We are just one of many organisations that might be able to help you. If we’re not best placed to help you, we’ll let you know who can. However, you may want to take a look at some of the below organisations. There’s lots of organisations out there, so we’ve just highlighted a small selection.
This page was last updated 14.09.26.
Domestic Violence & Abuse
Berkshire Womens Aid – BWA provides information and advice to people facing domestic abuse. This includes confidential support, advocacy and other supports to anyone experience domestic abuse. For more, see https://www.berkshirewomensaid.org.uk/about/
Flag DV – Flag DV provides multiple services, including a legal advice clinic for people impacted by domestic abuse, and court support in Berkshire, and self-help information.
Debt
There are many organisations that can provide free and confidential debt advice. We are approached by more people than we can help, so please bear in mind the below organisations, but don’t hesitate to contact us.
Debt advice providers – Some of these organisations can provide help outside of normal working hours and on weekends. You can find a list of debt advice providers on the .gov.uk website at https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice
Business Debtline – If you are sole trader or a small business, you can get free, independent and confidential debt advice from Business Debtline instead. See https://businessdebtline.org/.
Food
Loose Ends – Loose Ends is a drop-in centre for anyone in the community who may otherwise go without a hot meal. For full opening times, please see https://www.looseendsnewbury.org/
Newbury Soup Kitchen – Newbury Soup Kitchen services meals every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday for people facing homelessness, those who are vulnerably housed, or those in need across West Berkshire. The full list of outreaches is at https://newburysoupkitchen.org.uk/newbury-soup-kitchen-services/.
Lambourn Junction – They provide a food bank on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday to anyone in need. No referral is necessary. For more, see https://lambournjunction.uk/lambourn-food-junction/. They also provide a lunch club on a Thursday, for which you should call to reserve a place. For more, see https://lambournjunction.uk/lambourn-lunch-club/.
West Berks Food Bank – There are many food banks across West Berkshire. Local referral agencies (e.g. your housing association, homelessness officer, or other local agency) can check to see you’re eligible for a voucher, including Citizens Advice. If you have a voucher, you can find a food bank at https://www.trussell.org.uk/emergency-food/find-a-foodbank. If you need a voucher, please do get in touch with us and an adviser will chat with you.
Housing and Homelessness
West Berks Housing Team – West Berkshire Council Housing Options Team can accept a homelessness application and provide homelessness advice to you, if you’re at risk of homelessness, or need housing advice. For more, see https://www.westberks.gov.uk/homelessnesssupport.
Shelter – if you would like independent advice on your rights, please contact us. Alternative, the Shelter website and helpline can be very helpful. See https://www.shelter.org.uk/
Other Advice Services
Age UK Berkshire – Provides free, independent and confidential information and advice for older people, including help with benefits and accessing support. Call 0118 959 4242, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm. For more, see Age UK Berkshire.
Shelter – Provides information and advice on housing and homelessness. Their free emergency helpline can help if you are homeless, worried about losing your home within the next two months, or at risk of harm or abuse at home. Call 0808 800 4444, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, excluding bank holidays. For online housing advice and other ways to get help, see Shelter.
Acas – Provides free and confidential advice to workers and employers about employment rights and problems at work. This includes advice about pay, workplace disputes and resolving disagreements. Call 0300 123 1100, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. For more, see Acas.
Macmillan Cancer Support – Provides free, confidential support for people affected by cancer, including family and friends. They can help with emotional support, practical information, and questions about money, benefits and work. Call 0808 808 0000, every day, 8am to 8pm. Money advisers are available Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. For more, see Macmillan Cancer Support.
Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline – Provides advice about problems with goods and services, including faulty purchases and problems with energy or post. They can explain your rights and pass information about complaints to Trading Standards. Call free on 0808 223 1133, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, excluding bank holidays. For more, see Citizens Advice consumer service.
Citizens Advice Help to Claim Helpline – Provides free support with making a new Universal Credit claim, from checking whether you can claim and completing your application to checking your first payment is correct. Call 0800 144 8444, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. For more, see Help to Claim.
Citizens Advice Help Through Hardship Helpline – Delivered in partnership with Trussell, this free, confidential service helps people struggling to afford essentials. Advisers can check your benefit entitlement, identify possible grants and help you access emergency support. Call 0808 208 2138, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, excluding public holidays. For more, see Help through Hardship.
Citizens Advice Debt Helpline – Provides free advice if you are struggling with debt or money problems. Call 0800 240 4420, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm, and Saturday, 9.30am to 1pm, excluding public holidays. Online debt advice is also available. For more, see Citizens Advice.
