Help is available to make sure the most vulnerable residents in South Gloucestershire can stay warm and well over the coming winter months.
The council has partnered with Age UK South Gloucestershire and charity Severn Wye, which provides energy support for our residents, to launch a new Stay Warm & Well this Winter campaign.
Starting this week (w/c 4 November), the council will be promoting the help available to households who may be struggling to heat their homes in the coldest months. This includes encouraging older people to check their eligibility for Pension Credit, a government benefit which tops up a state pension, before 21 December to access the Winter Fuel Payment this year.
Together with partners, the council’s cost of living team will be holding a series of roadshow events which all residents can drop in to find out if they’re eligible for any benefits or additional financial support, get advice and tips to reduce and save energy and see if they are eligible for Severn Wye’s sustainable improvements to keep their homes warmer. Older residents can also speak to Age UK South Gloucestershire to find out what help may be available to them.
There will also be lots of information on other ways to save money over the winter, from low cost or free activities, getting enough food to eat and cooking smarter and make food go further.
The first events will take place in One Stop Shops (all 9am-12noon):
• Tuesday 5 November, Kingswood One Stop Shop
• Thursday 7 November, Patchway One Stop Shop
• Friday 8 November, Yate One Stop Shop.
There will be further pop-up events at various locations, details will be publicised soon.
Mark Flower, chief executive of Age UK South Gloucestershire, said: “We are very pleased to be partnering South Gloucestershire Council and Warm & Well from Severn Wye this winter.
“We will be delivering some of the warm packs, oil fired radiators and heated blankets as well as offering gas boiler servicing. If you or someone you know are struggling to keep warm, please contact us.”
Also this winter, the council is offering residents who are struggling to heat their homes a free warm pack containing items to help stay well in the coldest months. Funded by the government’s Household Support Fund, there will be 1,000 of the free packs which include an insulated bag, hot water bottle, thermal flask, reusable hand warmers, soup, hats and gloves and a blanket. They will be available to South Gloucestershire residents, subject to a few eligibility questions, from One Stop Shops and some of our partner organisations.
Community Welcome Spaces will also be open over the winter offering a warm place to enjoy a hot drink, meet new people or just enjoy a hobby. You can find your nearest welcome space at www.southglos.gov.uk/community-welcome-spaces
Councillor Alison Evans, cabinet member for cost of living, equalities and public health at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “We know winter is a particularly difficult time for some of our residents, with cold weather and high energy costs.
“It’s important that people know support is available. For example, we have allocated funding to help support pensioners who are struggling but not eligible for pension credit with a £100 energy payment.
“There are a number of ways we can help, if you are struggling to keep warm please get in touch.”
Mike Ellaby, energy adviser for Severn Wye, said: “These events provide a good opportunity for residents to come and have a chat with us about the ways they can save energy and keep warm this winter.
“There are many ways you can keep the cold out and the warmth in – from making sure your insulation is adequate to eliminating draughts. If you’re not sure what to do, come and see us for help and advice.”
If you are struggling with the cost of living, including buying enough food or heating your home, help is available. Please contact South Gloucestershire Council via freephone on 0800 953 7778 or visit a One Stop Shop. You will be treated with respect and everything discussed is in complete confidence.
For more information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/costofliving
