Cost of Living
We understand that rising living costs can put pressure on household finances.
There are local support groups available for residents who need help with food, energy bills, housing costs, managing debt and other essential expenses.
You can also find additional information on our Cost of Living webpage.
Social Supermarkets
The Braintree District Social Supermarket, operated by Maldon and District CVS, is designed to support individuals and families facing the challenges of the rising cost of living by offering access to low-cost essentials as well as finding out about local support in a welcoming environment.
White Colne Village Hall – 11am to 12.30pm, 2 and 16 October, 6 and 20 November, 4 and 18 December.
Sible Hedingham Baptist Church – 11am to 12.30pm, 9 and 23 October, 13 and 27 November, 11 December.
Ridgewell Village Hall – 11am to 12.30pm, 5 and 19 October, 2 and 16 November, 7 and 21 December.
Call 01621 851891 or visit their website for more information.
The Braintree Hub
The Braintree Community Hub aims to provide a more connected, inclusive community. They work to reduce social isolation by offering support to individuals who may feel excluded, helping them feel part of society. They also provide a safe space for people to meet and share ideas and experiences.
Within The Braintree Community Hub is the Braintree Community Supermarket which provides both a community fridge and a community supermarket providing affordable goods. Members pay a £5 joining fee then have access to these lower prices and deals.
The Witham Hub
The aims of the Witham Community Hub are to promote social inclusion for the public benefit of individuals living within the town of Witham and its surrounding area by preventing people from becoming socially excluded, relieving the needs of those people who are socially excluded and assisting them to integrate into society.
Inside the Hub is the Witham Community Fridge which was set up in October 2019 with the aim to reduce food poverty and food waste.
There are no awkward questions asked if you want to use the fridge, it is run on the basis that you can leave a donation if you can to go towards the hub running costs, so just pop in with a bag and take what you need and leave what you can.
First Stop Community Fridge
29 Bocking End, Braintree, Essex CM7 9AE
First Stop's Community Fridge runs every Tuesday and Thursday from 10.30am to 11am where the team hand out bags of food saved from landfill.
Halstead Community Fridge
The Halstead Community Fridge is located on the Causeway and operates 8am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 5pm on Sundays.
Come and help yourself to food donated by residents and shops.
Baby Stuff Braintree
Baby Stuff Braintree is a project that helps vulnerable residents gain access to essential baby clothing, moses baskets, cots, bedding and prams.
They have seen an increase in requests for essential goods due to the Cost of Living, including clothing, nappies and toiletries. In a single year, they distributed over 300 bags of items showing a great need for their service and due to the demand for their support by local families, Baby Stuff Braintree will now be opening during the School Holidays.
The charity is currently experiencing a drop in the volume and quality of donations due to the cost of living crisis, whilst referrals from health visitors are rising.
Baby Stuff Braintree operates from the Carousel Family Hub which provides support for 0-5 years, you do not need to be referred to access help, they provide a drop in Stay and Play session on Thursday mornings 10.00am to 11am.
