Seasonal support

The winter months are a challenging time for household budgets.

Find below what seasonal help we offer, plus money-saving advice and tips.

Stay warm and well advice roadshows

We are partnering with Age UK South Gloucestershire and Severn Wye for a series of advice roadshows where you can get information on:

• eligibility for benefits such as pension credit and the winter fuel allowance
• financial support
• energy saving tips and advice
• eligibility for Severn Wye’s sustainable improvements scheme
• getting enough food to eat
• cooking smarter and making food go further
• low-cost or free activities

The next roadshows will be at:

• Christ Church in Downend on Thursday 9 January from 11.30am to 1.30pm
• Trinity Church Hall in Kingswood on Friday 10 January from 11am to midday
• Little Stoke Community Centre on Monday 13 January from 10am to midday
• The Greenfield Centre in Winterbourne on Thursday 16 January from 9.30am to 11.30am
• St Nicholas Family Centre in Yate on Monday 20 January from 9.30am to midday
• Pop Inn Café in Yate on Tuesday 28 January from 10am to midday

Warm packs

For extra help to keep warm during cold weather warm packs will be available from 4 November from our One Stop Shops and children’s centres.

Included in the packs are items such as hats, socks and gloves as well as a blanket and thermal flask.

The packs are for adults and families who may not be able to keep their homes at a comfortable temperature during the winter months due to high energy costs.

Community welcome spaces

We are also supporting 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.

Money saving tips for the new year

The beginning of the new year is a great time to improve your finances. Here are some money saving tips:

Set a budget and stick to it

Budgeting is the best way to stay on top of your finances – and the new year is the perfect time to start. Start by writing down all your fixed expenses, or download a budgeting app.

Cashback websites

Cashback websites and apps give you money back whenever you spend at a selected retailer. They are free, easy to use and a great way to save money.

Stop smoking

Quitting smoking is good for your health and your bank balance. For help to quit, visit Be Smoke Free on our One You website.

Tackle debt

If your debts are mounting up, Citizens Advice gives confidential information and advice on budgeting, benefits, and managing debt. You can get help online, by phone, and in person. Our local South Gloucestershire Citizens Advice branch is in Yate.

Check you are receiving the 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 benefits calculators on GOV.UK.

Cancel all unused subscriptions

Check you are not spending money on things you no longer use, such as magazine subscriptions, gym membership, or streaming services.

Sell unwanted items

Declutter your home and sell items you no longer need or use. List them on eBay, sell them on Facebook Marketplace or Vinted, or donate items to charity.

Start a side hustle

Add to your bank balance by earning additional income. From taking part in research studies to pet sitting, there are many ways to earn some extra cash.

Cut your utility bills

Simple actions like unplugging electrical appliances when you are not using them and only boiling the amount of water you need can help cut your energy use and save money. For more useful tips and advice visit Warm and Well.

Talk to us

You can call our helpline on 0800 953 7778 or visit one of our One Stop Shops to check what financial support you may be eligible for.

Discover more money saving advice and resources.