Your way forward

We are Here For Hart, a group of local services that exist to support people experiencing challenges such as:

money worries
unemployment or job uncertainty
loneliness
mental health and wellbeing concerns
housing issues

We know people are struggling right now. We are seeing more people reaching out to us for support because their lives have been affected by the pandemic. It's not always easy to ask for support or know where to begin but you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. There are services which can give you the knowledge, confidence and support you need to find your way forward.

We have created this web page to make it easier to find information and support, whether that’s one of our services or one of the many other local and national organisations out there. Some of the support services listed only work with people living in the Hart district but others cover a larger area.

On this page you will also find advice on how to talk to someone about the challenges you are facing, or how to start a conversation with someone you are concerned about.

We hope this information is useful, for you, your family or friends.

Whatever you’re going through, Samaritans are available to listen 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Telephone: 116 123
Online: www.samaritans.org

Money Worries

There are services that can help if you:

Are worried about money or how you will pay the bills
Are experiencing debt
Are unsure whether you are entitled to benefits or how to apply
Would like some support with managing your money
Are struggling to afford the basics such as food

Citizens Advice Hart: We provide the advice people need for the problems they face. Our website has a self-help section or you can contact us.

• Adviceline Telephone: 0808 278 7864 Monday-Friday 9am - 5pm Email: citizensadvice@hartcab.cabnet.org.uk
• Our Help to Claim advisers can help you with the early stages of your Universal Credit claim. Available 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Telephone: 0800 1448 444 England textphone: 18001 0800 144 8 444

Hart Foodbank: we know that anyone can reach crisis point and we're here to help when that happens. We are able to give weekly food parcels until the end of your crisis and we never judge our clients. We've helped people with a few parcels until a salary or benefits arrive or many parcels when people are experiencing long term challenges such as sickness or debt. In addition to food, each parcel contains a selection of toiletries and household cleaning products. For more information go to our website or Telephone 07926 806256 Email hart.foodbk@hotmail.co.uk and we will be happy to help.

Fleet Phoenix: We support young people aged 11-25 years and their families in Hart. We can assist you in any issue you are struggling with including building your confidence to seek specialist support. Telephone: 01252 812308, Email: charlotte.tickner@fleetphoenix.co.uk

Hardship Fund In response to the COVID-19 pandemic Hart District Council has launched a Local Welfare Provision Hardship service which is a financial assistance scheme to help people who are in a crisis or emergency situation and where low level financial assistance would help prevent the crisis or emergency from escalating.

Money Advice Service: free and impartial money advice, plus tools to help you keep track of your finances and plan ahead.

National Debtline: telephone, webchat and email advice.

Business Debtline: for self-employed and small businesses.

Step Change: free debt advice by debt experts, based on a comprehensive assessment of your situation. They will support you for however long it is needed.

DWP: benefits information pages

Unemployment or job uncertainty

Hart Employment and Skills Hub: whether you have recently left education, been made redundant or have been looking for work for some time, the Hub can connect you with support. Contact the team via jobskills@hart.gov.uk or telephone 01252 774134

Citizens Advice Hart can advise you on your rights at work, redundancy, furlough, and the help you can get if you're self-employed and your income has dropped because of coronavirus. Adviceline Telephone: 0808 278 7864 Monday-Friday 9am - 5pm Email: citizensadvice@hartcab.cabnet.org.uk

Housing issues

Hart District Council’s Housing team: We can provide you with information, assistance and advice to help you to resolve your housing situation. If you’re worried about how you’re going to pay the rent or are at risk of losing your place to live, get advice early rather than letting things build up. Email: housing@hart.gov.uk Telephone: 01252 774 239 Monday to Thursday 8.30am till 5pm and Friday 8.30am till 4.30pm.

Citizens Advice Hart: We provide the advice people need for the problems they face. Our website has a self-help section where you can find information about a range of housing issues.
Adviceline Telephone: 0808 278 7864 Monday-Friday 9am - 5pm Email: citizensadvice@hartcab.cabnet.org.uk

Mental health and wellbeing

Our Mental Health and Wellbeing page provides information about taking care of your wellbeing and who you can contact for support including urgent help services.

Every Mind Matters provides simple tips and advice to help you take care of your mental wellbeing. You can also get tailored advice and tips by completing their Your Mind Plan quiz.

If any of the issues listed on this page are impacting on your mental health and wellbeing, you may find these resources useful:
The Mind website:
•   Advice on coping with redundancy
•   Practical tips on money and mental health
•   Housing and mental health

Mental Health and Money Advice service for practical advice and support.

Relate offers practical guidance and support on relationships and mental health

Relationship challenges

Relate can provide support if you are experiencing challenges in your relationships including relationship breakdown. You can start a free 30-minute webchat with one of their Relationships and Wellbeing Advisors.

Citizens Advice Hart can advise you on your rights if your relationship has broken down. Adviceline Telephone: 0808 278 7864 Monday-Friday 9am - 5pm Email: citizensadvice@hartcab.cabnet.org.uk

Domestic abuse

Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service: Telephone 03300 165 112. Nobody should ever live in fear of being controlled or abused by their partner or other close family member. If you feel you would like to talk and reach out for help please telephone 03300 165 112. If you are worried about your own behaviour and think you are hurting someone the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service can also help.

Support for drug or alcohol problems

Support for drug or alcohol problems: for information about the local support available and more sources of help and advice.

Support for carers

A carer is someone who provides unpaid care for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health condition or an addiction cannot cope without their support.

All of us will care for someone in our lifetime. Recognising when you are a carer is the first step towards finding help and support at the right time.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in more people in the UK becoming a carer for family or friends, and many existing carers have found themselves providing more care than before.

If you are a carer or think you might be a carer, you could contact one of these organisations for information and support:

Carer Support and Dementia Advice Service for Hampshire: Supports all carers aged 18 and above who provide care for an adult. One to one support, peer support groups, workshops and training.
Referral by GP, other professionals or self-referral.

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers in Hampshire: Provides a range of free and confidential services including support to discuss, develop and implement an emergency plan. Up to 48hrs free care may be available for the person you care for in the event of an emergency. No adult services assessment is needed.

Hart and Rushmoor Young Carers: Provides support for carers aged 7-18 years living in Hart or Rushmoor.

Tips to help you talk about these issues

If you're experiencing these issues yourself:

Money Advice Service guidance to help you have tricky conversations about money

Mind guidance to help you seek support for a mental health problem

If you're worried about someone else:

Samaritans advice on how to support someone you're worried about

Every Mind Matters tips about helping others with mental health problems

Money Advice Service guidance to help you spot the signs of debt in family and friends and start a conversation

Find more information and support on these issues and more on the Connect to Support Hampshire website.