As a parent or carer there are a number of financial responsibilities which may sometimes become unmanageable. Increased cost of living, debt management, lack of employment and other such concerns can add to this financial burden. Travelling to and from College may be a new issue, as you child most likely attended a school that was close by. Free school meals at school provided a balanced hot meal each day and your child may not be entitled to this at College. If you have not yet claimed for a Bursary or have any questions relating to this, please check the Chesterfield College website or contact the Bursary team. Bursary can provide meal allowance, travel pass/ payments and could contribute to the cost of equipment or tools your child may need on their course.
Financial issues
Free Breakfast
College offers a free breakfast for all out students regardless of claiming Bursary or not. This is in the Heartspace each day from 8.00
Period products
Period products are available for free for all students. Please ask them to speak with their Personal Development Coach or they can be collected from the Wellbeing Hub. There is a stand available, they do ot need to ask or speak to any staff member if they do not want to. There are also toiletries such as deodorants and shampoos available for any young people who may need them. If you have any questions about this, please contact the Safeguarding Team, 01246500688.
If you or your child needs immediate support following a relationship breakdown or similar concern, please contact Social Care for advice;
Children and family services – Derbyshire County Council
For financial support separate to College issues there are many agencies that can offer support and guidance. Benefit checks are particularly useful to make sure you and your family are claiming all that you are entitled to.
The following sites may be useful;
Benefits and financial support for families – GOV.UK
- Call the Adviceline for Chesterfield on: 0808 278 7843
- For the rest of England call: 0808 144 8848
- Visit their national website for advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
The Derbyshire Discretionary Fund (DDF) can provide grants or emergency cash payments if you are in urgent need of financial help following a crisis or disaster, or if you need help to settle or remain in your home.
Apply by phone
Telephone: 01629 533399.
Derbyshire Discretionary Fund (DDF) – Derbyshire County Council
Food Banks
For up to date locations and opening times for foodbanks in Chesterfield go to: www.chesterfield.foodbank.org.uk
Homlessness
Should your child or your family be at risk of homelessness, please inform their Tutor or PD Coach or contact the Safeguarding Team on 01246500688 or by email ccsafe@chesterfield.ac.uk
Additional support can be found;
Contact the Chesterfield Homeless Prevention Team on: 01246 345825.
It will depend on the area in which you were living which local homeless prevention team you need to contact. To find services outside of Chesterfield go to: www.gov.uk
Step Up – Framework Housing Association provides accommodation and support for 16-24 year olds in Derbyshire.
- Visit their website for more information and to submit a referral form: www.frameworkha.org
Pathways of Chesterfield is a service for those who are or are at risk of becoming homeless, in Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire and Bolsover.
- Call them on 01246 498204 (or 0808 169 2333 outside normal working hours).
- Go to the website for more information on their drop-in services: www.pathwaysofchesterfield.co.uk
Contact Shelter if you are homeless or have nowhere to stay tonight.
- Call the helpline for free on 0808 800 4444 (weekdays 8am – 6pm)
- Visit the website for more information and guidance on your legal rights, and to use Webchat: England.shelter.org.uk
Debt and Gambling
Stop Loan Sharks investigates and prosecutes illegal money lenders and provides support for borrowers in England.
- Visit the website for more information: www.stoploansharks.co.uk
- Call any time on: 0300 555 2222
- You can now access support or report illegal money lending quickly and confidentially by messaging the team on WhatsApp: 07700 102773 (Mon – Fri, 9am-5pm).
Barclays Digital Eagles and Money Mentors offer a range of free online events around online safety, fraud and budgeting.
- Go to Eventbrite to see all events: www.eventbrite.co.uk
GamCare is the leading UK provider of free information, advice and support for anyone harmed by gambling.
- Call their 24hr helpline to speak with an advisor on 0800 8020 133
- Visit their dedicated website for young people, parents and teachers for more information: bigdeal.org.uk