receipt of benefits and financial support including Income Support, Income Based Jobseekers Allowance, Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit

The Green Doctor

They can provide home visits or a phone call to help with staying warm, saving energy costs, fuel vouchers and help with damp or mould problems.

Call: 07587 136525 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)

Northern Gas Networks: Priority Customers

Some residents need extra support if there's an unexpected interruption to their gas supply.

If you have a disability or illness which means you might struggle without your gas supply, even for a few hours, it's a good idea to get added to your gas supplier's Priority Services Register.

Website:

Call: 0800 040 7766 and select Option 4

If you've got an elderly neighbour or relative who you think might benefit from this service, why not let them know too?

Childcare

The campaign raises awareness and understanding of the government's childcare support for parents. It allows parents to check what support they might be eligible for, including helping with the costs of childcare.  

The includes key information about the existing and upcoming childcare support, as well as a wide range of new digital and ready to print resources to use including posters and leaflets.

This is part of the biggest ever investment in childcare in England, which is set to save working parents using 30 childcare hours up to £6,500 per year from September 2025, so they can juggle the job they want with being a parent.

Loan shark awareness

Have you taken out a loan with an illegal money lender?

A loan shark, as they are often known as, is someone who runs a money lending business without permission.

They often use intimidation and violence to get money from their clients.

If someone who has lent you money threatens you or is violent, contact the police straight away.

If you have borrowed money from a loan shark you should contact Trading Standards immediately. They will help you deal with your situation and the loan shark.

Call:  0191 424 7896 or 0191 424 4402

You can also phone the in-confidence helpline on 0300 555 2222 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday). 

Find out more at .

How to spot a scam

Ask yourself the questions below. If you answer yes to any of them, there's a good chance it's a scam. Trust your instinct and protect yourself.

If you aren't sure don't share any personal details.

• Have you been contacted out of the blue?
• Have you been asked to share personal details?
• Are you been asked to keep it a secret?
• Does it sound too good to be true?
• Are you being pressured to make a decision?
• Are there spelling or other mistakes?
• Does the email address look wrong?

Call: Trading Standards UK on 0808 223 1133 

Top tips:

• If you are unsure, never click a link, attachment or give any details
• Don't give a full password or card number
• Hang up / close the door and call the company to confirm (not on a phone number given to you by a potential scammer)