Help at Christmas

Christmas is a demanding time financially and the cost of Christmas can be overwhelming. The pressure to buy presents and cook family meals can lead to a build-up of debt, which may cause difficulties throughout the year.

The financial demands of Christmas also build upon the struggle to afford warm winter clothing and higher heating bills. However, there is help available.

Charitable grants

Use our Grants Search to find out what help you may be eligible for.  While most charitable funds do not provide specific grants to help people meet the costs of Christmas, some may consider applications of this nature, depending on your particular circumstances and background. 

However, there is often increased demands on their services around Christmas so you need to apply early. Other funds might give grants to help with basic needs, which could free up some of your money to pay for Christmas expenses.

Are you claiming all the benefits you are entitled to?

You can also use our Benefits Calculator to ensure that you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to. While these online tools are not directly focused towards Christmas support, they may help to relieve the financial burden experienced at Christmas.

Advice

Your local Citizens Advice bureau should also be able to provide information, advice and signposting to services in your local area that may be able to help this Christmas. You can use the Find an Advisor tool at to find your nearest bureau. Local radio stations also often have a community desk that can advise you on local sources of help.

Salvation Army

Help at Christmas can also be found from The Salvation Army, who holds a Christmas present appeal every year. The Christmas present appeal provides gifts to children and young people. You can contact your local Salvation Army to ask how they distribute gifts in your area.

Crisis

Crisis provides support at Christmas by offering somewhere safe to spend Christmas, and Christmas meals and activities.

Wood Street Mission

Wood Street Mission can help with gifts for children living in Manchester and Salford. You need to be referred to Wood Street Mission by a professional who knows your family’s circumstances.

Written by: Eleanor Hyde