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Being cold isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be bad for our health so it’s important to stay warm and well.
Our community living rooms are safe, welcoming, non-judgemental spaces for people to go and get a cuppa and enjoy some company.
They are free to attend and are open to anyone who needs to keep warm this winter.
Find your nearest community living room by using the interactive map on our website, which lists opening times and facilities available at each location.
For a round-up of advice and guidance about the cost-of-living crisis, visit our website.
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.
Emergency short-term financial help
Short-term financial help is available if you’re struggling to pay for gas, electricity, food, clothing, travel and other bills.
Our Welfare Provision Scheme could give emergency financial help in a crisis.
The amount you could get depends on circumstances but is designed to help anyone unable to make ends meet in the short-term.
Apply online or call 01934 888 035 or 0800 138 5665, from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
We’ll contact you once a decision has been made and normally make awards in goods, services or vouchers which you will then need to collect.
Support if you’re struggling with housing costs
More people are worrying about paying their rent or mortgage as costs continue to rise.
If you, or anyone who know, are struggling then please contact your landlord or lender as soon as possible to let them know as they may be able to help.
The Citizen’s Advice Bureau offers free, independent and confidential advice on a wide range of matters, including housing, debt, benefits and law.
It has recently opened a shopfront in the Sovereign, in Weston-super-Mare, if you want to speak to someone in-person.
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.
Free home energy advice day
Talk to specialist advisers about ways to save energy around the home while reducing your bills during a free advice day in Clevedon tomorrow (Saturday).
Find out about low-cost ways to reduce your energy use and save money, as well as grants for home improvement measures such as solar power and heat pumps.
Experts will be able to help you to reduce the amount of energy you use while improving the stainability of our planet.
Drop in any time between 10am and 3pm at Clevedon Town Hall, 44 Old Street.
Free refreshments will be available, as well as a raffle.
The free event is being organised by Clevedon’s Climate Emergency Working Group.
As the cold weather continues, the Energy Saving Trust also has some quick tips on ways to save energy.
Free managing your money workshop
Are you worried about rising prices and need help and support to better manage your money, bills and debt?
A free, three-hour face-to-face workshop takes place next Wednesday (25 January), from 10am to 1pm at Castle Batch Children’s Centre in Worle, Weston-super-Mare, to give useful tips and advice.
It’ll cover basic budgeting, meal planning and shopping, managing debt and saving money, and how to find best deals with energy and broadband providers.
The session, run by our community learning team in partnership with Alliance Homes, is free for anyone living in North Somerset aged 19 and over. Places for those with few or no qualifications will be prioritised.
Everyone who completes the course will get a £20 shopping voucher.
The course will also take place at 65 High Street, Nailsea, from 10am to 1pm on Monday 20 March.
To find out more and book your place email julie.evans@n-somerset.gov.uk or call 07795 390 667.