Cost of Living and Welfare Support
Staying Warm and Well this Winter
Worried About Winter Costs?
Find out what help is available withEnergy, Bills and Housing
If you are on low income, you may be eligible for support via Winter Fuel Payments (if you are over state pension age) or the Warm Home Discount Scheme. Information about these, as well as other sources of support, can be found on theGov.UK website (opens new window)
Some energy suppliers have grants available to support customers who are in debt with their energy.The British Gas Energy Trust (opens new window) have funds open to British Gas customers and customers of other suppliers.
For further information on support from energy suppliers and what to do if you are behind on your energy bills, please visit theCitizen's Advice website. (opens new window)
Mindful Towns Warm Packs
This winter, Breckland Council is distributing free Warm Packs as part of its Mindful Towns and Villages programme, supporting residents to stay warm and well during the colder months.
Building on the success of last year's initiative, the Warm Packs will be distributed through local community groups, listed below. Residents will not need to register or meet any eligibility criteria to receive comforting items such as blankets, insulated cups, slipper socks and soups - whilst stocks last.
| Venue | Location |
|---|---|
| Pop Up Pantry | Various |
| Ashill Memory Café | Ashill |
| A Little More Kindness | Attleborough |
| Chambers Café | Attleborough |
| Banham Community Hub | Banham |
| Dereham Cancer Care | Dereham |
| Wellspring Dereham | Dereham |
| Dereham Meeting Point | Dereham |
| Love Dereham/Greenpastures | Dereham |
| The Link | Dereham |
| Kenninghall Pantry/Thrive | Kenninghall |
| Iceni Centre | Swaffham |
| Swaffham & Litcham Home Hospice | Swaffham |
| Swaffham Barn | Swaffham |
| Swaffham Methodist Church | Swaffham |
| Charles Burrell Shop | Thetford |
| Keystone Trust - Thetford Abbey Centre | Thetford |
| Enable Thetford | Thetford |
| Watton Sports Centre | Watton |
| Carbrooke Community hub | Watton |
| Watton Food Hub | Watton |
If you're unable to access these items but need help to stay warm or with energy costs, contact our Welfare Team using theWelfare Support Referral Form (opens new window).
Warm Welcome Spaces
Warm Welcome Spaces are opening their doors to local communities, offering everyone a free, warm, welcoming, and friendly space. It's your open invitation to come in, keep warm, connect with others, and make new friends
Find a warm space in Breckland:Find a Space - Warm Welcome (opens new window)
Norfolk Library and Information Service
You can access a variety of support from Norfolk Libraries:
- Free toiletries
- FreeTricky Period To Go Bag (opens new window)
- Free warm drinks, hot chocolate, Mug Shots - please ask staff for times or visitNorfolk County Council's What's On page (opens new window)
- Some libraries will be hosting slipper swaps
- For more information about what support is available visitNorfolk Libraries Health and Wellbeing (opens new window)
Age UK Norfolk
Age UK Norfolk's 'Temperature Check Your Winter' campaign ensures that older adults across the county have the support they need to keep their home warm, manage energy costs, and stay safe as the temperatures drop.
They are offering:
- Free Room Thermometers
- Benefits & Fuel Discount Support
- Helpful Guides & Checklists
- Easy Access to Support—By Phone or Face-to-Face
Call 0300 500 1217 or email advice@ageuknorfolk.org.uk for help or to request a thermometer and information pack.
For further details of their upcoming face-to-face events and information packs, please visit theAge UK Norfolk webpage. (opens new window).
Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Health and Care System
Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System has published advice on how you can prepare for winter and help prevent health problems from developing.
Warm and Well - Norfolk & Waveney Integrated Care System (opens new window)
Mental Health
Many things can affect our mood and mental health, including changes in weather and financial pressures.
Visit ourHealth and Wellbeing page for details of local mental health support.
Mind have information on how Christmas might affect your mental health as well as tips on how to cope and support others.Christmas and Mental Health (opens new window)
Further Information:
Are you winter ready? 'Know the risks, be informed, get prepared'
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