Peterborough Community Assistance Scheme

Peterborough Community Assistance Scheme (PCAS) From 1 April 2013, the Social Fund and Crisis Loans will cease. This means that the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) will no longer be providing money to deal with emergency situations. A scheme is being established to support people facing hardship and requiring urgent assistance; this is called the Peterborough Community Assistance Scheme (PCAS).

What is the scheme? The Peterborough Community Assistance Scheme (PCAS) can help people going through unexpected difficulties who require urgent assistance. The scheme aims to help you meet your basic needs as quickly as possible and will provide you with the support and advice to help you avoid similar problems in the future.

What help is available? We can help you in the following ways:

By providing emergency food
By providing emergency furniture or other basic needs such as clothing, toys or household items
One off emergency heating or lighting payment
Emergency white goods
Debt advice
Helping you to manage your money better
Banking and saving with Rainbow Savers Credit Union
Housing and employment advice

Who can the scheme help?

The Peterborough Community Assistance scheme criteria;

You must be over 16 years of age
You must be on means tested benefits
You must be facing hardship or dealing with an emergency situation
You must live or be registered for council tax in the Peterborough council area

If you are not in receipt of benefit payments, we may still be able to help you if you are experiencing exceptional difficulties

If you are provided with help and support through PCAS, please be aware that we will share your information with other partner agencies in order to signpost you to the appropriate organisations for further long term support.

Where do I go for help?

For advice around debt, housing, employment or for emergency energy or electrical appliances, please contact the Citizens Advice Bureau on: 0844 4994120 / (01733) 293203 or in person at:16-17 St Marks Street, Peterborough, PE1 2TU.

Emergency food and furniture are provided through a voucher system issued by a number of different agencies in the city. Please contact one of the agencies listed below, where an advisor will help you with your individual needs.

Who can help with referrals for emergency food and furniture?

Please contact the relevant landlord below;

Cross Keys Homes (01733) 385000

Accent Nene Housing (01733) 295400

Axiom Housing (01733) 347135

(If you are a tenant of one of the above landlords)

Citizens Advice Bureau 0844 4994120 / (01733) 293203

Peterborough City Council (01733) 747474

British Red Cross (01780) 480599

Aspire Drug Treatment Service 0800 1114354

Drinksense (01733) 555532

Women’s Aid (01733) 894455