"Help paying my rates"

I am, I suppose, quite typical of someone my age, I'm 64, female and a widow.. I applied for benefits hoping I might be able to qualify for help with paying my rates each year. I was not expecting to receive any benefit due to my monthly income, so I was not surprised to be turned down. However they deemed because of ongoing health problems I am unfit for work. 

My rates bill leaves a massive hole in my income, plus I have other bills of electric, heating oil, food , and fuel for my car but to name a few, and as I own my own home I have upkeep and repair bills to pay (i.e. last year I had to replace my house roof - which decimated my savings).
 

I am a year and 6 months away from State Pensions Age, and I am beginning to struggle, to pay all. This has a very depressing and worrying effect on me.

Back in September I was referred to the CM Programme, I was not sure at the time if it was for me, as throughout my work careers I have attended many courses. however I was pleasantly surprised how professionally it was run, how genuine and friendly the facilitators are, thank you Dionne and Jarlath in particular who were so personable and easy to talk to. As I told one of the organisers I think it would be better if the courses were run in person, but of course with the Pandemic still rampant, safety comes first.