If you’re on a low income and facing financial difficulty or an emergency, support is available.

Funded by the UK Government, the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) helps Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole residents who are struggling with the cost of living. It provides short-term help in a crisis and support to help people become more financially stable in the longer term.

The CRF replaces the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments, which ended on 31 March 2026.

Help available now

While the new CRF schemes are being introduced, you can still get help locally if you're struggling with money, food or essential costs.

Community support and local help

The communities section of our website has information about local services, wellbeing support and community resources.

Food support near you

Use our access to food map to find food banks, social supermarkets, community meal projects and low-cost food providers.

Financial advice and support

Use our worrying about money guide to find organisations that offer crisis support, money advice and emergency food.

Free, confidential advice

Citizens Advice provides advice and support with money, benefits, housing and other issues.

What support will be available soon

Different parts of the CRF will launch at different times.

Crisis payment scheme

A crisis payment scheme will become available for residents on a low income who experience a sudden financial emergency.

Support will be designed to respond quickly, helping you deal with your immediate crisis. You will also be offered advice or support to help prevent future financial difficulties.

Housing payments scheme

Support will be available to help residents facing urgent housing related costs, such as rent shortfalls or risks of homelessness.

This support replaces previous Discretionary Housing Payments and will be delivered through our benefits services under national rules.

Support to build financial resilience

Some services funded through the scheme will focus on longer term help, including:

• budgeting and money advice
• checking benefit entitlement
• help with bills, debt and energy costs
• access to affordable credit and savings options

Community-based support

The CRF is now open for applications from voluntary and community organisations to deliver local services and activities that help prevent crisis and support residents to stay well.

The fund supports projects that bring people together, build practical skills and provide early help for people who may be struggling, including families on low incomes, carers, older people, disabled residents, care leavers and those facing short‑term financial pressures. Projects can be new services addressing gaps in provision, or expansions of existing services.

Funded activity should support one or more of the following:

• better access to practical advice and support, including budgeting, benefits and energy efficiency
• reduced material hardship, helping households manage essential living costs
• reduced reliance on crisis support through early, preventative help

Examples of activities that could be funded include:

• community meals and food projects that bring people together and link them into wider support
• cooking equipment and workshops, budgeting and food skills sessions
• school holiday activities for children and families on low incomes
• community hubs, drop‑in spaces and shared activities that help people connect and access advice
• practical support such as money advice and income maximisation
• solutions to help reduce energy bills such as provision of energy efficient household items
• other community‑led initiatives that help prevent crisis and build resilience

Funding is awarded to organisations, who then provide support and activities for residents. Residents do not apply for these grants directly.

Voluntary and community organisations can apply on the Dorset Community Foundation website. Applications close at midday on 4 June 2026.

How to apply for support

Information about how to apply, including eligibility and referral routes will be published on this page before each scheme launches.