Our partners have all reacted to the deepening cost-of-living crisis. Everyone wants to ensure that people can easily access the help and advice they need. For general advice on where you can get support concerning the cost-of-living visit Citizens Advice or the UK government's advice page. There is also some really useful advice on the Shelter website.

Your local council offers help and or advice with the cost of living. If you are not sure which district you are in, please use the top link first:

Which district council should I contact?

I am worried about the cost of living in Oxford City

I am worried about the cost of living in Cherwell

I am worried about the cost of living in South Oxfordshire

I am worried about the cost of living in Vale of White Horse

I am worried about the cost of living in West Oxfordshire

Find more advice on specific issues below:

I can’t afford my rent

If you’re worried about losing your home, you should get advice as early as possible. See eviction risk advice to learn more.

If you’re in danger of losing your home and want to gain control over your finances and housing then you can contact the Connection Support’s Housing Support Team.

Shelter can help you understand your rights and get the support you need with Private Renting, Eviction, Mortgage Repossession, Tenancy Deposits and Council Housing.

If you are a permanent council house tenant in Oxford, you can seek help with managing your tenancy from the council's Tenancy Sustainment Team.

For general advice visit the UK’s largest tenant support community, The Tenants’ Voice.

I can’t afford food

You can get free or cheap food at day service venues. See our summary of daily services in Oxfordshire which shows exactly who is open and when. Oxford city council also has collated all of the free and low-cost food options in Oxford.

For emergency food parcels and ready meals, you can contact Oxford Mutual Aid via:

Phone: 07310 160595

Email: support@oxfordmutalaid.org support@oxfordmutualaid.org

I’m in debt

Citizens Advice Oxford can provide suggestions for alleviating debt contact via:

Phone: 0808 278 7808

Email: Google Form

For more advice on debt solutions, you can visit their website which offers advice on a range of debt topics including Bankruptcy, Budgeting, Getting Financial Advice, Debt Management Plans and Debt Remedy Tool.

For confidential and independent advice on dealing with debt in the UK, you can call or visit the National Debt line on 0808 808 4000.

I can’t afford my bills

To find out what steps you can take if you’re struggling to pay energy bills you can visit Citizens Advice.

For advice on saving energy visit the government's website or call 0800 444 202.

To know how to spot an energy scam visit Energy Saving Trust.

If you are an individual, small business, nursery or school within the Vale of White Horse district you can apply for the Wantage & Grove Energy Support Fund.

I need other advice

For free, confidential, impartial and independent advice and information, get in touch with Citizens Advice Oxford via:

Phone: 0808 278 7808

Email

Find your local advice team

Online web chat

Question not answered? Check the services listed—below, or choose another question—above. Alternatively, drop us a line on social media or get in touch. We will use your feedback to improve the site, and we want to hear from you.

In very hot weather

watch out for:

• dehydration

• heat exhaustion

• heatstroke

• sunburn

Key tips include the following:

• drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty

• use cool (not cold) showers

• use wet towels / put your feet in cool water

• stay out of the sun 11am - 4pm

• wear suncream and a sunhat

• spend as much time as possible in an air-conditioned public space (consider daily services, libraries)

• wear light coloured, loose-fitting clothing

SWEP (hot weather)

As with extreme cold, there is also a SWEP for extremely hot weather.

Status: SWEP is currently CLOSED.

We will add information here as it becomes available. (The UKHSA's guidance on supporting people sleeping rough before and during hot weather will be published shortly.)

See also:

• Oxford City Council guidance for anyone experiencing homelessness who needs help in hot weather
• Daily services in Oxfordshire
• Homeless Link's updated SWEP webpage (2023)
• Earlier guidance from Homeless Link (June, 2022)
• The UK government's advice for hot weather

General guidance

Your first port of call should be the outreach team, OxSPOT in Oxford and Connection Support outside the city. You can also report a concern through the StreetLink website or app, or by calling 0300 500 0914

People outside Oxford should contact Connection Support or their own council in the first instance:

Cherwell District Council - 01295 753 751 or 01295 221 531 out of hours

South Oxfordshire District Council - 01235 422 452 or 01235 422 410 out of hours

Vale of White Horse District Council - 01235 422 452 or 01235 422 420 out of hours

West Oxfordshire District Council - 01993 861 000 or 0151 343 2945 out of hours

Question not answered? Check the services listed—below, or choose another question—above. Alternatively, drop us a line on social media or get in touch. We will use your feedback to improve the site, and we want to hear from you.

For people experiencing homelessness it can be hard to get online, especially if you are sleeping outside. Many of our partner organisations will help you to do this when you access their services.

If you want to get online when not accessing services or when they might be closed, Oxfordshire County Council welcomes everyone to all of their 44 libraries and it is free to join.

There is a project in Oxfordshire that refurbishes donated devices, and passes them to people who need them. It also helps people to access the data, training and support they need to get online. Through a collaborative, partnership approach, Getting Oxfordshire Online is putting the infrastructure in place to deliver a sustainable, long-term solution to the problem of digital exclusion.

Question not answered? Check the services listed—below, or choose another question—above. Alternatively, drop us a line on social media or get in touch. We will use your feedback to improve the site, and we want to hear from you.

Your first port of call should be the outreach teams, OxSPOT for Oxford, and Connection Support outside the city. If you’re sleeping outside, and you are eligible for help, they will assess you and help you find the accommodation and support you need to rebuild your life.

For OxSPOT call 07590 862 049 or outreach.oxford@mungos.org For Connection Support 01865 711267 or outreach@connectionsupport.org.uk You can reach Streetlink on 0300 500 0914. These contacts are not emergency services, but they do follow up all calls and referrals as quickly as possible.

If you have a bed in supported accommodation, please speak to your support worker. If your health or someone else’s is in immediate danger, please call 999.

The Oxford Winter Night Shelter (OWNS) offer beds for the night from January through to the end of March for those rough sleeping locally. More details can be found on their organisation tile below.

During severe weather or every time the temperature falls to zero degrees Celsius or below—Met Office forecast—Oxford City Council activates a Severe Weather Emergency Protocol—SWEP—in order to provide emergency shelter overnight. The council will also use its discretion to activate SWEP during other severe weather, such as snow on the ground, sub-zero 'feels like' temperatures, or a warmer night during a prolonged freezing spell.

This winter Oxfordshire district councils have agreed to operate SWEP on a countywide basis. However, discretion may be used to activate SWEP on a localised basis in circumstances where there is snow forecast in just one part of the county, or similar.

KEY INFORMATION about SWEP in Oxford

• SWEP will be activated by the city council when the temperature is forecast to fall to zero degrees Celsius, or below
• The council will also use its discretion to activate SWEP during other severe weather, such as snow on the ground, sub-zero ‘feels like’ temperatures, or a warmer night during a prolonged freezing spell
• 30 spaces have been identified for SWEP
• People who need access to SWEP who are not identified during the day will be able to present at O’Hanlon House between 11pm and midnight in order to be allocated a bed
• A local connection to Oxfordshire is NOT required to access SWEP, and nor are other eligibility requirements associated with accessing other housing services
• St Mungo’s will co-ordinate access to SWEP allocating individuals to accommodation during the day
• St Mungo’s will ensure that all clients who access SWEP—if not already known—are offered a full assessment of their needs and support in order to be offered longer term solutions to their homelessness

There is more information about SWEP on the council website.

People outside Oxford who want a SWEP bed during freezing winter weather should contact Connection Support or their own council in the first instance:

Cherwell District Council - 01295 753 751 or 01295 221 531 out of hours

South Oxfordshire District Council - 01235 422 452 or 01235 422 410 out of hours

Vale of White Horse District Council - 01235 422 452 or 01235 422 420 out of hours

West Oxfordshire District Council - 01993 861 000 or 0151 343 2945 out of hours

SWEP is currently CLOSED.

Question not answered? Check the services listed—below, or choose another question—above. Alternatively, drop us a line on social media or get in touch. We will use your feedback to improve the site, and we want to hear from you.

For what to do in an emergency see the Oxfordshire Mental Health Partnership website.

If your need is less immediate there are numerous organisation that can help and support you.

You can read much more about what the OMHP can offer in this helpful booklet or find out more about the partnership by selecting OMHP from the organisation list below. 

If you are interested in helping people with their mental health then please take a look at this leaflet on volunteering.

Question not answered? Check the services listed—below, or choose another question—above. Alternatively, drop us a line on social media or get in touch. We will use your feedback to improve the site, and we want to hear from you.

A dog is man’s (or woman’s!) best friend and if you are living on the streets, it is great to know that there are people that can help keep your friend fit and healthy.

The organisations below offer free of charge help for dogs that live on the streets with their owners.

Question not answered? Check the services listed—below, or choose another question—above. Alternatively, drop us a line on social media or get in touch. We will use your feedback to improve the site, and we want to hear from you.

Your first port of call should be the outreach teams, OxSPOT for Oxford, and Connection Support outside the city. If you’re sleeping outside, and you are eligible for help, they will assess you and help you find the accommodation and support you need to rebuild your life.

For OxSPOT call 07590 862 049 or outreach.oxford@mungos.org For Connection Support 01865 711267 or outreach@connectionsupport.org.uk You can reach Streetlink on 0300 500 0914. These contacts are not emergency services, but they do follow up all calls and referrals as quickly as possible.

If you have a bed in supported accommodation, please speak to your support worker. If your health or someone else’s is in immediate danger, please call 999.

Homeless Oxfordshire run a women-only housing project for people who have been verified by the outreach team, OxSPOT. Aspire also offer a women only house.

If you are currently experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence or abuse, you may be able to get advice and support from the Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Service—ODAS, or the Oxfordshire Sexual Abuse & Rape Crisis Centre—OSARCC.

Question not answered? Check the services listed—below, or choose another question—above. Alternatively, drop us a line on social media or get in touch. We will use your feedback to improve the site, and we want to hear from you.

Your first port of call should be the outreach teams, OxSPOT for Oxford, and Connection Support outside the city. If you’re sleeping outside, and you are eligible for help, they will assess you and help you find the accommodation and support you need to rebuild your life.

For OxSPOT call 07590 862 049 or outreach.oxford@mungos.org For Connection Support 01865 711267 or outreach@connectionsupport.org.uk You can reach Streetlink on 0300 500 0914. These contacts are not emergency services, but they do follow up all calls and referrals as quickly as possible.

If you have a bed in supported accommodation, please speak to your support worker. If your health or someone else’s is in immediate danger, please call 999.

See also: How to help someone rough sleeping in Oxfordshire

Question not answered? Check the services listed—below, or choose another question—above. Alternatively, drop us a line on social media or get in touch. We will use your feedback to improve the site, and we want to hear from you.

Your first port of call should be the outreach teams, OxSPOT for Oxford, and Connection Support outside the city. If you’re sleeping outside, and you are eligible for help, they will assess you and help you find the accommodation and support you need to rebuild your life.

For OxSPOT call 07590 862 049 or outreach.oxford@mungos.org For Connection Support 01865 711267 or outreach@connectionsupport.org.uk You can reach Streetlink on 0300 500 0914. These contacts are not emergency services, but they do follow up all calls and referrals as quickly as possible.

If you have a bed in supported accommodation, please speak to your support worker. If your health or someone else’s is in immediate danger, please call 999.

If you are a service provider and you want to help someone with their level of literacy, Read Easy Oxford provide a free service to help with this—see below.

Question not answered? Check the services listed—below, or choose another question—above. Alternatively, drop us a line on social media or get in touch. We will use your feedback to improve the site, and we want to hear from you.

Your first port of call should be the outreach teams, OxSPOT for Oxford, and Connection Support outside the city. If you’re sleeping outside, and you are eligible for help, they will assess you and help you find the accommodation and support you need to rebuild your life.

For OxSPOT call 07590 862 049 or outreach.oxford@mungos.org For Connection Support 01865 711267 or outreach@connectionsupport.org.uk You can reach Streetlink on 0300 500 0914. These contacts are not emergency services, but they do follow up all calls and referrals as quickly as possible.

If you have a bed in supported accommodation, please speak to your support worker. If your health or someone else’s is in immediate danger, please call 999.

At the moment, you need a local connection to access council-funded supported accommodation.

You may be able to find a bed through services that aren't funded by the council, such as ACT, Aspire and Edge Housing.

You can use daily services whenever available, and emergency beds during the winter.

See also: I need accommodation in very cold weather

Question not answered? Check the services listed—below, or choose another question—above. Alternatively, drop us a line on social media or get in touch. We will use your feedback to improve the site, and we want to hear from you.

You don’t have to have ID to use all services. If you need help obtaining ID, one of the organisations below may be able to help you.

Question not answered? Check the services listed—below, or choose another question—above. Alternatively, drop us a line on social media or get in touch. We will use your feedback to improve the site, and we want to hear from you.

Your first port of call should be the outreach teams, OxSPOT for Oxford, and Connection Support outside the city. If you’re sleeping outside, and you are eligible for help, they will assess you and help you find the accommodation and support you need to rebuild your life. For OxSPOT call 07590 862 049 or outreach.oxford@mungos.org For Connection Support 01865 711267 or outreach@connectionsupport.org.uk You can reach Streetlink on 0300 500 0914. These contacts are not emergency services, but they do follow up all calls and referrals as quickly as possible.

If you have a bed in supported accommodation, please speak to your support worker. If your health or someone else’s is in immediate danger, please call 999.

Daily services

You can get warm and get free or cheap food at daily service venues. Some venues also offer showers and free, clean clothes. Please take a look at our summary of daily services in Oxfordshire which shows exactly who is open and when.

Food provision

See our guidance about food provision under the heading ‘I can’t afford food’ on the page for help with the cost of living.

Question not answered? Check the services listed—below, or choose another question—above. Alternatively, drop us a line on social media or get in touch. We will use your feedback to improve the site, and we want to hear from you.

If you’re not already registered with a GP, you can register with Luther Street Medical Centre who provide medical care to people experiencing homelessness.

Luther Street Medical Centre isn’t an emergency service. If your health or someone else’s is in immediate danger, please call 999.

The most up to date information on and guidance about coronavirus can be found on the NHS website.

Question not answered? Check the services listed—below, or choose another question—above. Alternatively, drop us a line on social media or get in touch. We will use your feedback to improve the site, and we want to hear from you.

Your first port of call should be the outreach teams, OxSPOT for Oxford, and Connection Support outside the city. If you’re sleeping outside, and you are eligible for help, they will assess you and help you find the accommodation and support you need to rebuild your life.

For OxSPOT call 07590 862 049 or outreach.oxford@mungos.org For Connection Support 01865 711267 or outreach@connectionsupport.org.uk You can reach Streetlink on 0300 500 0914. These contacts are not emergency services, but they do follow up all calls and referrals as quickly as possible.

If you have a bed in supported accommodation, please speak to your support worker. If your health or someone else’s is in immediate danger, please call 999.

Citizens Advice Oxford and neighbourhood advice centres—below—may be able to help if you need to claim welfare benefits or have an issue with benefits you are claiming at the moment.

Question not answered? Check the services listed—below, or choose another question—above. Alternatively, drop us a line on social media or get in touch. We will use your feedback to improve the site, and we want to hear from you.

You can get warm, shower, change your clothes and get free or cheap food at day services at The Porch.

The Gatehouse Café in St Giles Parish Rooms—and Oxford Companions, in the same venue Saturdays—also provide showers at certain times and a safe and welcoming place to eat and get clothes; and there are a number of other providers of food and clothing listed below.

Some student and community groups also provide clothes directly to people on the streets.

See also: daily services.

Question not answered? Check the services listed—below, or choose another question—above. Alternatively, drop us a line on social media or get in touch. We will use your feedback to improve the site, and we want to hear from you.

Your first port of call should be the outreach teams, OxSPOT for Oxford, and Connection Support outside the city. If you’re sleeping outside, and you are eligible for help, they will assess you and help you find the accommodation and support you need to rebuild your life.

For OxSPOT call 07590 862 049 or outreach.oxford@mungos.org For Connection Support 01865 711267 or outreach@connectionsupport.org.uk You can reach Streetlink on 0300 500 0914. These contacts are not emergency services, but they do follow up all calls and referrals as quickly as possible.

If you have a bed in supported accommodation, please speak to your support worker. If your health or someone else’s is in immediate danger, please call 999.

If you’re an EU national, homeless and not working, you may not have the right to claim benefits or housing in the UK. However, if you’re not entitled to benefits or housing, the outreach teams—above—may still be able to help you return home if you want to, or link you in with services who can help you into, or back into, work. You can use daily services when these are available, access emergency accommodation during the winter, and get medical help from Luther Street—below.

See also: I need accommodation in very cold weather

Question not answered? Check the services listed—below, or choose another question—above. Alternatively, drop us a line on social media or get in touch. We will use your feedback to improve the site, and we want to hear from you.

Your first port of call should be the outreach teams, OxSPOT for Oxford, and Connection Support outside the city. If you’re sleeping outside, and you are eligible for help, they will assess you and help you find the accommodation and support you need to rebuild your life.

For OxSPOT call 07590 862 049 or outreach.oxford@mungos.org For Connection Support 01865 711267 or outreach@connectionsupport.org.uk You can reach Streetlink on 0300 500 0914. These contacts are not emergency services, but they do follow up all calls and referrals as quickly as possible.

If you have a bed in supported accommodation, please speak to your support worker. If your health or someone else’s is in immediate danger, please call 999.

Question not answered? Check the services listed—below, or choose another question—above. Alternatively, drop us a line on social media or get in touch. We will use your feedback to improve the site, and we want to hear from you.

Your first port of call should be the outreach teams, OxSPOT for Oxford, and Connection Support outside the city. If you’re sleeping outside, and you are eligible for help, they will assess you and help you find the accommodation and support you need to rebuild your life.

For OxSPOT call 07590 862 049 or outreach.oxford@mungos.org For Connection Support 01865 711267 or outreach@connectionsupport.org.uk You can reach Streetlink on 0300 500 0914. These contacts are not emergency services, but they do follow up all calls and referrals as quickly as possible.

If you have a bed in supported accommodation, please speak to your support worker. If your health or someone else’s is in immediate danger, please call 999.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) does not hold meetings specifically for homeless people, but you can find an AA meeting near you on their website.

See also: Alcohol Brief Intervention. 

Question not answered? Check the services listed—below, or choose another question—above. Alternatively, drop us a line on social media or get in touch. We will use your feedback to improve the site, and we want to hear from you.

If you’re worried about losing your home, you should get advice as early as possible. Your local council has to try to prevent you from becoming homeless, click on the links below to find out more. If you are not sure which district you are in, please use the top link first:

Which district council should I contact?

I am worried about being evicted in Oxford City

I am worried about being evicted in Cherwell

I am worried about being evicted in South Oxfordshire

I am worried about being evicted in Vale of White Horse

I am worried about being evicted in West Oxfordshire

Question not answered? Check the services listed—below, or choose another question—above. Alternatively, drop us a line on social media or get in touch. We will use your feedback to improve the site, and we want to hear from you.

We want to hear from you if you’ve got a question that’s not answered here. We will try and respond as soon as possible and will use your feedback to improve the site. Please get in touch or drop us a line on social media.

Your first port of call should be the outreach teams, OxSPOT for Oxford, and Connection Support outside the city. If you’re sleeping outside, and you are eligible for help, they will assess you and help you find the accommodation and support you need to rebuild your life.

For OxSPOT call 07590 862 049 or outreach.oxford@mungos.org For Connection Support 01865 711267 or outreach@connectionsupport.org.uk You can reach Streetlink on 0300 500 0914. These contacts are not emergency services, but they do follow up all calls and referrals as quickly as possible.

If you have a bed in supported accommodation, please speak to your support worker. If your health or someone else’s is in immediate danger, please call 999.

You need to be verified by the outreach teams—above—before you can access most beds and services funded by councils. People can also go along to Floyd’s Row—at the bottom of St Aldates beyond Christ Church—on Wednesdays from 10.00–13.00, where people will be offered advice and help to find a place to stay.

Question not answered? Check the services listed—below, or choose another question—above. Alternatively, drop us a line on social media or get in touch. We will use your feedback to improve the site, and we want to hear from you.