Christmas in Newcastle Doesn’t Have to Mean Financial Stress: Help Is Here

Rising living costs, higher winter bills and the pressure to provide gifts or special meals can push already-stretched budgets to breaking point. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or worried about your finances this Christmas, you are not alone – and importantly, support is available right here in Newcastle.

Why Christmas Can Feel Especially Hard

At a time when everything seems to cost more, December can magnify financial strain.
Common reasons people struggle include:

• Increasing household costs and the ongoing cost of living crisis

• Extra festive pressures: gifts, celebrations, heating and food

• The emotional impact of worry, which affects both mental and physical wellbeing

Financial stress can make it difficult to enjoy the things that matter most – connection, rest and community.  But help is closer than you think.

The Healthworks Community Wellbeing Pathfinder Service

Healthworks’ Community Wellbeing Pathfinder service provides free, one-to-one support for adults (18+) in Newcastle, tailored to your situation.

Our team can help with:

• Financial wellbeing and budgeting

• Housing issues

• Employment support

• Mental health and wellbeing

• Signposting, referrals and personalised action plans

You can receive support in person, over the phone or online, whichever works best for you.

Call 0191 272 4244 or pop in and see us at the Health Resource Centre, Adelaide Terrace, NE4 8BE

Drop-In Sessions

Every other Tuesday we’ll be offering a Warm Space drop-in at the Health Resource Centre, so why not come along and catch up over a cuppa?

We are also continuing to run our outreach drop-ins across the City into January 2026.  There’s no need to book, just come along and meet the team.

Other Places to Get Support in Newcastle

If you’re finding things difficult, a range of local services are ready to help you navigate money worries, access essentials and get the guidance you need.

1.Newcastle Foodbank and Pathways Welfare Services

The Pathways team provides expert advice on:

• Benefits

• Housing

• Debt

• Health and welfare support

They also coordinate access to foodbank parcels.
Call 0191 275 3019

Money and Benefits Advice – Newcastle City Council

Newcastle’s Welfare Rights Service can help you understand what benefits you’re entitled to, while the Debt & Money Advice Team (Money Matters) offers free support with budgeting and debt.

Call 0800 1707 008

Citizens Advice Newcastle

Offering confidential, impartial advice on:

• Money and debt

• Benefits

• Housing

• Employment

• Consumer issues

Call 0808 278 7823

Household Support Fund (Newcastle City Council)

This fund offers targeted help with:

• Food

• Energy

• Essentials

• Holiday support for families

If you qualify, this can be a vital source of short-term help during the winter months.

Visit www.newcastle.gov.uk/cost-living-support/household-support-fund

Energy and Fuel Poverty Support – National Energy Action (NEA)

Based in Newcastle, NEA specialises in fuel poverty and energy advice, including:

• Improving home energy efficiency

• Reducing energy bills

• Accessing grants or schemes

This can be crucial during colder months.

Call 0800 304 7159

Visit www.nea.org.uk/get-help/wash-advice/

Why Reaching Out Makes a Difference

If you’re struggling, please remember:

• Help isn’t just for emergencies – you can get support before things reach crisis point.

• You don’t have to figure everything out alone – talking to someone can ease the pressure.

• Early support gives you more choices – benefits checks, budgeting advice and specialist referrals can all make a big difference.

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a positive first step toward greater stability and peace of mind.

A Message of Hope

If this Christmas feels difficult, please know that you’re not alone. Services like the Healthworks Community Wellbeing Pathfinder and many local organisations are here because they care – and because everyone deserves support, dignity and a chance to feel hopeful.

There is help available, and there are people ready to listen.
Reaching out today could make the season – and the months ahead – feel lighter.