Community Hubs
If you need support with food, energy costs, or money matters, there are local Community Hubs located in most libraries across Leeds. These are drop-in services, so no appointment is needed.
The support offered may vary between hubs, but most can help with:
- Job applications
- Budgeting and money-saving advice
- Support with claiming benefits
- Access to free computers
- Getting online and building digital skills
Some hubs may also offer housing advice (such as applying for social housing or information about private rentals, but not direct help to secure accommodation) and referrals to food banks.
Find more information including financial support, food, housing, energy, health, and community services: Together Leeds | Leeds.gov.uk
Help with food costs
Map of Food Aid Provision in Leeds
- Food banks
- Food pantries (fresh and frozen food at low cost)
- Pay As You Feel cafés
FoodCycle Free Community Meals
Free weekly hot meals in local communities.
Healthy Start Scheme
Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you could get help to buy healthy food and milk. If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops. You’ll get money added onto your Healthy Start card every 4 weeks.
What’s included:
- A pre-paid Healthy Start card, topped up every 4 weeks to buy fresh fruit, veg, milk
- Free Healthy Start vitamins for women and vitamin drops for babies and young children
Financial Support
More information about maternity benefits and entitlements for yourself and your partner can be found on these links:
- Maternity and paternity benefits and leave – NHS
- Maternity Rights Advice Line – Maternity Action
- What benefits can I claim when I’m pregnant or have a baby? | MoneyHelper
- Citizens Advice Leeds – Citizens Advice Leeds
Sure Start Maternity Grant
Sure Start Maternity Grant: Overview – GOV.UK
A Sure Start Maternity Grant is £500 and you do not have to pay it back.
Maternity Allowance
Maternity Allowance is a payment you can get when you take time off to have a baby. You can get Maternity Allowance for up to 39 weeks.
You can apply for Maternity Allowance as soon as you’ve been pregnant for 26 weeks. Payments can start any time between the 11th week before your baby is due and the day after the baby is born.
Use the maternity entitlement calculator to work out how much you could get. Find out more here: Maternity Allowance: What you’ll get – GOV.UK
Local Welfare Support Scheme
Local Welfare Support Scheme | Leeds.gov.uk – for those in financial crisis and needing support with food, fuel and living costs.
Support offered
- Food and fuel costs
- The purchase of essential appliances and furniture
- The purchase of carpets
- Removal costs for people fleeing violence or the threat of violence
Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS)
If you are referred for specialist NHS treatment or tests whilst pregnant, you may be able to claim a refund for the cost of travel to your appointment.
Linking Leeds
Linking Leeds – Social prescribing for practical or emotional problems
Support with:
- Improving your physical health
- Finding work, volunteering, or learning new skills
- Managing money, housing, work, or benefits
- Coping with a condition or difficulty
- Boosting your wellbeing through social or creative activities
- Joining local groups or classes
Most GP surgeries have social prescribers working within the practice who will be happy to help you.
How to get support
Your GP can refer or you can refer yourself by phoning 0113 336 7612, emailing [email protected] or using the Referral Form – Linking Leeds.
Maternity Action legal advice
Free legal advice on rights at work, benefits or entitlement to free NHS maternity care.
Email or call as per online details:
Mobile Data Gifting
If you need support accessing mobile data you may be eligible for a free mobile SIM card.
You can get a free SIM card at libraries and locations around Leeds: Find Local Digital Inclusion Support | Good Things Foundation
Home, Fuel and Energy costs
If you are struggling with energy bills or keeping your home warm, you can get help from trusted support services below.
Money Information Centre – Energy, Utility and Household Bills
Information about Green Doctor, Citizens Advice Leeds and Energy and Utility Support schemes.
Energy, utility and household bills | Money Information Centre
Groundwork
Information about national and local organisations offering support with energy, financial hardship, and access to food. These services can help you lower energy costs, make your home more efficient, and manage money worries.
Energy and Finance Support in England
Green Doctor (Groundwork)
Free home visits to provide:
- Support for people experiencing fuel poverty
- Programmes to tackle damp and disrepair
- Water saving campaigns and education
- Re-use and recycling skills
- Retrofit advice and coordination
Can be privately owned properties or social housing.
Care & Repair Leeds
Support offered
Home assessments can be done (in all properties).
- Energy Efficiency, Heating & Warmth service (electric blankets, hot water bottles etc can be provided)
- Repairs to enhance energy use
- Hazard repairs
- Advice
Care & Repair Leeds: Heating on Prescription
Heating on prescription leaflet
Support offered
Can be privately owned properties or social housing.
- Help with the cost of energy bills
- Heating and energy efficiency of their home
- Falls prevention and hazard repairs
- Access to a paid-for handyman service
- Advice, support and information for services to enable you to live independently in your own home
- Additional support if you have any cardiac or respiratory problems and high levels of moisture, damp and mould in the property.
