Information
We have created our community hub to harness the positive power of the internet, providing communities with easy access to vital information on social issues, welfare, debt, and other topics that truly matter to the public.
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Issues such as the cost of living, crime, poverty, exercise, well-being, depression, and homelessness are deeply interconnected, affecting individuals and communities in many ways. For example, rising living costs can lead to poverty, which in turn may limit access to healthcare, nutritious food, and safe housing. This chain of challenges can contribute to criminal activity and homelessness, impacting society as a whole.
Through our pages on information, education, business, health, and safer streets, we aim to provide practical tools, trusted resources, and community-focused support to help tackle these issues from multiple angles — building stronger, safer, and more informed communities.
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​Steps to Manage and Reduce Debt
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Face the Reality: Acknowledge your debt, take a deep breath, and assess the extent of your financial obligations.
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Create a Budget: List your income and expenses. Review your spending habits to identify areas where you can cut back and free up money to pay off debt. Learn more about budgeting.
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Prioritise Your Debt: List your debts by priority, focusing on those with the highest interest rates first, as they cost more in the long run. Work out your budget
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Communicate with Creditors: If you're struggling to make payments, contact your creditors. You might be able to negotiate a lower interest rate or set up a manageable payment plan. Letter template
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Consider Debt Consolidation: If you have multiple debts with high-interest rates, consolidating them into a single loan with a lower rate may help simplify your payments. Find out more about debt management plan.
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Seek Professional Help: If you're overwhelmed, consider speaking with a financial advisor, credit counsellor, or a bankruptcy legal advisor for guidance. Get professional help.
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Universal Credit (UC)
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Universal Credit is a UK government welfare benefit designed to support people on a low income or out of work. More on Universal Credit.
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Job Search Activities: You’ll need to actively seek work, apply for suitable jobs, attend interviews, and participate in relevant training.
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Minimum Job Applications: Claimants may need to demonstrate that they’re making a specified number of job applications or job search actions each week.
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Work-Focused Interviews: You may be required to attend interviews with a work coach at the Jobcentre Plus office to discuss your job search progress.
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Restart Scheme: This government initiative helps long-term unemployed individuals (9 months+) find work, offering additional resources and support. Learn more about the Restart Scheme.
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Applying for Universal Credit: You’ll need to create an online account, provide information about your income, housing, and living expenses, and possibly attend an interview. The application process may take several weeks. Start your UC application.
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Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)
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Discretionary Housing Payments provide short-term financial help if you're struggling to cover rent while claiming Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.
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You may be eligible if you're affected by:
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The benefit cap
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Local housing allowance rates
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A rent shortfall
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Need a rent deposit or help with moving costs
Important: DHPs are not guaranteed and are awarded at your local council’s discretion based on your circumstances. See Discretionary Housing
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Help to Save
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Help to Save is a government-backed savings scheme for people on low incomes (e.g., those receiving Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit).
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You can save between £1 and £50 each month
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The government gives you a 50% bonus on what you save – up to £1,200 over 4 years
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The bonus is paid after 2 years and again at 4 years
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It’s flexible – you don’t have to pay in every month
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Even small savings can go a long way – whether it’s baby milk, bills, phone credit, or a treat like Christmas food. Check eligibility and apply for Help to Save​
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Budget Shopping Tips
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Smart shopping can stretch your money further. Here are some tips:
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Make a list – avoid impulse buys
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Look for deals & discounts – use flyers, store apps, and coupons
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Buy in bulk – but only what you’ll use before it expires
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Compare prices – check multiple stores for the best value
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Try store brands – often cheaper but just as good
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Avoid shopping when hungry – it leads to overspending
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Use cash – helps keep track of spending
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Plan your meals – saves money and reduces food waste
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Cheap food shops in the UK: Heron Foods, Lidl, Aldi, Farmfoods, Iceland, Home Bargains, B&M
Top tip: Many stores reduce prices on food after 7–8 pm.
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Meal Planning & Cooking on a Budget
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Planning meals can save you time, money, and reduce stress.
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Benefits:
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Eat more balanced meals
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Avoid food waste
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Stick to your budget
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Search these keywords on YouTube for ideas:
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Cook for £1.00
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Batch cooking for the family
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Healthy meals on a budget
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Cook in 15 minutes
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3-ingredient recipes
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Vegan meals on a budget​​
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Further Support
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Community Centres
Community centres can play an important role in supporting vulnerable adults, homeless individuals, unemployed, families and domestic abuse victims.
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Homelessness
Read our guide here
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​Returning to education
Visit Kulturalism's Academic Corner
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Job Search Templates
How to write a letter for a job
How to apply for a job via email
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Debt
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Useful Links
SHE Voice Women's Safety Section
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REPORTING
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​Anti-Social Behaviour Reporting:
Local councils often provide tools and contact information for reporting anti-social behaviour in your area. This may include reporting noisy neighbors, littering, or other community-related issues.
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Online Reporting for Cybercrime:
If you've been a victim of cybercrime or online fraud, you can report it to Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting center. They have an online reporting tool on their website.
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Reporting Hate Crimes:
If you or someone you know has experienced a hate crime, you can report it to the police or through organizations like Stop Hate UK. They offer online reporting forms and helplines.
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Reporting Missing Persons:
If you have information about a missing person, you can report it to the police or use resources like the Missing People charity's helpline at 116 000.
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Reporting Anti Social Behaviour
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