Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF)

The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is available to support vulnerable households experiencing financial hardship due to a sudden and unexpected expense. This fund replaces the previous Housing Support Fund.

The fund aims to:

• Provide a safety net for people on low incomes facing financial shocks
• Help build long-term resilience so individuals and communities can better manage future crises

Our Adult Social Care and Children’s Services teams work with the community to support wellbeing by helping to reduce financial hardship and food poverty.

Residents of the Isles of Scilly can apply for support from this fund.

Eligibility

You may be eligible if you:

• Are a resident of the Isles of Scilly
• Are experiencing financial hardship or crisis
• Live alone or within a household in need
• Do not need to be in receipt of benefits

Funding available

• The usual maximum award is £250 (one payment)
• In exceptional circumstances, higher amounts may be considered

Non-financial support is also available. The Council can help signpost you to other services to reduce outgoings and improve financial stability.

Application process

To apply for support from this fund please contact Adult Social Care on  01720 424 470 or asc@scilly.gov.uk. You will need to complete an application form.

If you are eligible then you will be supported to apply for financial support.

Further information on available government support can be found here:

Get help with the cost of living from your local council - GOV.UK

Winter Wellbeing

• Our Isles of Scilly Winter Wellbeing booklet 2025/2026 has a wealth of useful information and contact details for supportive organisations. The leaflet has been added as an attachment to this page and hard copies are available at the Health Centre and Library.  

There are a number of other departments and organisations that can help you to make your money stretch further:

• Citizens Advice: They offer a wide range of support including debt and benefit advice. To speak to an advisor contact the Customer hub team for help booking a digital appointment, more information here.  National Citizens Advice also has a page of useful links and information, around things like benefits, debt, help with essential costs, and some mental health helplines as well. There is also a leaflet about grants and benefits that are available to help people pay energy bills. Citizens Advice
• Council Tax: Any resident who has difficulty in paying their Council Tax, should contact the Council tax collection team on: 0300 1234 105  revenues@scilly.gov.uk
• Housing: You can contact our housing team by email or phone at the following details: housing@scilly.gov.uk or 01720 424440
• Inclusion Cornwall - the Inclusion Cornwall Resource library has a host of specific Resource Sheets, including – Debt and crisis funding, Families, Transport, Health, wellbeing and disabilities, Household goods, Food, clothing and wood banks, and more. Detailed support in those specific areas can be found. See https://inclusioncornwall.co.uk/library. Inclusion Cornwall ; 01872 326440,  hello@inclusioncornwall.co.uk,  www.inclusioncornwall.co.uk
• Community Energy Plus -  A social enterprise that provides energy solutions to help householders in Cornwall to enjoy warmer, more energy efficient homes. They have extensive factsheets around a variety of energy-related subjects, including “Saving energy and Money” and “Support with rising living costs”, as well as other useful advice:  https://www.cep.org.uk/resources/factsheets-and-leaflets/  Freephone 0800 954 1956 or email advice@cep.org.uk
• CRCC - Help with switching provider, fuel debt, payment options accessing grants - 01872 273952  www.cornwallrcc.org.uk
• Cornwall Council and a selection of major charities and organisations in Cornwall have produced a leaflet for those who are struggling to make ends meet. You can download ‘Worrying about money? From the Cornwall Council’s website: worried-about-money-cornwall-leaflet.pdf

Please also contact Children’s Services if you have concerns or questions that relate to children or young people's well being. 

Ensuring you claim all the benefits you’re entitled to

Check benefits and financial support you can get - GOV.UK

Energy & financial support resources

All energy and water providers are obliged to keep a ‘priority services register’ of vulnerable customers. This could include people who are elderly, disabled, or require electricity for medical equipment. They are required to give special service to those people, and will prioritise reconnecting them in the event of a power cut or outage. Contact your provider for information.

Many local banks are also offering support for people experiencing financial difficulties. See your bank’s website for advice. 

Support in this area also available from Community Energy Plus – CEP (see above for contact details), Citizens Advice (see above), Age UK and National Energy Action.

Mental Health

People are also reminded that there is a wealth of support available for anyone struggling with their mental health. 

If you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health call 111.

It's free to access by anyone, any age, any time, day or night.