Cost of living support

This winter will be a tough one for many across Camden. We have collected a range of links to help people manage some health and financial challenges of this winter.

Heating benefits and energy grants

Warm House Discount Scheme: Camden residents can get a £150 one-off discount off their electricity bill this winter. The government have information on who is eligible, as well as how you can access the discount on different meters. 

Winter fuel payment: Discounts on energy bills can be provided if you were born on or before 25th September 1956.

Cold Weather payment: If you receive certain benefits or Universal Credit, you can receive £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather for your energy bills, from 1st November to the 31st March. 

Boiler Upgrade Scheme: If you own your own home, you can get payments towards buying a more efficient boiler. 

SHINE: The Seasonal Health Intervention Network (SHINE) is a fuel poverty referral network and free energy advice service for Londoners. 

Mental health support

The cost of living crisis can affect your mental health in many different ways, especially because of the mental affects of winter. There are many resources for mental health support, for those who cannot afford private counselling.

Mental Health Camden:


iCope is a free, confidential support and referral service and advice centre for mental health issues. iCope also offers intercultural therapy in different languages. Either click the link or call 020 3317 6670.

Mind in Camden also provides local support and advice. 

If you’re over 55 and registered with a Camden GP, you can use Age UK Camden’s free and confidential counselling service. 

Shout is the UK’s first free 24/7 text service for anyone feeling anxious, worried, isolated, lonely, or for anyone needing support. Text SHOUT to 85258 to start a conversation.

Vaccine information

COVID-19:

The Covid vaccine is free for everyone aged 5 and over, and you do not need to be registered with a GP or prove your identity, address, or immigration status to get it. You can also get your booster if you’re aged 16 and over. 
Camden Council has the most up to date information on vaccines. Please check their website to verify where you can book or walk-in to get your vaccine.

Flu:

The flu vaccine is given for free to adults who:

  • Are 50 or over
  • Have certain health conditions
  • Are pregnant
  • Are in long-stay residential care
  • Recieve a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled persion who may be at risk if you get sick
  • Live with someone with a weakened immune system.

To find out where you can recieve the vaccine, click here.

Polio:

All children between 1 and 9 who live in London can recieve a dose of the polio vaccine.
To book a slot at UCLH Hospital, click here.
To book a slot at the Kentish Town vaccination clinic, call 0203 317 5076, where the full address detail will be given when you get an appointment.

Food support

Food bank: To access a food bank, you may need food bank vouchers. You can get referrals to access these from Camden Council officers, social workers, children’s centres, GP surgeries, and advice charities. 
To find the nearest food bank near you, visit Find Food and put in your postcode.

There is also a mobile food bank that travels to different locations in Camden.

Free school meals: All children in reception, year 1, and year 2 may also be able to get free school meals. 
For more information on eligibility, click here.
To apply for free school meals through Camden Council, click here.

Money saving tips for your enegy bills

  • Turn appliances off at the plug to save an average of £30 a year.
  • Almost hald the money spent on energy bills is because of heating and hot water costs – turning your heating down by just one degree could save you up to £80 a year.
  • Washing clothes at 30 degrees rather than 40 degrees can help reduce energy usage, and if you cut out one wash cycle per week, you’ll save around £5 off your annual energy bill