Please see below links to cost of living support offered by local councils:

Reading Borough Council Social Services
Brighter Futures for Children
Wokingham Borough Council
Social Prescribing – Reading Voluntary Action

Frontline Debt Advice – ACC

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Organised by Argyle Community Church
84 Queens Road, Reading
Thursday

Frontline serves the community by providing expert help to those who are under the burden of debt, often through no fault of their own. We provide debt advice, benefit advice and help with budgeting. More details can be found on the Frontline website.

At Argyle Community Church we run weekly sessions on Thursday morning – make an appointment via the Frontline Reading branch at 84, Queen’s Road or on 0118 9569300). Appointments can be made for other days at the Queens Road office

CommuniCare – Cafe 12

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Organised by CommuniCare
Lifespring Church, 143-145 Oxford Rd, Reading RG1 7UY
Thursday

Communicare helps people in Reading through offering information, advice and support. It works with people, not issues, and empowers them in their situation, thereby building independence.

On Thursdays between 10am and 12pm, we can help you at Cafe 12 at church.

Our services include: Benefit checks, Benefit applications, Housing advice, Form filling, Budgeting advice, Low level debt advice

Free

CommuniCare – Duchess of Kent

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Organised by CommuniCare
Sue Ryder, Duchess of Kent, RG30 2DX
Tuesday

10.00am - 1.00pm (for patients and family only)

CommuniCare – helping patients and family by offering information, advice and support.

Frontline Debt Advice Reading

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Organised by Frontline Debt Advice
Frontline Debt Advice Reading, 84 Queens Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 4BW
  • Is your monthly spending often more than your income?
  • Are you behind with your mortgage or rent?
  • Do you dip into money allocated for something else?
  • Are your credit card bills going up?
  • Do you ignore letters from people you owe money to?
  • Do you keep your financial concerns to yourself?

If you answer  ‘yes’ to any of these, then you need help. Please come to see us, email us, or any other agency that offers FREE debt advice.

CAP Money Course – Reading Family Church

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Organised by Reading Family Church
Reading Family Church, Reading Family Church Offices 448a Basingstoke Road Reading RG2 0RX

The CAP Money Course is a revolutionary money management course that teaches simple budgeting skills that really work. Whether you’re looking to gain control of your finances, clear an overdraft, save up, give more or simply avoid getting into debt, this free course is for you.

The CAP Money course was devised by the award-winning charity Christians Against Poverty and consists of 3 sessions that include video and discussion. Each delegate will create a personalised budget using an interactive online spreadsheet, that can be used beyond the course as income/outgoings change. Personal information is not shared with anyone else!

free

Christian Community Action

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Organised by Christian Community Action
CCA Home
Monday

CA provides support for individuals and households in Reading who are in need of emergency furniture, bedding and kitchen items. We can also install cookers and fridges for clients.

If you are on benefits and low income, please email to support@ccam.org.uk and let us see how we can support you.

Ph: 0118 951 2337

Address: 4 Barrett Court, 70 Cardiff Road, RG1 8ED

CCA – Furniture Shop

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Organised by Christian Community Action
4 Barrett Court, 70 Cardiff Road, RG1 8ED
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

9.30pm to 4.30pm

Thanks to the generosity of our community, our floor is filled with pre-loved treasures — including top-quality furniture and whitegoods donated by locals who care. By shopping with us, you’re not just giving these pieces a second chance — you’re supporting a cycle of reuse, kindness, and sustainability.

Come and explore a wide range of stylish and affordable pre-loved furniture. Whether you’re on benefits or a low income, are a landlord or agency, or simply love a good browse, there’s something here for everyone!