Seasonal support
Find below what seasonal help we offer, plus money-saving advice and tips.
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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:
Oasis at Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church
Thursday 27 November, 11.30am to 1.30pm
Mustard Seed Café at St Chad’s Church, Patchway
Thursday 4 December, 9.30am to midday
Resound Church, Emersons Green
Friday 12 December, 10am 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.
Low-cost winter activities
Keeping the family entertained this winter doesn’t have to cost much. Make the most of the season with these fun, low-cost activities.
Stargazing
The darker evenings provide a great opportunity to stargaze. Choose a clear night and sit out with some blankets and a hot chocolate to watch the night sky. To learn more about what you’re looking at, there are plenty of stargazing apps available.
Winter photo challenge
Give everyone a phone or camera (or take turns with one) and have a contest to capture the coolest winter-themed photo.
Library fun
Libraries are great places to visit all year round. Curl up with a couple of books, take part in a free activity or attend a story time session. Follow the libraries Facebook page for the latest news and events.
Family game night
Sometimes you can’t beat a classic family game night. Grab some snacks, get cosy and enjoy some of your favourite board games, mixed in with a few new ones.
Indoor camping
Transform your living room into a campsite by building a blanket fort or setting up a tent indoors. Switch off the lights, use torches and share stories together. You can even toast marshmallows for that real camping feel.
Winter nature walks
Bundle up and explore a local park or trail. Look for animal tracks, icicles, or unique winter plants. Create a checklist of things to spot and tick them off as you go.
Discover more money saving advice and resources.