Crisis awards are considered where the applicant is in crisis and there's a severe risk to the health or safety of the applicant or an immediate family member. The support will only be considered if there's no immediate access to any other form of financial assistance.

The type of support that will be considered:

• PayPoint vouchers for food or a referral to a food bank
• PayPoint vouchers for gas and electricity
• PayPoint vouchers for essential clothing

Apply for a crisis award

As the need for a crisis award is immediate, the preferred method of contact is by telephone. Please call Freephone number 08081 789 278 to speak to a Community Support Officer who will help with your application.

Phone lines are open: 9am to 4pm (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday), and 10am to 4pm (Wednesday).

Alternatively, you can apply for a crisis award online if you'd rather do this.

Emergency food

If you need help with food in an emergency, the White Feather Project offers help 7 days a week, from 9am to 10pm. If you need support, please contact the White Feather Project on 07552 830185.

We also offer emergency help through the Community Support Team (Monday to Friday), who can be contacted on 0808 1789278 (Freephone).