Winter Support
We know how hard things may be for the majority of our customers going into the winter months this year, so we wanted to remind you of the help available to lessen the strain for some of those more vulnerable households.
As well as our Support Fund, there are other grants available for those that are on a lower income or of a certain age.
We've put together a few of the available schemes in our newsfeed below, that many will be eligible for. These schemes are to help towards your energy bills and will keep your home warm over the winter months.
We also have our community centre in North Lynn - The Discovery Centre - open as a warm hub over the winter months, you can find out more here.
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Freebridge Winter Support Plan
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We know that winter can bring higher living costs, and we're here to help ensure that health, safety, housing, and well-being remain a priority for everyone.
Our Winter Response Plan runs from 1st November to 28th February - and we’d like to share some of our key offerings of support to you:
- Winter energy grants: Additional one-off grants will be available for customers residing in our least thermally efficient homes, helping to ease energy costs.
- Housing partnerships: We’ll be working closely with local authorities to prioritise housing for homeless individuals and those in urgent need.
- Warm hubs: Our Community Centre (The Discovery Centre) in North Lynn will host Warm Hubs every Thursday from 10 AM to 3 PM, creating a welcoming space for the wider community, alongside our adult social sessions.
- Outreach: We’re reaching out to residents aged over 75 who don’t live in sheltered schemes with telephone calls to ensure they know about the support available.
- Support fund: We’re providing financial assistance for energy and food vouchers, available to all customers, including those in sheltered accommodation.
If you, or somebody you know, would benefit from accessing our Support Fund, both our Income Team and Support Team will be very happy to help.
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Support Fund
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There’s no denying it now, the colder weather is very much with us!
At Freebridge, we know that the winter is very challenging for everyone – and especially for you, our customers.
If you find yourself struggling with the cost of living, please be aware that we are here to help you.
Are you aware that we have a Support Fund that you may be able to access if you need financial support?
In 2023/24, we provided our customers with £77,634 of support as we issued 1,450 food and energy vouchers. We also approved an additional £11,340.08 of assistance to our vulnerable customers through our sheltered support fund.
That’s a total of £88,974.08 of support for you in one year alone!
Please, if you feel like you are struggling financially and need support, the best thing to do is call us on 0333 240 4444 (option 3) and speak to our Income Team.
- tenancysupport@freebridge.org.uk
- 03332 404 444 (option 3) and ask to speak to our Income Team
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The Warm Home Discount
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Did you know?
Starting from October 2024, the Warm Home Discount scheme for the winter period of 2024 to 2025 will be open. You can check for updates here.
What should I do?
Determine your eligibility and apply for the discount, it's essential to get in touch with your electricity provider promptly. Don't delay, as the number of available discounts is limited!
What does the Discount Scheme offer?
Through the Warm Home Discount Scheme, you could receive a £150 reduction on your electricity bill for the winter months of 2024 to 2025. It's important to note that this money won't be given to you directly; instead, it will be a one-time deduction from your electricity bill, spanning from October 2024 to March 2025.
If your energy supplier provides both gas and electricity services and you meet the eligibility criteria, you may also be eligible for a discount on your gas bill. In this case, reach out to your energy supplier to inquire about this possibility.
Eligibility
There are different ways to qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme depending on where you live.
If you live in England and Wales you qualify if you either:
- You get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
- You are on a low income and have high energy costs
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Cold Weather Payment
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What does the Cold Weather Payment offer?
You'll get £25 for every 7-day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2024 and 31 March 2025. You can read more on the Government website here.
Eligibility
This payment will be automatically applied if eligible.
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Winter Fuel Payment
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What does the Winter Fuel Payment offer?
If you were born before 23 September 1958, you could get either £200 or £300 to help pay your heating bills for winter 2024-2025. You can read more this scheme on the Government website here.
Eligibility
This payment will be automatically applied if eligible.