Cost of Living

The government and Hampshire County Council are offering help and support to residents and households in need during these economically difficult times.

You can refer to these websites for information about food vouchers, help with energy bills and childcare costs, as well as community food banks.

Advice and Support

New Forest District Council are working with local partners to provide advice and support with matters related to debt, housing, household costs and bills, homelessness, childcare and carers.

Cost of living information – New Forest District Council

Hampshire County Council’s phone advice line ‘Hitting the Cold Spots’ can offer assistance with switching your energy provider or tariff, help with access funding for boiler repairs, benefits and debt advice and eligibility checks for the Warm Home Discount and local energy efficiency schemes. See Hitting the cold spots.

Hampshire County Council’s connect4communities aims to support those most in need with significantly rising living costs, particularly families with children, pensioners and unpaid carers who would otherwise struggle with energy, fuel, food and water bills. See connect4communities.

Citizens Advice New Forest provide free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on the cost of living. See useful advice and information relating to the New Forest Area from Citizens Advice.
Also this leaflet about cost of living support.

Food Banks and Larders

Community Pantries in Hampshire

See list of food larders in Hampshire.

Food Larders in New Milton – Ashley Baptist Church and Nedderman Centre.

Information on New Milton’s Food Larders.

Children’s Clothes and Toy Swaps

Community Hub at the Nedderman Centre, New Milton, works in partnership with Step Up Safe Space to provide a children’s clothes and toys swap. More information.

Warm Spaces

Residents can find a full list of Warm Spaces across the New Forest district here:

New Milton Library is providing a warm space for all members of the local community with free access to Wi-Fi, public computers, puzzles and books.