With the impact of the cost of living crisis being felt everywhere, we are committed to supporting individuals and families across our local community through these uncertain and challenging times. On this page, you can access a wide range of information, advice and guidance on support services, organisations and programmes that are here to help you navigate these current financial pressures.
Armagh Food Bank
Provides support to families following a referral from GP / Social Worker etc.
Mobile: 077 5268 0805
Email:
Normal opening times 10.30am-12.30pm Tuesdays and Saturdays.
*Closed from 24th December to 7th January
Banbridge Food Bank
Provides support to families following a direct request.
Email:
Facebook: facebook.com/StorehouseBanbridgeFoodbank/
Emails are monitored Monday-Friday.
*Closed 24,28 and 31st December and reopening 2nd January 2025.
Craigavon Food Bank
Provides support to families following a referral from GP / Social Worker etc.
Tel: 0333 050 7702
Email:
Phone line is monitored Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.
*Our last distribution day will be on December 20th.
Closed from 23 December and reopening 3 January 2025.
Dromore Food Bank
Provides support to families following a direct request.
M: 079 4678 3279
Email:
Web: www.viawings.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/ViaWingsDromore
*Closing 20 December and reopening 6 January 2025
The Society of St Vincent de Paul
Offer direct, personal assistance that is non-judgmental and based on the need of the individual or family.
Tel: 028 9035 1561
Web: www.svp.ie/requesthelp
Salvation Army
Provides help and support to those in need, offering emergency support, foodbank assistance and more.
76-82 Union Street,
Lurgan
BT66 8ED
Tel: 028 3832 3222
Mob: 07942 614738
National Energy Action
Find out about grants that may be available to help with insulation and heating improvements in your home.
Tel: 028 9023 9909
Web: www.nea.org.uk
Power NI
Find out about what help, and support is available to help you manage your energy bills and more.
Tel: 03457 455 455
Web: http://powerni.co.uk
Web: https://powerni.co.uk/help/customer-support/further-support-and-advice
Web: https://powerni.co.uk/help/customer-support/im-struggling-to-pay-what-should-i-do
Bryson Energy
Provides advice to householders on saving energy in your home and information on any funding grants available (within Northern Ireland) on ways to keep your home warm (for example, loft installation).
Web: www.brysonenergy.org
NI Energy Advice
Offers free independent and impartial energy advice to domestic householders in Northern Ireland – including advice about energy grants and other sources of help.
Tel: 0800 1114455
Email: /">
Web: https://www.nihe.gov.uk/Community/NI-Energy-Advice
Phoenix Natural Gas
Based on income, Phoenix Natural Gas can offer a Boiler Replacement Allowance, which aims to help with the cost of replacing your old, inefficient boiler that is over 15 years old.
Tel: 08454 555555
Web: http://phoenixnaturalgas.com
Energy Wise
Provides tips and advice to help you control what energy you use and control what it costs.
Web: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/energy-wise
Housing Executive Boiler Replacement Allowance
Based on income and owning your own home, the Housing Executive can offer a Boiler Replacement Allowance, which aims to help with the cost of replacing your old, inefficient boiler that is over 15 years old.
Tel: 0344 892 0900
Web: https://www.nihe.gov.uk/Housing-Help/Affordable-Warmth-Boiler-Replacement/Boiler-replacement-Scheme
Winter Fuel Payment
If you are aged 60 or over you may get a Winter Fuel Payment to help pay for keeping warm in winter. The Winter Fuel Payment is tax-free and paid yearly to eligible older people.
Web: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/winter-fuel-payment
Cold Weather Payment
If you’re receiving certain benefits, you could qualify for extra money for each week there is very cold weather in your area.
Web: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/cold-weather-payment
Affordable Warmth Scheme
To find out more on this Scheme click here.
Keep Cosy Scheme
Open to all householders in the borough, the scheme is designed to help those who use central heating oil to budget and save to buy oil.
Web: https://www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/download/3477/keep-cosy/16943/keep-cosy-leaflet.pdf
Community Advice Armagh Banbridge Craigavon
Offers borough residents free, independent, confidential, and impartial advice, advocacy, and information.
Tel: 0330 135 9733
Email:
Website: www.adviceabc.co.uk
Open Monday-Thursday, 9am-5pm and Friday, 9am-4pm.
Please note Christmas & New Year arrangements: office closes Monday 23 December at 2pm and reopens Thursday 2 January.
Armagh
9 McCrum’s Court
Armagh.
BT61 7RS
Banbridge
The Old Town Hall,
1 Scarva Street,
BT32 3DA
Lurgan
The Annex,
Lurgan Town Hall,
BT66 8DY
Portadown
Portadown Health Centre,
Tavanagh Avenue,
Portadown
BT62 3BU
Make the Call
Assists with making sure individuals and households are getting all the benefits, services and supports they are entitled to.
Tel: 0800 232 1271
Web: www.nidirect.gov.uk/makethecall
COST OF LIVING FINANCE SURVIVAL KIT
Community Advice ABC
Our Community Advice Offices based in Armagh, Banbridge, Lurgan and Portadown offer borough residents free, independent, confidential, and impartial advice, advocacy, and information.
Tel: 0330 135 9733
Email:
Website: www.adviceabc.co.uk
Please note Christmas & New Year arrangements: offices close Monday 23 December at 2pm and reopen Thursday 2 January.
The Society of St Vincent de Paul
Offers direct, personal assistance that is non-judgmental and based on the need of the individual or family.
Tel: 028 9035 1561
Web: www.svp.ie/requesthelp
Please note Christmas & New Year arrangements: The Society of St Vincent de Paul has volunteers ready to respond to crisis emergencies throughout the Christmas holiday season. Local helpline numbers are listed below.
- Aghagallon (St Patrick): 07745785181 / 07810036763
- Armagh (St Patrick): 07733482604
- Craigavon (St Anthony): 07919496053
- Keady (St Patrick): 07738838078
- Lurgan (St Peter & St Paul): 02838325725
- Magheralin (St John XXIII): 07921876225
- Portadown (St Patrick): 07300789519
- Seagoe (Holy Family): 07827770304
- Tullysaran (St Mary): 07738838035
- Whitecross (St John Paul II): 07561011117
- St Patrick Banbridge: 028 4066 2047
- St Colman Dromore: 07738838187
Salvation Army
Provides help and support to those in need, offering emergency support, foodbank assistance and more.
76-82 Union Street,
Lurgan
BT66 8ED
Tel: 028 3832 3222
Mob: 07942 614738
Please note Christmas & New Year arrangements: The Salvation Army can help in emergency crisis during the Christmas holiday season. Messages will be monitored via the Salvation Army Helpline: 07942 614738.
Cost of Living Information & Advice – NI Direct
Provides information and advice to help with energy costs, income, housing and more.
Web: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/cost-living
Health and Wellbeing Directory
armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/health-wellbeing-directory