If you are on Job Seekers Allowance or Income Support, or similar benefit and you are in extreme circumstances you can apply for one off grants from the Social Fund. The Social Fund can be applied to for maternity grants to help pregnant woman for example, crisis payments for food and money to cover the cost of a funeral for a member your the family.
If you are currently studying either at university or at a further or adult education college either full or part-time ask at the student welfare or support services about the student 'Access' fund or other educational trust funds. Colleges have information about funds you can apply to. Also some colleges will help with reducing the amount of fees you have to pay if you go to student welfare service and talk to them about your situation before you enrol. If you are in financial difficulty or are struggling these funds are there for you to apply for, it is advisable to apply to such fund within the first term of your course.
For helpful advice on benefits for people with disabilities, including benefits when returning to work, see the Deaf Creative website.
c/o ACME, 44 Copperfield Rd, London E3 4RR - Google Maps
Tel: 020 8981 6811/6821
Fax: 020 8983 0567
Email: mail@acme.org.uk
Website: www.acme.org.uk
The Fire Station in Gillender Street, London E3 is a former L.C.C. (London County Council ) Fire Brigade Station, built in 1911 and one of the first to be designed for non-horsedrawn fire engines.It is five storeys high, with a tiled roof and yard to the rear. It was acquired by Acme as part of their National Lottery project to provide a permanent studio space for artists.
Listing ID: 1087
Unit 19, 41 Old Birley Street, Hulme, Manchester M15 5RF - Google Maps
Email: info@cch.coop
Website: cch.coop/coopinfo/london.html
The Confederation of Co-operative Housing was constituted in the United Kingdom in 1993. CCH membership is open to all housing co-operatives, tenant-controlled housing organisations and regional federations of housing co-ops. The CCH website lists a number of housing co-ops and tenancy led associations which can either be directly applied to or referred to by local authorities.
Listing ID: 1088
Tel: 020 7210 5983
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk
Enquiries about all Disability Benefits.
Listing ID: 1089
Tel: 0845 605 5858
Minicom: 0845 608 8844
Listing ID: 1090
The Print House, 18 Ashwin St. London E8 3DL - Google Maps
Tel: 020 7254 9560
Email: office@mace-housing.org.uk
Website: www.mace-housing.org.uk
Mace Housing co-operative provides housing for non-priority homeless people, on low incomes in London. Their policy aims to set out the procedure for allocating property to both co-op members and waiting list applicants in as fair and efficient a way as possible, with regard to the Co-op's Membership and Equal Opportunities policies. Join the mailing list and get an application form via their website. Mace was set up in 1974 as a self-help housing association to house 'creative' individuals and homeless people. MACE currently houses 250 individuals across 92 properties in Hackney, Haringey, Tower Hamlets and Islington. Properties range from 1-5 bed with rents from £ 55-76/person/week inclusive of Council Tax (except one bedroom properties) . Open waiting list but usually house within 4-6 weeks in emergencies.
Listing ID: 1091
Website: www.pastures-new.co.uk
Primarily designed for students, Pastures New contains an updated list of UK utilities suppliers, and provides formulas to exploit their best special offers. Check under the 'essential tips' section on their site for more information.
Listing ID: 1092
88 Old Street, London EC1V 9HU - Google Maps
Tel: 020 7505 2000
Fax: 020 7505 2169
Email: info@shelter.org.uk
Website: www.shelter.org.uk
Help with homeless problems, rent or mortgage, re-housing problems, experiencing harassment or violence in your home, unhappy with housing benefits or re-housing, living in crowded or unsuitable housing. In addition they have contact details for housing associations in the London area. They will try to deal with any emergency, give you advice and send you any further information through the post.
Listing ID: 1093
Tel: 0800 882200
Minicom: 0800 243 355
Listing ID: 1094
Website: www.housingcorp.gov.uk
The Housing Corporation is responsible for investing public money in housing associations and for protecting that investment and ensuring it provides decent homes and services for residents. Their website lists virtually all housing associations in the UK, with criteria, contact details and areas of operation, at www.housingcorp.gov.uk/resources/register/select.htm.
Listing ID: 1095
Tel: 0845 609 5000
Minicom: 0845 606 6668
Listing ID: 1096