Grants and assistance
We offer advice on grants and help towards energy efficiency improvements if you own your own home.
Support for homeless and rough sleepers
If you are homeless now, please email HousingNeedsTeam@gravesham.gov.uk and make it clear you are ‘homeless today’.
Gravesham Sanctuary is open Monday to Friday, providing sleeping bags, food, clothing, washing and appointments with our rough sleeping team on hand to identify support needs and provide assistance for any verified rough sleepers. Art therapy is also offered to those who register with Gravesham Sanctuary.
Find further advice and information about homelessness.
Citizens Advice North and West Kent
Citizens Advice in North and West Kent distributes Household Support Funds to local people in financial crisis or struggling to manage with rising costs of living, email supportgrants@nwkent.cab.org.uk or phone 0808 278 7810.
Along with other problems including housing, immigration and employment, they can help with money-related issues including, debt and money, energy worries and benefits.
Help with your TV Licence
The Simple Payment Plan was created for those in financial difficulty.
Qualifying customers can choose from either a fortnightly or monthly payment plan that spreads the cost of a TV Licence over 12 months, this means you make smaller payments more frequently, helping you to better manage your finances.
TV Licensing accepts referrals to the Simple Payment Plan from not-for-profit organisations such as charities or your local authority money advice department. It cannot accept referrals from commercial organisations.
If you would like to speak to someone about your finances, you can contact your local authority debt advice team or there are many not-for-profit organisations offering free, confidential and independent advice. Any not-for-profit organisation providing this service can refer you to us to join the Simple Payment Plan. More information on the simple payment plan and how to access it.
There are other TV licence concessions, which you might be eligible for depending on your circumstances. There are concessions available for:
- People who are aged 75 or over and receive Pension Credit.
- People who are blind (severely sight impaired).
- People who live in qualifying residential care and are disabled or over 60 and retired.
National Energy Action (NEA)
National Energy Action is the national fuel poverty charity working to ensure everyone is warm and safe at home.
Visit Simple Energy, for general energy advice for ensuring your home is up to standard.
DIAL North West Kent
DIAL provides free confidential information and advice on all aspects of disability to the residents of Gravesham.
They offer advice on wide range of topics and support with form filling, accessing grants plus more.
Available Monday to Thursday 11am–3pm. Call 01474 536 501
Domestic Abuse One-Stop Shop Gravesend
Free information, advice and support from the Civic Centre, Gravesend, every Thursday, 9.30am-noon. No appointment necessary.
Confidential advice helpline: 0737 6637069.
Oasis Domestic Abuse Support
Oasis supports adults, children and young people who have been affected by domestic abuse. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9:00am- 4:30pm
Visit their website for information and referrals. In a non-emergency call their helpline on 0800 917 9948.
Money Helper
Money helper offer free help and guidance on a range of financial issues from benefits, to pensions and general, savings and help for those with debt concerns.