Colchester Community Debt Support CIC

10/10/2026

💚 Today is World Mental Health Day

Money worries can take a real toll on our mental health. The constant worry, sleepless nights and feeling that you have nowhere to turn can sometimes feel overwhelming.

If you are struggling with debt, please remember that you're not alone, and you don't have to face it all at once.

At Colchester Community Debt Support, we offer free, face to face debt advice, giving you the time and space to talk things through at your own pace.

💚 Why not come and see us for a chat over a cuppa? Sometimes, simply talking things through with someone who listens can be the first step towards feeling more in control.

07/10/2026

⚡Will you struggle to afford your energy bills?

With increased energy costs and the temperatures dropping you may already be wondering how you’re going to manage the next bill.

If your energy costs are putting pressure on your household budget, don’t wait until things become unmanageable.

📓 Take a look at your overall household income and expenditure
💻 Prioritise your essential bills and living costs
☎ Speak to your energy supplier if you’re worried about keeping up with payments
👂 Get advice early if you’re struggling to make ends meet – there may be support available.

There are organisations locally that can help with specific energy advice, including Citizens Advice and YES energy solutions 👇

https://www.energyadviceeast.org.uk/get-help

https://www.yesenergysolutions.co.uk/

And if your energy bill is just one part of a bigger financial struggle, Colchester Community Debt Support can help you look at the wider picture and work through your options.

You don’t have to wait until you’re in crisis to ask for help. Getting advice early can make things feel much more manageable.

https://www.colchestercds.org.uk/

21/09/2026

🍂 Autumn has arrived… is your household budget ready?

As the days get shorter and the heating starts to go back on, household costs can creep up without us really noticing.

A few simple checks now could help avoid a nasty surprise later:
💷 Check your energy tariff
🔥 Take a meter reading
📋 Check your Direct Debit is still right for you
📱 Have a look at your regular subscriptions and household bills
🧾 Start planning for higher winter energy use

The energy price cap is due to rise by 4% on 1st October 2026, so now is a good time to check where you stand.

And if you’re already struggling to keep up with bills or debt, please don’t wait until things become unmanageable.

Getting advice early can make a real difference.

We’re here to help — without judgement. 💛

21/09/2026

Our Colchester Coffee Morning will be on Monday the 21st of September 10am-12pm at the Greenstead Community Centre, Hawthorn Avenue, Colchester CO4 3QE

The professionals in attendance will be:

MAZE - Sandy
MAZE - Sue & Chloe
FiF - Terri & Michelle
SPACE - Jodie & Janina
Clare Shurvinton - Bespoke Child & Family Support
Sarah Marlow - InterAct
Andrea Hattrell-Caney - OT
Kids Inspire - Amy & Clara
Sarah Abeyratne - EFF

See you all there!

🧡

15/09/2026

14/09/2026

Evening appointments available 7th October... see details shared

14/09/2026

11/09/2026

🍎 Could your child now be entitled to free school meals?

There’s an important change to free school meal eligibility in England from September 2026.

If your household receives Universal Credit, your children may now be entitled to free school meals – regardless of your household earnings.

If you receive Universal Credit, it’s worth checking whether your children are eligible. You’ll need to make an application through your local council, and your eligibility will then be checked.

Free school meals can make a real difference to household finances, particularly with the rising cost of food and other everyday expenses.

👉 Check your eligibility and find out how to apply:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals

And remember, if you’re already receiving Universal Credit, don’t assume you won’t qualify because your earnings are too high – the rules have changed.

Please share this post with a family who might find it useful. 💛

10/09/2026

One for the men…

Calling all men aged 40-80 for a free prostate cancer test ...
lets break down the barrier... one test could save a life ...
Click on the link to book in

10/09/2026

📢 Another very special piece of news 📢

We are excited and absolutely delighted to announce that Colchester Community Debt Support CIC has been awarded funding from the The National Lottery Community Fund 🎉.

This is fantastic for our organisation and, most importantly, for the people who rely on our service.

The funding will enable us to continue running our free debt advice drop-in sessions across Colchester where people can access independent, confidential advice and support when they are struggling with debt or financial difficulties. We have seen how important it is to have easy to reach, face-to-face, debt advice available where people can sit down with our adviser and talk through their situation. This can be the first step towards making things feel more manageable.

We are incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund for supporting our work and helping us to keep this vital service going.

And a very special thank you to , whose participation makes funding like this possible🙏.