Sometimes we all need a little bit of help in life. CES can be a difficult and lonely journey without the right support. Here are a few resources to help on those bad days or seasons in life. 

Mental Health

CANADA
https://talksuicide.ca/
Phone: 1-833-456-4566 (24/7/365)
Text: 45645 (4:00pm to midnight EST)
Emergency: 911
Addiction Resources: www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/get-help-problematic-substance-use.html
UNITED KINGDOM
UNITED STATES
https://988lifeline.org/
Phone: 988 or 1-800-273-8255 (24/7/365)
Chat: https://988lifeline.org/chat/
Emergency: 911

Addiction Resources: 
www.samhsa.gov/
www.usa.gov/substance-abuse
​
INTERNATIONAL
Country not listed above? Find your helpline here: https://findahelpline.com/i/iasp
Speak with your doctor if you are feeling depressed, anxious, suicidal, or are struggling with addiction. They will be able to help find you a therapist, program, facility, and/or a medical treatment to help. 

nourishment

CANADA
UNITED KINGDOM
Trussel Trust
www.trusselltrust.org/
Phone: 01722 580 180
Email: [email protected]
Financial Helpline: 0808 2082138 for free (open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm)

Independent Food Bank Locations
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8585/
UNITED STATES
Government Food Assistance
www.usa.gov/food-help​

Feeding America
www.feedingamerica.org/

No Kid Hungry Program
www.nokidhungry.org/

Meals on Wheels
www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/
​
State, regional, and local food banks are also available in many areas.
INTERNATIONAL
ADDITIONAL FOOD INFORMATION
- Local churches, community centers, Salvation Army, United Way, or by searching for your city or region with "_______ food bank" on Google
- Food stamp programs 

Accessibility

​CANADA
​United Way 
www.unitedway.ca/
Phone: 211
​
Salvation Army
www.salvationarmy.ca/
​
March of Dimes 
www.marchofdimes.ca/en-ca

​Lions Club 
www.lionsclubs.org/en
​UNITED KINGDOM
​​United Way 
www.unitedway.org/​
Phone: 211
​
Salvation Army
www.salvationarmy.org/
​
Lions Club
www.lionsclubs.org/en

​Motability UK
www.motability.co.uk/
​UNITED STATES
United Way 
www.unitedway.org/​
Phone: 211

Salvation Army
www.salvationarmy.org/
​
Lions Club
www.lionsclubs.org/en

Offices of Aging and Disability Services 
acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/aging-and-disability-resource-centers
Search online for Aging and Disability Resource Centers in your state. 
​INTERNATIONAL
United Way (available in 40 countries)
www.unitedway.org/​
www.211.org/
Phone: 211

Salvation Army
www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/
​
Lions Club
www.lionsclubs.org/en
ADDITIONAL ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES
Assistive Devices
- Local hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, Lions Club, local community service organizations, or second hand stores may have free or discounted accessibility devices such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, etc. 

Transportation
- Some public transit systems offer free or discounted rates for those with disabilities on their traditional vehicles and routes and/or on designated accessible vehicles with scheduled and pre-booked stops. 
- Some taxi companies offer discounted rates

Miscellaneous
- Independent Living Centers, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists in your area will be able to help guide you to needed resources

Financial support

CANADA
British Columbia

Utilities:
BC Hydro Power Smart Customer Crisis Fund
app.bchydro.com/accounts-billing/bill-payment/ways-to-pay/customer-crisis-fund.html

​Energy Conservation Assistance Program
www.betterhomesbc.ca/rebates/energy-conservation-assistance-program/

​Additional Financial Resources:
General Supplements and Programs 
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/general-supplements-and-programs
​Alberta

​Utilities:
​Alberta Utilities Commission 
www.auc.ab.ca/short-term-billing-assistance/

Utilities Consumer Advocate
ucahelps.alberta.ca/financial-assistance.aspx

Direct Energy
www.directenergy.ca/alberta/financial-support

Your water, natural gas, and electricity suppliers may offer assistance programs as well. Check their websites or contact them to inquire about what options are available to you.

​Additional Financial Resources:
Income and Emergency Support
www.alberta.ca/income-support​​​
Saskatchewan

​Utilities:
​Sask Power Energy Assistance Program
www.saskpower.com/Power-Savings-and-Programs/Home/Programs/Energy-Assistance-Program

​​Saskatchewan Family and Social Support Programs
www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/family-and-social-support

​Saskatchewan Financial Help
www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/family-and-social-support/financial-help

Sask Energy Rebates and Programs
www.saskenergy.com/ways-save/rebates-programs

​​Additional Financial Resources:
Coming soon.
Manitoba

​Utilities:
Manitoba Hydro Bill Assistance
www.hydro.mb.ca/accounts_and_services/having_trouble_paying/

​Manitoba Hydro Neighbours Helping Neighbours Program
www.hydro.mb.ca/community/neighbours_helping_neighbours/

​Manitoba Financial Assistance Programs
www.gov.mb.ca/fs/eia/other_programs.html

​Winnipeg H2O Help to Others
myutility.winnipeg.ca/UtilityPortal/h2ohelp

​Efficiency Manitoba Energy Efficiency Assistance Program
efficiencymb.ca/my-home/energy-efficiency-assistance-program/

Manitoba Helps Rent Relief Fund
manitobahelps.com/

​​Additional Financial Resources:
Coming soon.
Ontario

Utilities:
Ontario Energy Board Bill Assistance Programs
www.oeb.ca/consumer-information-and-protection/bill-assistance-programs

​211 Assistance Programs
211ontario.ca/how-211-ontario-can-help-you-find-financial-assistance-for-utility-bills/

Enbridge Payment Programs
www.enbridgegas.com/residential/my-account/pay-my-bill/payment-difficulties

Hydro One Assistance Program
www.hydroone.com/saving-money-and-energy/residential/financial-assistance

There may also be natural gas, electricity, and water bill payment assistance through the utility provider, city/region, or other government assistance programs. 

​Additional Financial Resources:
Coming soon.
Quebec

Utilities and Living Expenses:
Hydro Quebec Financial Assistance Programs
www.hydroquebec.com/residential/energy-wise/financial-assistance/

​Revenu Quebec Shelter Allowance Program
www.revenuquebec.ca/en/citizens/your-situation/low-income/include-shelter-allowance-program/

​Quebec Energy Transition
transitionenergetique.gouv.qc.ca/en/residential/programs/chauffez-vert/financial-assistance

Quebec Financial Support for Property Owners and Tenants
www.quebec.ca/en/public-safety-emergencies/emergency-situations-disasters-and-natural-hazards/financial-assistance-and-compensation-flooding-or-disaster/financial-assistance-compensation-property-owners-tenants

​Quebec Financial Assistance for Housing
www.quebec.ca/en/homes-and-housing/renting/financial-assistance-for-housing

​Additional Financial Resources:
Coming soon.
New Brunswick

Utilities:
New Brunswick Fuel Supplement
www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/services/services_renderer.200719.Fuel_Supplement.html

​New Brunswick Emergency Fuel Benefit
www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/services/services_renderer.200993.Emergency_Fuel_Benefit.html
​
NB Power Enhanced Energy Savings Program
www.saveenergynb.ca/en/for-home/enhanced-energy-savings-program/

​Social Supports NB 
​www.socialsupportsnb.ca/en/simple_page/reducing-your-utility-costs

​Additional Financial Resources:
Coming soon.
Nova Scotia

Utilities:
Energy Assist Programs
energyassist.ca/

Nova Scotia Heating Assistance Rebate 
beta.novascotia.ca/apply-heating-assistance-rebate-heating-assistance-rebate-program

The HEAT Fund 
salvationarmy.ca/maritime/home/programs/heat/

​Seniors Care Grant: Household, Healthcare, and Home Heating Cost Grants
beta.novascotia.ca/apply-help-household-healthcare-and-home-heating-costs-seniors-care-grant

​Nova Scotia Power Income-Based Programs
www.nspower.ca/community/income-based-programs

Halifax Water Assistance Programs
www.halifaxwater.ca/assistance-programs

Nova Scotia Financial Assistance and Grant Programs for Homeowners
housing.novascotia.ca/programs/financial-assistance-and-grant-programs-homeowners

​Additional Financial Resources:
Coming soon.
Prince Edward Island

​Utilities:
PEI Home Energy for Low Income
www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/topic/home-energy-for-low-income

​​Additional Financial Resources:
​Coming soon.
Newfoundland and Labrador

​Utilities:
Newfoundland & Labrador Home Energy Savings Program
www.nlhc.nl.ca/housing-programs/home-energy-savings-program-hesp-2/

​​Additional Financial Resources:
Coming soon.
​Yukon

​Utilities:
Yukon Pioneer Utility Grant
yukon.ca/en/pug

​Yukon Home Energy Rebates
yukon.ca/en/home-energy-rebates

​​Additional Financial Resources:
Coming soon.
Northwest Territories

​Utilities:
NWT Funding Programs
www.gov.nt.ca/en/services/funding-programs

​​Additional Financial Resources:
Coming soon.
Nunavut

​Utilities:
Nunavut Programs and Services
www.gov.nu.ca/programs-services/I

​​Additional Financial Resources:
Coming soon.
More resources coming soon...
UNITED KINGDOM
Medical Support: 

NHS Prescription and Health Costs Assistance
www.gov.uk/help-nhs-costs

NHS Prescription Assistance Programs
www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/who-can-get-free-prescriptions/

NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS)
www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/nhs-low-income-scheme-lis/

Attendance Allowance
www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance

Income Support: 

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
www.gov.uk/pip

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance

Universal Credit 
www.gov.uk/universal-credit

Cost of Living Payments 2023-2024
www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment

Budgeting Loans
www.gov.uk/budgeting-help-benefits

Universal Credit Advances
www.gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-advances

Living Expenses: 

Disabled Facilities Grants
www.gov.uk/disabled-facilities-grants

Disability Grants for Home Improvements
www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/disabled-facilities-grant-home-adaptations/

More resources coming soon...
UNITED STATES
Government Benefit Finder 
www.usa.gov/find-government-benefits
www.benefits.gov/benefit-finder#benefits&qc=cat_1
​
Government Health Insurance Information
www.usa.gov/health-insurance
www.healthcare.gov/get-coverage/

Unemployment Insurance
www.usa.gov/unemployment-benefits​
​
Medical Expenses

Co-Pays:
​Healthwell Foundation
www.healthwellfoundation.org​

Patient Advocate Foundation
www.patientadvocate.org/connect-with-services/copay-relief/

PAN Foundation
www.panfoundation.org/co-payment-assistance/

​Long Term Care Support:
NIH National Institute on Aging
www.nia.nih.gov/health/paying-long-term-care

Eldercare Locator
eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx

​HHS Caregiver Resources & Long Term Care
www.hhs.gov/aging/long-term-care/index.html

Medicare, Medicaid, and tax deductions may also be available to help with long term care costs. 

General Medical Resources:

How to Get Help With Medical Expenses
www.usa.gov/help-with-medical-bills

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/health-plans/your-coverage-options/other-medicare-health-plans/PACE​

Additional Medical Expense Resources:
More resources coming soon.
​Utilities:
​
Government Energy Assistance by State
www.benefits.gov/categories/Energy%20Assistance

USA.gov
www.usa.gov/help-with-utility-bills

211 Utilities Assistance
www.211.org/get-help/utilities-expenses

Salvation Army Emergency Utility Assistance Program
www.centralusa.salvationarmy.org/usc/utility_assistance/
*Provides emergency assistance for rent/mortgage, light/electric bills, gas bills, water bills, medicine/food/clothing, and transportation

Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/lihwap

Low Income Home Energy Assessment Program (LIHEAP)
www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap
​
​Affordable Connectivity Program
www.affordableconnectivity.gov/

Lifeline Program - Phone and Internet Assistance
www.usa.gov/help-with-phone-internet-bills

Living Expenses:

Government Housing Help Programs
www.usa.gov/housing-help​

Government Rental and Housing Programs
www.usa.gov/rental-housing-programs
​
Government Home Repair Programs
www.usa.gov/home-repair-programs

Government Emergency Housing Assistance
www.usa.gov/emergency-housing-assistance

State Social Services 
www.usa.gov/state-social-services

Find Rental Assistance Programs in Your Area
www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/mortgage-and-housing-assistance/renter-protections/find-help-with-rent-and-utilities/
​
Disability/accessibility home improvement tax deductions are often available. Search your state and federal rebate and credit programs to determine what is available to you. 
​Additional Financial Resources:
More resources coming soon...
INTERNATIONAL
Coming soon...
The Cauda Equina Foundation has not partnered with, endorsed, or intensely researched any of the organizations or resources linked on this page. This website is for information purposes only. Please do your research to determine if the program is right for you and to determine if you qualify for assistance with any of these programs. The Cauda Equina Foundation is not responsible for determining if you qualify for assistance and is not liable for any repayments should they arise. Please protect your personal and financial information and only disclose to those you have verified are in the program you are applying for or involved in. 

If you are searching for a resource that isn't listed or have any suggestions or helpful resources you feel should be included, please send an email to [email protected].
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