Crisis Resilience Fund

Citizens Advice Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (CABCP) and Ridgewater Energy are working with BCP Council to deliver a crisis payments scheme to provide short‑term crisis support for BCP residents.

For the purpose of this scheme, a crisis is defined as someone who experiences a sudden, unexpected event or shortfall in income that leaves a person unable to meet essential living needs, creating immediate risk without urgent support.

What crisis payments can help with

Crisis payments are one‑off, needs‑based payments designed to help with essential, non‑housing costs, including:

• Food and essential groceries
• Gas, electricity or heating emergencies
• Replacing essential items
• Urgent travel linked to work, safety or healthcare

Payments are intended to address immediate need and prevent problems from escalating. They are not ongoing payments.

Crisis situations may include:

• Sudden suspension or loss of benefits
• Unexpected loss of income
• Fleeing domestic abuse or unsafe accommodation
• Theft or loss of essential items
• Emergency travel required for safety or healthcare
• Lack of power, heating or essential utilities
• An unforeseen essential expense that removes all disposable income

Residents who receive a crisis payment will also be offered practical money and financial resilience support to help reduce the risk of future crises.

How to apply

Applications and eligibility assessments are delivered by Citizens Advice Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole on behalf of BCP Council.

If you believe you meet the criteria listed above please contact us by emailing:  CRF@citizensadvicebcp.org.uk

Please provide your contact detail and description of your crisis situation. We will contact you by call or e-mail to collect all required information and you may  and documents as part of the application process.

The application process is subject to change. Please check this page regularly for updates. 

Citizens Advice can offer:

• Help to check if you’re eligible
• Information on payment amounts
• Advice and support alongside any payment

Applications for support with energy efficiency or/and white good replacements will be shared with Ridgewater Energy, who will deliver support and advice in those areas.

Important information about housing cost support

Crisis payments do not include housing‑related costs such as rent, temporary accommodation or Housing Payments.

If your situation is housing‑related, you may be eligible for additional support under the Housing Payment Scheme. For more information, please visit: Housing Payment | BCP