Help is available to make sure the most vulnerable residents in Bradley Stoke 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 residents, to launch a new Stay Warm & Well this Winter campaign.
Help is 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.
Mark Flower, chief executive of Age UK South Gloucestershire, said: “We are very pleased to be partnering with 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.
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 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.”
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 free 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 southglos.gov.uk/costofliving