With the impact of the cost of living crisis being felt everywhere, you may find the information on this page helpful.
Benefits, Money and Debt Advice
If you are on a low income, you can visit NI Direct to find out what benefits you may be entitled to, so that you don't miss out on anything you should be receiving.
Alternatively you can contact the Jobs and Benefits Office to speak to an adviser using the Jobs and Benefits Office Benefits free phone: 08000 224 250 or calling into your nearest Office, details of which can be found at www.nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/jobs-and-benefits-offices
Employment Services phone number: 03002 007 822
Finance Support Freephone: 08005 872 750
Debt Management Support Christians Against Poverty: 08003 280 006
Debt Advice: STEP Community Advice Service
Dungannon: 028 8775 0211
Cookstown: 028 8676 1875
Magherafelt: 028 7963 3079
Department for Communities Make the Call Initiative
A quick call, can make a lasting difference. The Make the Call service helps people access all the benefits, supports and services they are entitled to. Call 0800 232 1271, or request a call back via text by texting ADVICE to 07984 405 248. Find out more about Make the Call on www.nidirect.gov.uk/makethecall
Foodbanks
The Society of St Vincent de Paul provide a wide range of services for vulnerable people through their local offices, shops, resource centres, housing, day care and holiday schemes. They can also help people struggling with fuel poverty. Referrals can be made by local support agencies, or individuals/families can self refer and a representative of St Vincent de Paul will carry out a needs assessment.
Magherafelt
Hope: 07393 451 504
SVP: 028 7930 0819
Maghera
The Link Foodbank: 07759 964 550
Cookstown
SVP: 028 8676 9400
Dungannon
Reach Foodbank (Vineyard): 07857 071 750 / 028 8775 2133
SVP: 07395 013 808
Coalisland
Foodbank: 07871 800 551
SVP: 028 8774 8531
Clogher Valley
Hope 4 U: 07803 301 802
SVP: 07752 403 625
Other agencies in the district also provide support. Visit our Foodbanks page.
Housing
NI Housing Executive understand that the current cost of living crisis is affecting all households in Northern Ireland. They can support you in a number of ways.
Support line (9am – 5pm) : 03448 920 900
Out of hours: 03448 920 908
www.nihe.gov.uk/housing-help/cost-of-living-support-and-advice
Other organisations that can provide housing support can be contacted by telephone:
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Housing Rights: 028 9024 5640
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Regional Emergency Social Work Services (Children): 028 9504 9999
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Depaul Ireland: 028 8772 5860
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Simon Community: 0800 171 2222
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MUST Hostel: 028 8676 2065
Fuel Support
Oil Buying Clubs
Joining your local oil buying club could save you money when purchasing oil with members saving approximately 10% on orders of 300L.
For more information on oil buying clubs near you, please call the Northern Ireland Housing Executive on 0800 111 4455 or email: oilbuyingclubs@nihe.gov.uk
Council Fuel Support Schemes
We also offer a number of schemes that can help you with energy costs around your home:
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Fuel Stamp Scheme: Joining the Mid Ulster fuel stamp scheme can help you save to meet your fuel costs, so that you're not faced with a big bill to pay all at once.
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Energy Efficiency Scheme: Our Energy Advisor can provide tailored one to one support for clients on how you can make your home more energy efficient, including the generation of referrals to other available support schemes.
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Affordable Warmth Scheme: A lot of people pay for home energy that's wasted because their home is not as energy efficient as it could be. You could be eligible to apply for help with a range of energy efficiency measures.
Emotional Well-being
If you feel it's all getting too much, there are a number of mental health support services working in the Mid Ulster area that can help if you need advice, support or just someone to talk to.
We’re working with our local partners to promote a network of places where our residents can come together in a warm welcoming environment, somewhere where they can connect with others or simply read a newspaper and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. We’ve listed all the places available to our residents across the public, private, health and voluntary sectors across the district.
Information on flexible affordable community transport across Mid Ulster.
Other Support Offered
NI Direct
Cost of living information and advice including help with energy costs, housing, benefits and income, help for families, children and older people from NI Direct.
www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/cost-living
The Consumer Council
Can provide help and support on a range of topics including your food shop, your home energy bills, your transport and more. They carry out a weekly price comparison on home heating oil and vehicle fuel to help you see where prices are cheapest in your area.
www.consumercouncil.org.uk/costofliving
Age NI
Age NI has teamed up with fuel charity, National Energy Action, together with Power NI, to share energy saving advice to help older people to use energy efficiently, as well as money-saving tips and ways to help your budget go further.
www.ageuk.org.uk/northern-ireland/information-advice/money-matters/energy-efficiency/
Law Centre NI
The Law Centre NI produces a guide that highlights the opportunities available to help people in Northern Ireland maximise their household income and deal with financial difficulties.
www.lawcentreni.org/cost-of-living-guide-home-page/
Support for Veterans
Cllr Eva Cahoon is the Veterans’ Champion for our District, through her position as the Council representative for the Reserve and Cadets Association in Northern Ireland. Cllr Cahoon works closely with the Veterans Commissioner’s Office and the Veterans Welfare Office, which provide a range of support services depending on need. If you’re a veteran and require signposting on where to turn to, you can contact Cllr Eva Cahoon.