– Cost of Living Information

Prepayment meter customers have one month left to claim up to £400

Do you pay for your electricity on a traditional prepayment meter? Don’t forget to redeem your energy bills support vouchers at a Post Office or Pay Point by 30 June. 
Check your post, texts, email and spam for your vouchers – electricity suppliers can reissue lost or expired vouchers.
Get more info on the government website

Cost of living information to share
Use IWC cost of living web pages to see what’s available near you. You can also call IWC on 01983 823134. 

Contact Citizens Advice Isle of Wight on 0800 144 88 48 or enquiries@iwcab.org.uk. Their advice is free, confidential and independent. They can help with debt, benefits, legal advice and much more. 

Contact The Footprint Trust for free advice or call them 01983 822282. 

Use the connect4communities website to see what other support is available in your area.

The government Help for Households website has information about help with childcare costs, benefits and many other schemes. 

Community Pantries

  • Community pantries are free and for anyone so they can top up their weekly shop.
  • Join a pantry and for £5 a week, receive over £15 worth of food.
  • You don’t need a referral, contact your nearest pantry directly to join. 

Ryde Community Pantry
Oakfield CE Primary School, Appley Road, Ryde, PO33 1NE
01983 563732
Opening hours:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
3.00pm to 4.30pm


Newport Community Pantry
The Pyle Street Pantry, 98 Pyle Street, Newport, PO30 1UH.
pylestpantry@gmail.com
Opening hours:
Wednesday 11am to 1pm

East Cowes Community Pantry
Community Spirited, Vectis Road, East Cowes, PO32 6HN
01983 296592
Opening hours:
Tuesday, 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Wednesday and Thursday, 10:30am to 12:30pm

Ventnor Community Pantry 
Baby Box, Victoria Street, Ventnor, PO38 1EJ
07961 959003
Opening hours:
Tuesday 3pm to 6pm
Saturday 11am to 2pm

Other locations also have free or low cost food provision – get more info about community pantries and accessing healthy food on our website

Be #WeatherReady

Thinking ahead and preparing for what the weather may bring can make a real difference. There are some simple steps we can all take to stay safe and healthy all year round – from preparing our homes and businesses to taking care of yourself, your family and neighbours. 

Get more information on our website.

Practical tips for mental health and wellbeing – free course

Take part in a practical and interactive course to understand what influences your own mental health and wellbeing. Discover how to use your new skills to support people in your community.

You’ll learn how to:

  • recognise people that may be experiencing poor mental health. Learn how to provide them with first level support and early intervention.
  • reflect on your own mental health and wellbeing
  • find out about the importance of sleep, diet, exercise, hobbies and interests, relationships and giving back.
  • encourage people to identify and access sources of professional help and other supports.
  • practice self-care
  • The course is free and are taught either online or face to face. It will be led by Kate Golding, a respected clinician and teacher for mental health.

The course is open to anyone aged 16 and above.

Book here:

Website: https://iwc.iow.gov.uk/trainingcourses/CourseDetails.aspx?courseId=3270

If you need more help with booking, please contact learning.development@iow.gov.uk

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