I'd be interested in fully assessing your income and outgoings, increasing income where possible and decreasing outgoings where possible.
Without knowing those details I have found that generally speaking:
Income wise people aren't claiming all they're eligible for, in whatever form, it might be benefits, tax concessions, or pay rise you've not asked for but boss would give you if you did - remember if asking for a pay rise you need to give your boss reasons you deserve it not just "I'm skint" 
Outgoings
Most people are paying more than they need to sometimes without realising, often because they don't want to forgo certain luxuries
Off the top of my head the most common areas where this is the case:
Council tax - check you're in the right band
Gas/electric/water - shop around and reduce usage wherever possible
Internet - again shop around I've never paid more than £20 a month
Groceries - I know stuck record - shop around, but also meal planning, switching away from more expensive options eg a lot of people choose "exotic" fruits now when apples, pears bananas are perfectly suitable, ditto veg, reduce wastage (and fuel use) with good planning, batch cooking etc Get loyalty cards for EVERYWHERE you shop and maximise the benefits
Mobiles - nobody really needs the latest model, so again shopping around not just for the phone itself but usage too, sim only deals are available from £5 a month, do data intensive stuff at home with the WiFi wherever possible, good insurance IS worth having but again needn't be hugely expensive. Some bank accounts or home insurance cover this
Tv packages - what do you actually use? I have prime (and this gets me not only prime video but prime reading, music, faster deliveries etc so for me it's worth having as I use most of the benefits) and Netflix (guilty of this one myself as I still have 2 screen package even though dd no longer here, must check if she's still using my account or not, she's a student I don't mind if she is but if not then no point me keep paying) I'm absolutely astounded at the sky, virgin etc package prices I think they're extortionate myself
Tvlicence - if you don't watch live tv or iplayer you don't need this. I do like certain bbc shows and iplayer but I'm debating losing this as I could live without them.
Commuting costs - is he using the cheapest option available to him? Is he eligible for any savings cards? Seasonal tickets? There are often discounts and offers online if you hunt too. Could he even slightly change travel time? Cos that can make quite a difference if it shifts him from peak to off peak travel.
Clothes and shoes - again shop around but also care for what you have and if you don't already then learn how to repair and alter clothes and shoes to extend their life. I have for many years had formal shoes reinforced with metal heels as most modern shoes even higher end high street ones, come with crappy rubber or plastic heels that don't last 5 mins and if the heels go the shoes end up wrecked. Clean and water protect casual shoes regularly, repair hems, replace buttons as soon as needed, shoe repair places are often good for doing minor jewellery and bag repairs too. I've a much loved second hand handbag I've had the zip replaced a couple of times now.
Would doing any/all of that help at all op?
MSE has good info on both increasing income and decreasing outgoings
I'm out of the loop on how childcare stuff works now as dd an adult but MSE had loads of info on that for me and I'm sure does now too.