Leeds Money Information Centre
Coordinates free, independent debt advice across the city through credit unions, debt agencies, council centres and libraries.
Advice & Long-Term Support
Tackling the root causes of food poverty is a key part of what the Leeds Food Aid Network does. The following services can help with debt, benefits, mental health, addiction, education and more.
Healthy Start Vouchers
Healthy Start is a government scheme providing free food vouchers to pregnant women and families with young children who receive certain benefits or low-income support.
Voucher Values
- £4.25 per week — from 10 weeks of pregnancy
- £8.50 per week (2 vouchers) — for children from birth to 1 year old
- £4.25 per week — for children aged 1 to 4 years old
Retailer Added Value
Some retailers add extra value to Healthy Start vouchers at the till:
- Co-op — adds £1 to each voucher
- Iceland — extended promotional offers including complimentary frozen vegetables
- Sainsbury's — extended promotional offers including shopping coupons
Applying Online
The scheme is moving to a fully online application process. Telephone support is available for those without digital access, and communications can be translated into multiple languages with interpreting services also available.
Apply for Healthy Start vouchers (opens in new tab)Debt & Welfare Advice
Free, confidential debt advice and benefits support is available across Leeds. The following organisations can help you manage debt, maximise your income and navigate the welfare system.
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Citizens Advice Leeds
Free, confidential and impartial advice on debt, benefits and welfare.
- Web chat
- Weekdays 8:00am–7:00pm
- Telephone
- 0113 223 4400
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Money Wellness
Free support for debt advice, benefits assessment, income maximisation, budgeting guidance and vulnerability support.
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StepChange
Telephone and online debt guidance including a Debt Remedy tool for people struggling with debt stress.
- Helpline
- 0800 138 1111
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National Debtline
Online guidance, factsheets and telephone support for people in debt.
- Telephone
- 0808 808 4000
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Christians Against Poverty (CAP)
Local debt centres with home visits. Coaches help with creditor negotiation and budget planning.
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Leeds City Credit Union
Affordable loans at fair rates and savings accounts for residents and workers in Leeds and Wakefield.
Addiction Support
Confidential support for alcohol and drug addiction is available across Leeds, ranging from prevention and early intervention to long-term recovery programmes.
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Forward Leeds
Confidential alcohol and drug service providing prevention, early intervention and recovery support.
- Hours
- Mon & Fri 9:00am–5:00pm; Tue–Thu 9:00am–7:00pm
- Telephone
- 0113 887 2477
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Spacious Places
15 hours per week of structured day treatment. Abstinence-based, 12-Step approach.
- Telephone
- 0113 247 0153
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The Joanna Project
Daytime and evening support for women, helping them move toward lives free from prostitution and drug addiction.
- Telephone
- 0113 350 8071
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Teen Challenge Leeds
Mobile outreach and Christian rehabilitation programme for young people.
- Hours
- Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm
- Telephone
- 0113 242 4644
Education & Training
Access to education and training is essential for long-term economic stability. The following organisations offer courses and support for adults in Leeds, including English language tuition for non-native speakers.
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Chapeltown and Harehills Area Learning (CHALP)
Adult learning for people who have had negative experiences of education, based in the Chapeltown and Harehills area.
- Telephone
- 0113 262 7171
- [email protected]
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Swarthmore Education Centre
A centre for lifelong learning offering community projects, family learning, childcare and counselling for informal adult learners.
- Telephone
- 0113 243 2210
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Learning English in Leeds (LEL)
An accessible online directory of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) provision in Leeds, helping adult migrants develop English skills.
- [email protected]
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ESOL Courses Online
Online English language instruction from Beginners to Advanced level for non-native speakers.
Mental Health Support
Mental health and food poverty are closely linked. The following services provide counselling, peer support, advocacy and crisis support across Leeds.
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MindWell Leeds
The central mental health website for Leeds residents, bringing together NHS, Council and third-sector information in one place.
- Telephone
- 0113 305 5800
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Leeds Mind
Wellbeing support, 1:1 work, befriending, counselling, peer support, employment support and housing assistance.
- Hours
- Mon–Thu 9:00am–5:00pm; Fri 9:00am–4:00pm
- Telephone
- 0113 305 5800
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Solace
Therapy and advocacy specifically for refugees and asylum seekers experiencing mental health difficulties.
- Telephone
- 0113 487 8360
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Mental Health Homeless Team (MHHT)
Specialist team supporting homeless individuals with mental health needs.
- Telephone
- 0113 378 2567
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Touchstone
Innovative mental health services including IAPT, BME carer support and social prescribing.
- Telephone
- 0113 271 8277
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CAMHS
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services for children and young people under 18, with multiple regional teams across Leeds.
NHS in Leeds
NHS services in Leeds play a vital role in signposting people experiencing food poverty to appropriate support.
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Leeds Teaching Hospitals
Includes Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) and St James's University Hospital, providing acute and specialist care across the region.
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Leeds Community Healthcare Trust
A range of community health services for adults and children including nursing, health visiting, physiotherapy, dentistry, mental health support, smoking cessation and sexual health.
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Bevan Healthcare — York Street Health Practice
A GP practice serving homeless people, those in unstable housing, and refugees and asylum seekers in Leeds.
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Leeds and York Partnerships NHS Foundation Trust
Specialist mental health and learning disability services focused on optimal health and wellbeing outcomes for people in Leeds and York.