The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is a new scheme funded by the UK Government.
It will be used to help residents who are:
- Struggling with money
- Dealing with a sudden change in their life.
We understand that hard times can happen to anyone. The support is here to help you get through a crisis with care and understanding, and to focus on what matters most to you. Working together with other services across Kent to provide coordinated support, we will work with you to connect you to the most appropriate local organisations and services.
The CRF is meant to offer short-term help, including support to help you feel more stable in the future with your money. This includes early advice and working with local organisations, to help you get the right help at the right time and reduce the risk of future worries.
Crisis payments (where appropriate) may be available to help with essential costs if you face a serious financial shock. This could include redundancy, bereavement, domestic abuse, or fire or flood damage to your property.
Advice and practical help may also be available to enable you maximise your income, manage bills, and plan ahead. This may include money and debt advice, budgeting support, help to access food, employment support, and help to keep a tenancy.
Find out more about the Crisis and Resilience Fund
Other support for residents
You may be able to apply for a housing payment if you need extra help to keep your home. You must be receiving housing costs in your Universal Credit or are in receipt of Housing Benefit to apply.
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction
HERO Service – Benefits, budgeting and living costs
Projects funded by the Crisis and Resilience Fund
We are using the latest round of funding to support the following projects:
Food banks
Community Cupboard, West Kingsdown
Cooking courses
We are hosting two 'Lets Cook' sessions for residents on low incomes to help them cook healthy food on a budget. Details of these courses will be available on our Better Together hub.
Boiler replacement and repair
A free boiler replacement and repair project is being run by our housing team. It is available to eligible residents on low incomes. To see if you are eligible for this scheme, please email psh@sevenoaks.gov.uk or phone 017323 227000.
Digital inclusion projects
We will be holding digital inclusion sessions to support residents who struggle with technology and are vulnerable to scams. Details of these courses will be available on our Better Together hub.
Alternative formats
If you would like the information on this webpage provided in another format, please call us on 01732 227000 or email information@sevenoaks.gov.uk.