Upcoming changes to Healthy Start – make sure you’re registered in time

by | Mar 1, 2022 | Uncategorised

Upcoming changes to the Healthy Start scheme will see the vouchers move to an online system for all Bolton & Bury residents. Make sure you’re up to date on the latest changes and have registered for the new digital system by the 10 March deadline. 

What are the upcoming changes to Healthy Start?

From 10 March 2022, Healthy Start vouchers are moving to a digital scheme with a prepaid card which is automatically topped up – rather than paper vouchers sent through the post. Those who already receive paper vouchers will have received a letter or a leaflet with their vouchers informing them how to apply for the digital scheme. 

When is the deadline to register for the new scheme? 

The paper voucher scheme is coming to an end and will issue its last paper vouchers between 24 February and 10 March 2022. All recipients must actively register for a new card which will be updated with the £4.25 (or £8.50 if you have a child under 12 months) each week.

How many people still need to register? 

According to Money Saving Expert, over 100,000 people have not yet registered for the new card and will need to do so by 10 March 2022 to avoid missing out on payments. Payments will only be backdated to the date you apply, and if you miss the deadline you may lose out on payments in between your vouchers ending and your prepaid card arriving.   

Local statistics show that across Bury & Bolton less than half of those eligible are currently claiming Healthy Start vouchers. This means that every week over £8,555 worth of healthy food isn’t reaching those who could benefit from it. 


Need help applying for Healthy Start vouchers? 

If you need help registering for the Healthy Start scheme you can get in touch with the team by calling our freephone adviceline on 0808 278 7804 or fill in a contact form and we’ll get in touch. More information about eligibility for the scheme and how to apply can be found on the Healthy Start website. 


Worried about money or paying your bills? 

If you’re concerned about money or cost of living you should get in touch with us to see how you could maximise your income or save on your everyday bills. You may want to use a free benefit calculator to see what support you’re entitled to or view our energy advice pages for practical tips on how to save. 

Please note our services will be reduced across Bury & Bolton from 1pm Monday 23rd December 2024 and will resume as normal on Thursday 2nd January 2025. See below ways we can support you during this period:

We will be actioning online referrals on 24th, 27th, 30th and 31st December

This service will be available 6pm to 9pm on: 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th December 2024

Emergency contact details for local authorities are:

Bury – https://www.bury.gov.uk/emergencies/emergency-contact-numbers

Bolton – https://www.bolton.gov.uk/council/emergency-contacts

Call our Help Through Hardship line on 0808 208 2138, this line is open 9am-5pm on 24th, 27th, 30th, 31st December

Additional resources for 24/7 self-help advice are also available on

www.citizensadvice.org.uk

The National Domestic Abuse helpline is open 24 hours a day and can be contacted on 0808 2000 247. If you’re in an emergency situation you should call 999

National Debt Line Debt helpline: 0800 240 4420

Relay UK – if you can’t hear or speak on the phone, you can type what you want to say: 18001 then 0800 240 4420

You can use Relay UK with an app or a textphone. There’s no extra charge to use it. Find out how to use Relay UK on the Relay UK website.

This time of year can be hard. But there’s support available if you need it.

The Samaritans is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can be contacted on 116 123 or by email.

Switchboard is a helpline for LGBT+ people and is open 10am until 10pm everyday. You can call them on 0800 0119 100 or use their online chat.

Shout 85258 is a 24 hours a day text service which offers mental health support. You can contact them by texting SHOUT to 85258.

The Silver Line — a helpline for older people ran by Age UK. Call 0800 4 70 80 90 24hrs a day

NSPCC Helpline — if you’re worried about a child. Call 0808 800 5000 (Mon-Fri 10am-8pm)

Power cut 105 — if you have a power cut Call 105 24hrs a day

National Gambling Helpline Call 0808 8020 133 24 hours a day

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