Image
Being cold isn’t just uncomfortable, it can also be bad for your health so a quick check-in really can make the world of difference to someone.
There is a round-up of advice on the government website about looking after yourself, keeping your home warm, seeking financial support and preparing your home.
Here in North Somerset, our community living rooms remain open in venues across North Somerset as welcoming and warm places for people to come together with others in their community.
This month, Clevedon School is extending this helping hand by offering free three-course meals every Wednesday in January.
The meals are cooked by the school’s caterers Chartwells and sponsored by Lye Cross Farm and those attending can also enjoy live music and board games.
Email the school on office@clevedonschool.org.uk to book.
Voluntary Action North Somerset (VANS) has also launched a new winter newsletter for older people.
The first edition includes information on money, keeping warm, feeling lonely and more.
Warm Home Discount for low-income households
Low-income households who qualify for the Warm Home Discount are urged to make sure they get the £150 discount.
Most who qualify will automatically receive this energy bill support.
However, some customers have been sent a letter at the end of last year asking them to confirm their details to check eligibility and get the rebate.
Any household who needs to provide more information has to call the helpline by Thursday 29 February in order to get the support they’re entitled to.
For the vast majority of customers, the discount is automatically applied to bills between October 2023 and March 2024, or is available as a top-up voucher for those with a prepayment meter.
Call the helpline on 0800 030 9322.
Free energy advice over the phone
Free impartial energy advice is available for all households in North Somerset.
Contact the Centre for Sustainable Energy to find out about grants, discounts and other offers to help you make energy-saving improvements.
It can also give wider advice about how to keep your home warmer and save some money on your bills, often through energy saving tips and tricks.
Call 0800 082 2234 between 10am and 4pm on weekdays or email home.energy@cse.org.uk and request a call back.
This service is funded through part of our allocation from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Need more help?
Citizens Advice North Somerset can offer help and advice if you’re struggling with your energy bills, having problems topping up your prepayment meter, have been told your energy supply will be disconnected or if you want to know how to get extra support from your energy provider.
If you need short term financial help, our welfare provision scheme is available. It can help to pay for things like gas, electricity, food, clothing or travel and you can apply twice in any 12-month period. Find out more on our website.
For more information about local support and advice to help with the cost of living, visit our dedicated cost of living web pages.
It includes help with bills, childcare costs, housing support, and energy and heating advice.
There are also useful links to local food banks, a cost-of-living survival kit and support to help people travel to work.
The National Debtline agency may also help you to apply for ‘breathing space’ to sort out your debt problems.
Find out if you’re also entitled to any additional benefits to boost your income.
If you or someone you know is being threatened with homelessness due to rent or mortgage arrears, contact our homeless prevention team, who can find the most appropriate support and advice.