Support with the Cost of Living in Bolsover
This information has been produced by Bolsover Community and Voluntary Service in partnership with Bolsover District Council, Derbyshire County Council and Treacle.me to ensure that everyone living in Bolsover knows where and how to access the help and support available in the area.
You can download PDF version of this information here:
Please feel free to print your own copies. This PDF version is also compatible with screen readers.
You can also search the BCVS directory HERE
Key local partners and organisations have come together to produce a "Cost of Living Support Booklet", which you can view below.
Physical copies are also available at various community spaces and healthcare locations throughout Bolsover.
Downloadable poster:
The following download is a poster with information on about Cost of Living and Warm Spaces.
Please download a copy to print and put up at your organisation.
Digital Booklet:
Bolsover District Council Cost of Living Support Page
Derbyshire County Council Cost of Living Support Page
Latest News
Single bus fares reduced to just £2 from 1 January 2023!
To help with the cost-of-living pressures the Government is subsidising most single bus fares to just £2. This is for a fixed period only, from 1 January to 31 March 2023.
If you are a regular traveller, our weekly and monthly tickets will probably still be best value for you. However, many returns will no longer be required.
There will be some changes to how you can pay for fares during this time, as it is part of a goal to be more sustainable and reduce the use of paper tickets and the sticky wallets that some customers use for their weekly tickets.
The best way to pay for the single fare is with tap on tap off. Just tap your contactless card or payment device on the driver’s ticket machine and tap off at the special reader by the door where you get off. For weekly tickets, the app will offer best value, but we are introducing weekly fare capping to tap on tap off payments that will be the same price as a paper weekly ticket.
If you use tap on tap off for weekly capping, from 1st January 2023 this will activate on a rolling 7-day basis. So, if your first trip is Tuesday, your 7-day capped fare will be reached at the end of the following Monday. You MUST use the same bank card or contactless payment device. You can check your charges or get a receipt via our customer portal
If your single fare is less than £2, then it still will be. However, if your fare was more than £2 it will be reduced to £2. This fare cap means most return tickets will no longer be required.
Concessionary passes are still valid and free to use after 9.30am Monday to Friday, all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays. However, if you need to travel before 9.30am, you can benefit from the £2 single fare.
Millions of low-income households to get new Cost of Living Payments from Spring 2023
Millions of the lowest-income households across the UK will get up to £1,350 from the Government in 2023/4 to help with the cost of living.
- Millions will receive new cost of living support from Spring 2023, following up to £1,200 in support for over eight million low-income households in 2022
- £900 Cost of Living Payment for means-tested benefit claimants will go direct to bank accounts in three payments over the financial year
- Extra cash support for disabled people and pensioners will see some households receive extra cash
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has today announced more detail on the payment schedule for the next round of cost of living support unveiled in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, building on payments made to over eight million people in 2022.
The new £900 cash boost for over eight million eligible means-tested benefits claimants, including those on Universal Credit, Pension Credit and tax credits, starts in Spring and will go direct to bank accounts in three payments over the course of the financial year. There will also be a separate £150 for over six million disabled people and £300 for over eight million pensioners on top of their Winter Fuel Payments.
Exact payment windows will be announced closer to the time, but are spread across a longer period to ensure a consistent support offering throughout the year. They will be broadly as follows:
- £301 – First Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2023
- £150 – Disability Payment – during Summer 2023
- £300 – Second Cost of Living Payment – during Autumn 2023
- £300 – Pensioner Payment – during Winter 2023/4
- £299 – Third Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2024
Work and Pensions Secretary, Mel Stride said:
We are sticking by our promise to protect the most vulnerable and these payments, worth hundreds of pounds, will provide vital support next year for those on the lowest incomes.
The government’s wider support package has already helped more than eight million families as we continue to deal with the global consequences of Putin’s illegal war and the aftershocks of the pandemic.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt added:
I know these are tough times for families across the UK who are struggling to meet rising food and energy costs, driven by the aftershocks of Covid and Putin’s war in Ukraine.
That’s why we’re putting a further £900 into the pockets of over 8 million low income households next year. These payments are on top of above inflation increases to working-age benefits and the Energy Price Guarantee, which is insulating millions from even higher global gas prices.
Tackling inflation is this government’s number one priority and is the only way to ease the strain of high prices, drive long term economic growth and improve living standards for everyone.
If individuals are eligible they will be paid automatically, and there will be no need to apply. Claimants who are eligible for any of the Cost of Living Payments and receive tax credits, and no other means-tested benefits, will receive payment from HMRC shortly after DWP payments are issued.
These payments build on the Government’s extensive support package to help households tackle the globally rising cost of living stemming from the pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
The Government’s Energy Price Guarantee continues to cap energy costs, saving the average household around £900 this winter and a further £500 in 2023/24. Benefits, including working age benefits and the State Pension, will also rise in line with inflation from April 2023, ensuring they increase by over 10%. April will also see the biggest ever cash rise to the National Living Wage, bringing it to £10.42 an hour, and a further year-long extension of the Household Support Fund in England and associated devolved nation funding worth £1 billion in total.
This comes on top of the 2022 support package, which included:
- A £650 Cost of Living payment for means-tested benefit claimants, split into two payments, each of which supported over eight million households
- Further £300 and £150 payments, which reached over eight million pensioners and over six million disabled people respectively
- A £150 Council Tax rebate for all households in Council Tax bands A-D
- A £400 energy bill discount for all households, which will continue to run through March
Further Information
- For each payment, exact payment start dates and eligibility criteria will be communicated by the Department before payments begin. HMRC will communicate details for tax credit-only customers.
- These payments will all be tax-free, will not count towards the benefit cap, and will not have any impact on existing benefit awards.
- More than 8 million households on benefits will receive payments of up to £900, made in three lump sums. Eligible households will be on one of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Pension Credit.
- The £900 Cost of Living Payment will be delivered in three slightly different amounts. The distinct value relates to a specific qualifying period, so it is simpler to determine if a payee received the correct payments, reducing the fraud risk of people who claim not to have had one of the specific three payments, as DWP and HMRC will be able to clearly track those who have.
- Low-income households are benefiting from Government support in a variety of different ways. You can read more about the Government’s cost of living support and what is available here.
Money and Finance
The services and organisations below are able to help and advise on a variety of different financial concerns and queries.
Government Support | https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk
Information page for the Government support available.
Derbyshire Household Support Fund | https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/social-health/adult-care-and-wellbeing/benefits-debt-and-legal-matters/managing-money-and-debt/household-support-fund/household-support-fund.aspx
Information page explaining the household support fund.
Universal Credit Advice | https:/www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk
How to claim Universal Credit and checking if you qualify.
Entitled To Independent Benefits Calculator | https://www.entitledto.co.uk
Independent benefit checker to make sure you are claiming everything you are entitled to.
Bolsover District Council Benefits Page | https://www.bolsover.gov.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=40
Information from our local council and the benefits that they manage.
Citizen’s Advice North East Derbyshire | https://www.citizensadvicened.org.uk/home
Help with debt, energy concerns, budgeting and other financial worries.
Step Change Debt Charity | https://www.stepchange.org
Step Change is a charity that helps with debt and money worries,
Christian’s Against Poverty (CAP) | https://capuk.org
Budgeting and debt support, open to anyone that needs some advice and guidance.
National Debtline | https://nationaldebtline.org
Support with debt and money worries.
Turn 2 Us | https://www.turn2us.org.uk
A national charity providing practical help to people who are struggling financially.
2 Shires Credit Union | https://www.2shires.org.uk
Local credit union that offers people a friendly way to save and borrow. They offer a service for local people and over the years have allowed local people to save and borrow at an affordable rate.
Access to Work Scheme | https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
Access to Work can help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability.
Money Helper | https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en
Money advice and guidance.
Mental Health
The services and organisations below are able to help and advise on a variety of different mental health concerns. You are not alone.
Mental health crisis number: 0800 028 0077
The crisis line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to people of all ages.
The Samaritans | Call 116 123, 24 hours a day | Email jo@samaritans.org
Free counselling service open 24 hours a day. Text, email or phone call.
Childline: 0800 11 11
Free counselling service for children under 18.
The Derbyshire Federation for Mental Health
https://www.dfmh.co.uk | Tel: 01629 733915
Mind Derbyshire | https://www.derbyshiremind.org.uk/
Tel: 01332 623732
One to One and group mental health support.
Derbyshire Bereavement Hub
http://derbyshirebereavementhub.co.uk
Brings together organisations offering free services to support bereaved people living in Derby city and Derbyshire.
The Humble Warrior | https://thehumblewarrior.co.uk/mindfulness-walks
Mindfulness walks to help mental health and wellbeing.
Bright Life | https://www.brightlife.charity | Tel: 01246 273333
Bright life is a local charity for older people. Working together to help 500 elderly people in Chesterfield move away from isolation and loneliness.
Derbyshire Alcohol Advice Service | https://daas.uk.com | Tel: 0300 1231201
Providing information, guidance and support for both individuals, family members and loved ones as well as running specialist projects around our Ex-Forces Community.
Trent Psychological Therapy Services | https://www.trentpts.co.uk
Tel: 01332 265659
Therapy can be provided at one of the clinics, or it can be delivered by phone, video or a mixture of these, to suit your requirements. If you are registered with a GP in Derbyshire or Nottinghamshire, you can access their service.
Rhubarb Farm | https://www.rhubarbfarm.co.uk | 01623 741210
A holistic approach to mental health on their community farm. Support with mental health, disabilities, recovering drug addicts, food boxes and other initiatives. Everyone is welcome at Rhubarb Farm.
Wathalls Bereavement Groups | https://www.wathalls.co.uk
Bereavement Support Group meeting once a month.
Kooth | https://www.kooth.com
Free, anonymous online counselling for young people ages 11-25.
Qwell | https://www.qwell.io
Free, anonymous adult online counselling and emotional wellbeing
service.
Live Better Derbyshire | https://www.livelifebetterderbyshire.org.uk
Information on all topics: such as mental wellbeing, healthy families, employment and finance.
Young Minds | https://www.youngminds.org.uk
Mental health support for young people.
Papyrus | www.papyrus-uk.org | Tel: 0800 068 4141
Prevention of young suicide.
The Mix | https://www.themix.org.uk | 0808 808 4994
Support with mental health, money, homelessness, finding a job, break-ups and drugs. A free confidential helpline.
Children and Families
Childcare Choices | https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
The Childcare Choices website explains all the different subsidised childcare available.
HAF (Holiday Activity and Food ) https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/education/out-of-school/holiday-activities-with-food-programme/holiday-activities-with-food-programme.aspx
The HAF programme is to support children to eat more healthily and be more active over the school holidays.
Libraries
A list of all the libraries in Bolsover.
Each library has different opening days and times so please check each site for more information.
Bolsover Library | 01629 537 800
Church St, Bolsover S44 6HB
https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/find-your-local-library/bolsover-library.aspx
Clowne Library | 01629 537 248
Recreation Cl, Clowne S43 4PL
https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/find-your-local-library/clowne-library.aspx
Creswell Library | 01629 537 422
Elmton Rd, Creswell S80 4EY
https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/find-your-local-library/creswell-library.aspx
Pinxton Library | 01629 535 815
Kirkstead Rd, Pinxton NG16 6NA
https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/find-your-local-library/pinxton-library.aspx
Shirebrook Library | 01629 537960
19 Patchwork Row, Shirebrook NG20 8AL
https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/find-your-local-library/shirebrook-library.aspx
South Normanton Library | 01629 535 000
Shiners Way, South Normanton DE55 2AA
https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/find-your-local-library/south-normanton-library.aspx
Whitwell Library | 01629 533 988
Whitwell Community Centre, Portland St, Whitwell S80 4QR
https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/find-your-local-library/whitwell-library.aspx
Food Support
South Normanton Area Foodbank | 0808 2082138
https://southnormantonarea.foodbank.org.uk/
Limestone House | https://limestonehousecreswell.com
Has a food bank open Wednesdays and Thursdays every two weeks and has a lunch and chatter club every Friday.
tel: 01909 724061
Storehouse Food Bank | 01623 744371
http://thebrookcc.co.uk/foodbank.php
Food bank open Wednesday 7-9pm, Thursday 9-5pm, Friday 9-5pm, Sunday 5.30pm.
South Normanton Salvation Army | https://www.facebook.com/SalvationArmySouthNormanton
Salvation Army has a food bank and a free drop-in café which opens Wednesday mornings.
Stepping Stone Food Pantry | http://freedom.charity/ | 0300 302 0334
Food bank membership for 1 year will be £5 and a weekly shop will cost £5 for 22 items.
Rhubarb Farm | https://www.rhubarbfarm.co.uk
Weekly veg boxes available to purchase, as well as a community café.
Too Good To Go | https://toogoodtogo.co.uk/
Connects customers to surplus unsold food. You can’t always choose the food so make sure you are happy to receive whatever they have left.
Feed Your family on a Budget https://www.facebook.com/groups/178040285731834
Popular Facebook group with over 300,000 members.
Feed Yourself for £1 a Day | https://www.facebook.com/groups/651859231575794
Facebook group with over 250,000 members.
Slow Cooked Wonders | https://www.facebook.com/groups/236980049761079
Slow cooker Facebook advice group with over half a million supportive members.
Clothing
Charity Shops | https://www.bcvs.org.uk/health-directory
Charity shops are a great way to save money on clothing and household items.
Car Boot Sales
Car Boots are a great way to save money, as well as making extra money if you have things that you no longer need.
The most local, regular car boot sales in Bolsover are Twin Oaks & Pleasley Miners Welfare.
Check the “Treasure Trove Fairs” Facebook page for the most up to date information.
You can also find other car boot sales here: http://www.carbootjunction.com
Facebook Groups and Marketplace
Facebook is a great way to buy and sell items such as clothing and household goods. You can filter this by area and find things to buy that are close to you.
Energy and Fuel
Petrol and Fuel | www.petrolprices.com
All the latest live petrol and diesel prices in Bassetlaw.
Citizen’s Advice North East Derbyshire | https://www.citizensadvicened.org.uk/home
Help with debt, energy concerns, budgeting and other financial worries.
Energy Saving Trust | https://energysavingtrust.org.uk
An independent organisation – working to address the climate emergency. They empower millions of householders every year to make better energy choices.
Simple Energy Advice | https://www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk
Advice about energy in your home. Call them on freephone 0800 444 202.
Warm Spaces | www.bcvs.org.uk/warmspaces
Various warm spaces will be opening throughout Bolsover. This page will be updated on a regular basis.
Housing
Council Housing | https://www.bolsover.gov.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=170
Tel: 01246 242424
Information and advice about all aspect of council housing.
Facing Eviction | https://england.shelter.org.uk/what_we_do
Advice and support services and help with housing issues and homelessness.
Shelter Emergency helpline: 0808 800 4444
P3charity Derbyshire Independent Living Service | 01773 742051
https://www.p3charity.org/services/derbyshire-independent-living-service
They can provide support to maintain your home or to find a more suitable place to live, if you are experiencing a mental illness.
Domestic Abuse
If there is an immediate risk to life or serious harm please dial 999.
Victim Support | https://www.victimsupport.org.uk
Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting victims of crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales.
If you need to speak to someone, Victim Support are available every day, night and day. Call their free and 24 hour Support line on 08 08 16 89 111
DCC Domestic Abuse Helpline | 08000 198 668
Derbyshire County Council’s domestic abuse helpline is available 24/7 and is a single point of contact to get the help you need.
If you're unable to phone, text: 07534 617 252
Respect Men’s Advice Line | https://mensadviceline.org.uk/
0808 80 10 327
Respect is a helpline for male victims of domestic abuse.
Women’s Work Domestic Abuse | www.womens-work.org.uk/support-areas/domestic-abuse-trauma/
Offers a “Freedom Programme” support group for women who have experienced domestic abuse
Refuge | https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk | 0808 2000 247
The freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline for Women and Children.
Other Useful Contacts
Bolsover District Council | https://www.bolsover.gov.uk
enquiries@bolsover.gov.uk | 01246 242424
Derbyshire County Council
https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk | 01629 533190
County Hall, 88 Smedley St, Matlock
Bolsover Community and Voluntary Service (BCVS) | https://www.bcvs.org.uk | 01245 60 50 75
36a Market Place, Bolsover, S44 6PN
If you are not sure what support is available from a local organisation, BCVS will be able to offer advice and guidance.
Citizen’s Advice North East Derbyshire | https://www.citizensadvicened.org.uk/home
Help with debt, energy concerns, budgeting and other financial worries.
Other Useful Websites
NHS Prescription Pre-Payment
www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-prescription-prepayment-certificates-ppcs
A PPC could save you money if you pay for your NHS prescriptions.
A PPC costs: £30.25 for 3 months | £108.10 for 12 months.
Check if you qualify for free prescriptions:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/who-can-get-free-prescriptions
Money Saving Expert | https://www.moneysavingexpert.com
Trolley.co.uk | https://www.trolley.co.uk
Price comparison website for common items.
Household Money Saving | https://www.householdmoneysaving.com
Independent blog, with lots of different articles and advice about saving money at home and on your shopping.
Pouch | https://joinpouch.com/en-gb
Use Pouch to automatically find and apply every online voucher code in one click.