Benefits and Support
You can find information about where to get free information, advice and guidance on welfare support, debt, employment, and housing matters plus help with food (such as local foodbanks) using the links below.
To find out who your local advice provider is, click on your area below:
- Support in Coalfields ( Copt Hill, Hetton, Houghton, Shiney Row)
- Support in the East (Doxford, Hendon, Millfield, Ryhope, St Michael’s)
- Support in the North ( Castle, Fulwell, Redhill, Southwick, St Peter’s)
- Support in Washington (Washington Central, Washington East, Washington North, Washington South, Washington West)
- Support in the West (Barnes, Pallion, Sandhill, Silksworth, St Anne’s, St Chad’s)
There are advice providers available across the city who offer free information, advice and guidance on a range of topics. Find out more by clicking on your area below:
Support in the Coalfields area
Shiney Advice and Resource Project (ShARP) are the council's contracted advice provider for the Coalfields area. They offer free financial resilience checks, information, advice and guidance on welfare benefits, debt, employment, and housing matters. Find out more
Support in the East Area
Citizens Advice Sunderland are the council's contracted advice provider for the East area. They offer free financial resilience checks, information, advice and guidance on welfare benefits, debt, employment, and housing matters. Find out more
Support in the North Area
Shiney Advice and Resource Project (ShARP) are the council's contracted advice provider for the North area. The service is delivered by Sunderland West Advice Project (SWAP) and they offer free financial resilience checks, information, advice and guidance on welfare benefits, debt, employment, and housing matters. Find out more
Support in the Washington area
Shiney Advice and Resource Project (ShARP) are the council's contracted advice provider for the Washington area. They offer free financial resilience checks, information, advice and guidance on welfare benefits, debt, employment, and housing matters. Find out more
Support in the West Area
Shiney Advice and Resource Project (ShARP) are the council's contracted advice provider for the West area. The service is delivered by Sunderland West Advice Project (SWAP) and they offer free financial resilience checks, information, advice and guidance on welfare benefits, debt, employment, and housing matters. Find out more
Hints, Tips and Resources
Local services
Lightning ReachIf you're struggling financially and need help with money, you may be eligible to apply for support such as grants, benefits, help with bills and local schemes. The secure Lightning Reach portal allows you to find and apply for support from multiple providers, quickly and easily with successful applicants receiving £1,070 on average. Find out more click hereSave Lightning Reach to favourites
