With the days and nights turning colder, are you having to fight the urge to turn the heating up at home? And are you putting on a few more layers to avoid the sting of higher energy bills?
This time of year can give you money worries for other reasons, too. You might be feeling pressured to spend more on food because you have family and guests coming to stay, or feel obliged to buy gifts you can’t really afford.
Instead of ignoring that knot of anxiety in your stomach and risk getting into debt, why not check out this handy information we’ve put together? It offers help, tips, and useful ways to check if you are claiming everything you are entitled to.
Warm spaces
A number of voluntary, community and faith groups run warm spaces in the winter months. They offer a welcome reprieve from the cold, as well as refreshments, games and activities. Details of local warm spaces available can be found by visiting the Do Something Good website and scrolling down the ‘filter by category’ menu to the ‘warm space’ section.
Home energy
You can save money and make your home feel warmer if you make it more energy efficient. There are measures you can take that will cost you nothing. Call the free Healthy Homes Ealing advice line on 0800 083 2265 (Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm) for advice on how to stay warm, conserve energy, and other programmes that you may be eligible for.
Winter fuel payments
Unlike last year, when the winter fuel payment was only paid to those who were receiving Pension Credit, the government has confirmed that everyone born before 22 September 1959 will automatically receive a payment this year to help towards their bills. You do not need to apply.
Could you have more money?
There are online calculators which will tell you instantly what you could be claiming for and how to apply. If you are not entitled or you’re struggling with meeting your living costs, you can also apply directly to the council for support. The council can help you with money towards your council tax bills, housing costs and also provide one-off crisis payments if you’ve been hit with an unexpected bill.
And if you want some further advice, the council’s community hubs and lots of voluntary sector organisations across the borough are ready to offer support, too.
Food for thought
The Ealing Foodbank is in need of donations. You can help by donating items such as food and toiletries, money, even donate your time. You can find a list of the most needed items on their website.
Go to the Ealing Foodbank website for more information.
Most referrals to Ealing Foodbank come from the council’s community hubs and local organisations supporting people in the borough who are experiencing hardship. In the last year it has provided more than 38,000 food parcels to residents.
If you are still in need of help, you can call the Ealing Foodbank team on 020 8840 9428 (Monday to Friday from 10am-4pm)
