Here’s some helpful information about the excellent range of local community support across Cornwall, and help that is in place to support people who may be impacted by cost of living.

Help with health costs

Although most NHS treatment is free, there are still some costs people need to pay, for example to get prescriptions or to travel to hospital appointments. While most working age adults pay for their prescriptions, certain groups are entitled to free NHS prescriptions. People can check if they’re eligible for help to see where they may be able to get help. This simple online tool will ask a few questions to determine criteria of each service and advise which you may be eligible for.

There is a range of help available to help with health costs, as well as help to buy healthy food and milk for a Healthy Start.

Community hubs and Community Gateway service

The NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board has continued its investment into a network of 50 community hubs where people can find warmth, friendship, positive things to do, acquire new skills and share their expertise, and get help and advice on aspects such as food, employment, housing, finances, health, and wellbeing. Some hubs have specialist support available in areas such as falls, dementia, diabetes, mental health, respiratory, pain, digital inclusion, and cancer.

Learn about your nearest Community Hub on the Volunteer Cornwall website.

Complementing the community hubs is a fantastic Community Gateway helpline service to help local people keep healthy and well. The helpline offers practical help to prevent hospital admissions, mental health support, community activities, hot food and warm spaces. This free helpline can connect you to a range of support services in your local community. Call 01872 266383, 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. Email welcome@kernowgateway.org.uk

Cornwall’s community health and wellbeing workers who support local people facing health inequalities has become a finalist for a prestigious national Health Service Journal Award. The teams are located in local areas and each worker supports 120 households on a monthly basis, becoming well respected and trusted members of the community. They listen and understand what matters to each person regardless of age, then support them to address their concerns.

In the first year in Cornwall the initial team of 10, based in Newquay, St Austell, Falmouth, Penryn and Truro, knocked on 1,753 doors and worked with 381 people. They found the top 3 issues that people needed support with were money, mental health issues and housing.

The model has since expanded into Bodmin, Redruth, Camborne, Pool and Illogan, and now has 43 workers in the team. Later this year new teams will support people in Penzance and Liskeard.

A new communication campaign, Healthier Together is a collaboration between local health and wellbeing organisations to inform and signpost local people into the range of local services and often free or low cost activities to support health and wellbeing.

The campaign promotes the free NHS health checks, vaccinations and cancer screening available, as well as local move more, eat well and mental health initiatives. This includes a ‘Your Cornwall Guide to Health and Wellbeing’ which is being distributed to local people through 8 wellbeing festivals with more being planned over winter.

Cornwall Council’s partnership winter wellbeing guide features a range of useful advice from over 30 partners who work together to reduce fuel poverty, improve health and progress people to work. Winter wellbeing – Cornwall Council

Winter advice for our older population impacted by loss of winter fuel payment

Household Support Fund extended 6 months until April 2025

The government recently announced an extension to the Household Support Fund for the next 6 months to support struggling households with bills and essential costs. Pensioners and others struggling to heat their homes or afford other essential items over the colder months should contact their council to see what support may be available to them.

Details on the latest scheme will be communicated in the coming weeks, to keep updated visit https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/household-support-fund

Winter Fuel Payment information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/eligibility

Pension Credit for people on low income

Local people of State Pension agecould get extra money to help with living costs if on a low income, even if you have savings or own your own home.

View Pension Credit information and how to claim There are agencies who are able to offer support. If you think you are eligible for certain benefits and don’t know how to claim or where to go to get help, please reach out to people who are keen to help, including Citizens Advice.