Here to help

The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) scheme runs from Wednesday 1 April 2026 to Saturday 31 March 2029. It is designed to support low income households who experience a financial shock, while also helping to strengthen longer term financial resilience.

Local authorities have discretion over how the fund is used, in line with the latest government guidance. Full details on the scheme and how to apply can be found on the Crisis Resilience Fund (CRF) webpage.

You can also read the national guidance on GOV.UK website: GOV.UK – Crisis and Resilience Fund: Guidance for local authorities in England.

Residents can continue to access a range of help through our Here to Help hub which sets out further support available for those experiencing financial insecurity.

FUEL (which stands for ‘Feed Ur Everyday Lives’) is the name for the holiday activity and food programme (HAF) in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. 

It is funded by the Department of Education and run by Achieving for Children.

• We make free places at holiday clubs available during the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays for young people who receive benefit related free school meals. 
• Young people can attend four sessions over Easter, 16 sessions over the summer and four sessions over winter. Lunch is provided at the club.
• There are lots of clubs and activities to choose from and they run across a range of dates, time and locations. 

Clubs and activities include: 

• coding; 
• dance and yoga; 
• technology,
• swimming; 
• art and crafts; 
• cooking; 
• kickboxing; and lots of sports such as cricket, football, netball rugby and even golf. 

We hope that there will be something that every young person will want to try. 

Find out more information on the link below.

FUEL programme

Links to different types of information and support are set out below.

• Household support fund.
• Energy and water costs.
• Childcare and school meals.
• Debt support.
• Keeping well over winter.
• Food and daily essentials.
• Mental wellbeing.
• Support with housing costs.
• Council tax.
• Council benefits and additional support.

Citizens Advice also provides information and advice if you're struggling with living costs, and the Government has produced this living costs information.

Our borough has a thriving Voluntary and Community Sector, which plays a crucial role in supporting local communities. A wide range of voluntary organisations and community groups provide advice, assistance, and practical support to residents. 

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead is working with local charities, groups, and partners to help those who need additional advice, assistance, and support. This is not an alternative to social services; this network exists to provide additional support.

If you are struggling, please try and take the time to look at the information. However, you can always go to your nearest library where someone would be happy to help you.

Our libraries are safe spaces for the community. During opening hours, people are welcome to use library facilities, use the public-access computers and speak with a librarian for advice around cost of living support and/or getting online.

Another good point of call is our VCS partner Citizens Advice, who can be contacted via freephone on 0808 278 7914. They exist to help solve life’s problems by providing free, impartial, confidential and independent advice and information to everyone.

Please visit Citizens Advice East Berkshire’s website to find out more.

Citizens Advice is one of many of our great partner organisations. For more information on the wealth of voluntary organisations and community organisations in the borough, please see our Community Information Hub.

We are proud that in the Royal Borough, our communities pull together to support each other through difficult times. Most of this support takes place informally, through neighbours helping each other out and offering friendship.

If you would like to volunteer, and offer help to the wider community, please email volunteer@RBWM.gov.uk. Also please see our advice on How to be a good neighbour in times of need.