Seasonal support
Find below what seasonal help we offer, plus money-saving advice and tips.
Page contents
Warm packs
For extra help to keep warm during cold weather you can pick up a warm pack at our One Stop Shops and children’s centres.
The packs are for adults and families who may struggle to keep their homes at a comfortable temperature due to high energy costs.
Each warm pack includes:
- a hat
- socks
- gloves
- gel hand warmers
- a blanket
- a hot water bottle
- an insulated travel mug
- soup
Additional hats, gloves and socks for children will be available in the family packs.
You will also find advice on staying warm, how to make food go further and information on services which may be helpful.
Eat and Heat advice roadshows
We are partnering with charities Age UK South Gloucestershire and Severn Wye for a series of advice roadshows to help you prepare for the winter months. You can get information on:
- getting enough to eat
- cooking smarter and making food go further
- low-cost or free activities
- financial support
- energy saving tips and advice
- eligibility for Severn Wye’s sustainable improvement scheme
- eligibility for benefits such as Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Payment
The drop-in sessions are at:
Kingsmeadow at Made Forever, Kingswood
Thursday 29 January, midday to 2pm
Charfield Village Hall, Charfield
Thursday 19 February, 1pm to 4pm
Kingswood One Stop Shop
Tuesday 24 February, 9am to midday
Patchway One Stop Shop
Wednesday 25 February, 9am to midday
Yate One Stop Shop
Thursday 26 February, 9am to midday
Community welcome spaces
We support a network of warm community welcome spaces. These are often located in a community centre, village hall or your local library.
They offer a friendly welcome and are free to use. Some serve hot drinks and host activities. Find your nearest community welcome space.
New Year money saving tips
Here are 10 top tips to help you improve your finances and budgeting for the year ahead.
Track your spending
The new year is the perfect time to start budgeting. Write down what’s coming in and what’s going out, or use a free budgeting app. It’ll help you spot where your money goes.
Start a rainy day savings pot
Even £2 a week adds up. Use a jar, envelopes, or a savings account — the key is consistency, not the amount.
Check what benefits you are entitled to
Millions of pounds of benefits go unclaimed every year. Check if you are entitled to receive any extra money using the government online benefits calculators.
Tackle one debt at a time
If you are in debt, start by listing everything you owe so you have a clear picture. Focus on paying off the smallest or highest-interest one first, and do not be afraid to ask for help.
North Bristol Advice Centre offers free and independent debt advice. Contact them on 0117 951 5751 or email team@northbristoladvice.org.uk
Review your bills and subscriptions
Cancel what you no longer use, switch to cheaper providers, or ask your current supplier for a better deal — loyalty doesn’t always pay.
Plan your food shop
Write a weekly meal plan, use up what’s in the cupboard, and shop with a list to cut down on waste and impulse buys.
Look for second-hand and swap options
From clothes to furniture, try local Facebook groups, charity shops, or swap events before buying new. It’s also better for the environment.
Stop smoking
Quitting smoking is good for your health and your bank balance. For help, visit our quit smoking resources.
Cut your utility bills
Small changes like turning devices off at the plug, using draught excluders, and washing clothes at 30°c can make a real difference to bills. For more useful tips and advice visit Warm and Well.
Plan ahead for key dates
Birthdays, back-to-school, and Christmas come every year — setting aside a little each month can ease the pressure later.
To check what financial support you may be eligible for, you can visit one of our One Stop Shops in Kingswood, Patchway or Yate, visit our cost of living support pages, or call us on 0800 953 7778.
For energy saving help and financial support, visit Warm and Well.