Cost of Living and Welfare Support

Welfare Support 

Covering the whole of Breckland, Welfare Officers undertake a holistic assessment of needs and offer information, guidance and signposting to organisations who are well placed to provide the support someone needs. 

The type of referrals we can accept include low level financial issues; health concerns which are impacting well-being and loneliness and isolation. Officers can help with referrals into hardship funds and targeted support such as social prescribing, whose services have specific referral criteria. 

We are unable to provide emergency or high threshold support where police, ambulance, fire, GP or social care services are required. 

We accept self-referrals or referrals from family, friends or a professional - but you must obtain the person's consent. 

Referrals are made via our onlineWelfare Referral form. (opens new window)

Social Prescribing 

Breckland residents have access to social prescribing services via their GP surgery, which is delivered by a range of providers. Social prescribing takes a holistic approach to supporting residents by offering people time to explore their issues and take greater control of their health, wellbeing and social welfare.

Social prescribing works for a range of people, including:

• Those with one or more long-term conditions.
• Those who need support with their mental wellbeing.
• Those feeling lonely or isolated.
• Those experiencing financial or housing issues.
• Those who have complex social needs that impact their wellbeing.
• Those who are carers or supporting others in some way.

All Breckland residents can contact their GP surgery directly to request a referral into social prescribing.

If you are a registered patient at Orchard Surgery, Theatre Royal Surgery, Mattishall & Lenwade Surgery, Toftwood Surgery, Shipdham Surgery or North Elmham Surgery, you can self refer via the online form on ourSocial Prescribing web page.

Mental Health

If you are struggling to cope with life's challenges, are feeling stressed or overwhelmed and want to access help, there are a range of services available to Breckland residents.

Norfolk and Waveney Mind (opens new window) 

The mental health charity that believes no one should have to face a mental health problem alone. Call 0300 330 5488

Wellbeing Service (opens new window) 

Wellbeing Norfolk & Waveney provide a range of support for people with common mental health and emotional issues, such as low mood, depression or stress. We work with you to help you make the necessary changes to improve your wellbeing and quality of life. Call 0300 123 1503 

YANA (opens new window) 

Help for those involved in farming and other rural businesses affected by stress and depression. Call 0300 323 0400

Find details of other partner services which could support your mental health and wellbeing.

Vulnerability Registration Service

The Vulnerability Registration Service (VRS) gives vulnerable people a single place to register their status, helping them avoid repeating the same difficult conversations each time they engage with organisations such as lenders and creditors. The service aims to help vulnerable consumers protect themselves against the financial, social and personal hardship suffered as a result of debt and financial problems. 

To find out more, visit the Vulnerability Registration Service website. (opens new window)

Armed Forces Community

If you're a member of the Armed Forces Community looking for support in relation to your health and wellbeing, financial circumstances, housing, employability and more -please visit our webpage for links to services which can help and support you and your family. 

Period Products and Toiletries

If you're struggling to afford sanitary products or toiletries, free grab and go bags containing these items are available from all Norfolk libraries.

For further details, please visit the Norfolk County Council websiteThe Tricky Period and Toiletries to Go (opens new window)

Cuppa Care Bus

The Cuppa Care Bus aims to bring people together and tackle loneliness.

Whether you just want to get out of the house, to meet new people, or chat about something that's worrying you - they have friendly people on hand who can help.

Come on your own or with a friend, you'll be more than welcome to join them for a cuppa and a chat.

For the latest timetable

For more information e-mail cuppacarenorfolk@gmail.com

Assisted Bin Collection

An Assisted Bin Collection is available to those who can't manage to put their bins out for collection. An assisted collection is when the bin crew collects your bin from its normal storage space, takes it to the bin lorry for emptying, and then returns it back to its storage space.

Residents who qualify for this service may be:

• Elderly or infirm.
• Suffering from a short or long-term illness.

For more information about this service please visit Assisted Bin Collection

Emergency Planning

We work in partnership with the emergency services, health services, voluntary sector and community groups and partner agencies within the Norfolk Resilience Forum. 

For information on winter weather emergency updates, loss of utilities, flooding and the priority services register, visit ourEmergency Planning Webpages

Or contact Emergency Planning via e-mail emergencyplanning@breckland.gov.uk