As temperatures drop it’s important to keep warm to prevent health problems and maintain well-being. This can be difficult for those struggling with the cost of heating their homes so we have put together this list of support services that could help you.
Warm Welcome spaces
The dark evenings and cold winter months are challenging for everyone but especially for those already feeling lonely or isolated. The Warm Welcome campaign was set up to help find a warm and friendly space for anyone struggling – you can find out more about them and find warm spaces near you on their website.
Grants and financial support
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice offer support to those facing hardship when paying for energy. They have energy advisors you can call – you can find more info and contact details on their website.
British Gas Energy Trust
The British Gas Energy Trust operates two energy debt write-off funds:
- The British Gas Energy Support Fund is available for British gas customers with energy debts between £250-£1500.
- The individuals and families fund is available to non-British gas customers with prepayment meters and arrears of up to £1,500*.
Applicants will need to provide evidence they have received money guidance or money advice in the last three months. Evidence needs to be shown through a letter or a standard financial statement, personal action plan or income and expenditure budget sheet.
The trust also has debt and budgeting partners who are able to help:
- Money A&E provide money advice and educational services to help people make the most out of their income. Participants will be allocated a money coach who will offer confidential one-to-one debt, money guidance and support sessions to help them regain control of you’re their finances. Residents can sign up here.
- Debt Free London, now known as Debt Free Advice, offers free, face-to- face debt advice across London. Money advisers will help tackle all types of money worries from rent arrears to catalogue debt as well as help to prioritise bills and debts, write letters and advocate on people's behalf. Residents can sign up here.
When referring please state ‘British Gas trust fund’ in your form. You can find a full list of all criteria and requirements of the British Gas Energy Trust fund here.
*Customers of Boost, Eon, Eon Next, EDF, Scottish Power, Ovo, Octopus, SSE and Utilita should apply directly to their suppliers own similar funds.
Reducing bills
Our energy support partners listed below offer home visits and energy support to low-income households to help reduce energy bills (please note eligibility varies for each supplier):
- South London Healthy Homes
- Green Doctors London- mainly covering parts of West and Central London For more information watch this video.
- Wish Plus (Camden)
- Warm Homes Essex
- LEAP
- Winter Warmth fund (Royal Borough of Chelsea and Kensington)
- Pocket Power (all locations):
Debt advice
If you’re struggling with debt you can contact the Money Adviser Network through MoneyHelper for free, confidential and independent advice.
Household support funds
Help from government
You can find information on support the government is offering for energy bills on their website.
Grants for white goods or energy debt
Many energy suppliers offer grants to help reduce energy debt or help towards the cost of white goods and other furniture for those in financial hardship. It’s a good idea for residents to check what support is on offer directly with their energy supplier.
Vulnerable residents can also speak to their supplier about joining the ‘priority services register’ for extra support.
Other support for residents
For more information on welfare benefits and support from our partners please take a look at our cost of living support page.
