Support and Resources
No one should have to choose between heating or eating. If you are experiencing the impact of the current rise in the cost of living, please see the below information that may be of help to you.
This information has been provided by Newport City Council and is correct at time of publication; April 2025.
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB)
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board have created a website page providing information regarding support services available in Gwent to help those who are struggling.
The website provides information on:
- Staying Well-Advice on living well, stopping smoking, alcohol support, dental and eyesight and healthier together.
- Mental Wellbeing and stress- Mental health support (Melo) and list of specialist helplines
- Eating Well and food Crisis support- Eating Well hub and Food Crisis support (Trussel trust foodbank finder tool, Healthy start scheme, Fare Share Food support, Local integrated wellbeing network)
- Bills debts and benefits- help with energy, fuel bills, energy Efficiency, finding loans, debt services and benefit entitlement.
- Family and relationships– Link to ‘Citizen’s Advice Wales family and relationships’ advice page
- Free professional advice
- Support in your Area – Each Local Authority within our Health Board area has lots of support available in your local community – no matter what you need help with.
Common Ailments Scheme
Visiting your local pharmacy is a great way to access prompt advice and FREE treatments for some common conditions.
Visiting your local pharmacy is a great way to access prompt advice and treatments for common conditions.
Some of the work traditionally done by GPs is now done by pharmacists instead. This includes giving prescription-only medication for a number of minor ailments without the need to see a doctor – and, like other medications in Wales, these are also free.
You have to register with the pharmacy to use the scheme, but the process only takes a few minutes.
Consultations are carried out in a private room and if the pharmacist decides you still need to see a doctor they will refer you.
Visit the ABUHB website for the list of conditions covered under the scheme.
MELO
Money and mental health are often linked. Worrying about money can affect your mental health and poor mental health can make managing your money difficult.
Worrying about money may lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, depression, anger.
If you are experiencing stress because of the increased cost of living, this can have an impact on your mental health and wellbeing. If financial worries are affecting your mental health, see our self-help resources and courses sections below. It includes details of a free online course to help you manage the practical and emotional issues around money worries.
Money and Financial Worries | Mental Health & Wellbeing Help
Mental Health and Money Advice
Provides clear, practical advice and support for people experiencing issues with mental health and money.
Mind Money and Mental Health Information Page
Poor mental health can make earning and managing money harder, worrying about money can make your mental health worse.
On Minds web page you can find out about
- organising your finances,
- claiming benefits when you have a mental health problem,
- Looking after your mental health when you are worried about money
Money Helper
Provides information and advice to those struggling paying their energy bills and worried about debt.
Telephone: 0800 011 3797
Money Matters Hub for Unpaid Carers
Information on a range of benefits and help with energy bills and managing your money.
https://www.carersuk.org/wales/help-and-advice/money-matters-hub
Money Saving Expert
Information on how to save money and the cost of living.
www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/cost-of-living-survival-kit/
Newport City Council Information Page
Newport City Council and their partners can offer advice and support for those struggling with the cost of living. Help can include ways to pay bills, assistance in finding work or accessing training.
If you are struggling financially, please visit the council’s webpage or contact by telephone.
www.newport.gov.uk/en/Support-and-Advice/Support-and-Advice.aspx
Telephone: 01633 656656
Welsh Government Cost of Living Information Page
Provides information on what support is available to help with the cost of living. This includes income and disability benefits, bills and allowances, childcare, housing and travel.
Ongoing Support
Newport City Council do offer various drop in surgeries to chat with the Cost of Living Teams about your specific situation and how they can best support you. Please have a look at their Facebook page, that is regularly updated with information on these sessions.
Facebook: Newport City Council
Alternatively you can make an appointment with one of their team via this email address: costofliving@newport.gov.uk
