See what Government support is available to help with the cost of living and find out how to save money with energy saving tips.
Currently, we're experiencing a substantial rise in the cost of living but if you are struggling to cope financially and need assistance, you may find help through the following services.
See what Government support is available to help with the cost of living and find out how to save money with energy saving tips.
You may be able to get short-term urgent help with essential costs from your local council through the Household Support Fund. This could help if you're struggling to afford things like food, energy and water bills, and other essential household items. Local councils may also be able to offer food vouchers for families during the school holidays.
To find out more and apply for support, visit your local council website:
Wiltshire Council has created an online interactive community directory to help you find out what warm spaces and community food providers there are in the county to support you through the cost-of-living challenges.
To find out what support is available on your doorstep, and across the county, please visit Supporting you through the rising cost of living – Wiltshire Council.
The local welfare provision scheme provides critical short-term help and assistance with limited one-off household goods. To find out more and apply, visit Help in a crisis – Wiltshire Council.
The Welfare Support Scheme provides B&NES residents with short-term financial help in a crisis. Get help if you can't afford the basics such as food, energy costs, and household items, or help with certain debts. To find out more and apply, visit Apply for welfare support – Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Somerset residents can find useful websites, community organisations, advice and guidance to help you through the rising cost of living on the Somerset Council Website.
If you are struggling with the cost of food, our customer support team can advise on food bank assistance.
You can also find community fridges in Frome, Trowbridge and Westbury
For furniture or items for your home you can contact:
Wiltshire's Wellbeing Hub is available to help advise people through the cost-of-living crisis.
You can call the hub Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday from 9am to 4pm on 0300 003 4576 or email wellbeinghub@wiltshire.gov.uk.
The Community Wellbeing Hub provides a central place for you to access a range of services to improve your health and wellbeing.
You can call the hub Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0300 247 0050 or email BATHNES.thehub@hcrgcaregroup.com.
BBC Bitesize have tips for talking to your child about the cost of living crisis, techniques to manage anxiety and low cost recipes to feed a family.
'*Customer reminder* This year is a 53-week year
As a customer, you pay your rent on a weekly basis. Normally there are 52 Mondays in the year when your rent is due.
However, every five or six years, including 2024/25, there are 53 Mondays in the year, which means 53 rent payment days instead of the usual 52. This additional week makes up for a shortfall in days that occurred in the previous standard accounting years, i.e., 52 weeks x 7 only equals 364 days, not 365 days.
More details about how this affects your rent charges can be found on our website: ecs.page.link/Bx4U9
If you claim the housing element of Universal Credit, don’t forget to update your new rent via your UC portal.
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Does that mean next year is a 51 week year?
Note to all universal credit does NOT cover that extra week, so you ll have to find it out of your own pocket.
Good luck to our group development director, Paul Walsh, and everyone else taking part in tonight's SleepOutDoorway Wiltshireshire. You're all supporting such vital work and we know the charity, and those they support, will hugely appreciate your involvement.
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
Well done Paul 👏🏼
Good luck paul!
Good luck Paul!! 🤩
Thinking of you tonight Paul ☂️💧
Good Luck Paul !
Air source heat pumps are an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional heating systems, such as gas boilers. They use the natural warmth in the air to heat and cool your home, helping you reduce your carbon footprint and keep your energy bills down. However, they work differently to traditional heating systems.
We've explained why these systems can take time to heat up your home and provide tips to help you stay comfy all year round: ecs.page.link/PA1Qn
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
