At Town & Country Housing, one of the top items that residents contact us about is for help with finances and fuel poverty. If you are worried about money, or think a change in your personal circumstances may impact on your finances and want some advice, please speak to us.

Click here to find out more about how we could help you. We’ve also pulled together this list of resources that you may find useful this winter.

Accessing food banks

If you’re struggling to afford food, a food bank may be able to help. Most food banks require a referral to be able to access them. As your housing association, we can help with this and other support services.

You can also get referrals through other agencies:

• Citizens Advice: They can assess your situation and refer you to a foodbank if necessary.
• GPs: Your doctor may refer you if they believe you need support.
• Social Workers: They may refer individuals and families as part of their support services.
• Charities and Community Organisations: Some may have partnerships with foodbanks.

Find a Foodbank: Contact your local foodbank directly or visit the Trussell Trust website for more information.

Direct Access: Not all foodbanks require a referral. Some operate an open-door policy, meaning anyone in need can access their services.

Other ways to access cheap or free food:

Beyond food banks, there are other fantastic local resources that can help you access affordable and nutritious food. Community larders, pantries, and community fridges are popping up all over the place, and they offer a great way to connect with your neighbours and reduce food waste.

Here’s how they work:

• Community Larders and Pantries: These often operate on a membership basis, with a small annual or monthly fee. Members can then access a wide variety of food items at significantly reduced prices.
• Community Fridges: These are usually open to everyone, with no membership required. They rely on donations of surplus food from local businesses and individuals, making sure perfectly good food doesn’t go to waste.

To find your nearest community larder, pantry, or community fridge, try searching online or contact us, and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.

Feel connected and warm

Warm Spaces are places where you can go to keep warm, socialise and access support. They’re often found in community centres, libraries, and other local buildings.

1. Check the Warm Welcome website: This website has a map of registered Warm Spaces across the UK.
2. Contact your local council: They can provide information on Warm Spaces in your area.
3. Ask at your local community centre or library: They may be able to provide information on Warm Spaces in your area.

Remember, you don’t have to face the cold alone. If you’re struggling with energy bills or need any other support, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Support with household items

If you need to replace essential household items but are struggling with the cost, you may be eligible for a grant to help with things like white goods and furniture.

You can speak to us to find out what grants would be available to you. Or you can use the Grant Search tool found on Turn2Us website and they’ll match you to grants for which you may be eligible.

If you’re not eligible for a grant, or need a more immediate solution, there are alternative places you could try:

• Repair Cafés: These community-led initiatives offer free repair services for a wide range of items, from electronics to clothing. By repairing instead of replacing, you not only save money but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
• Community Groups on Social Media: Connect with your local community through platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Nextdoor’s “For Sale & Free” listings. You can often find free or affordable items, but be cautious of potential scams – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
• Charity Shops: Charity shops are a great place to find good quality items at affordable prices. They offer a wide variety of goods, from clothing and homeware to books and toys. Some charity shops also offer discounts to people on benefits or low incomes, so it’s always worth asking.