Cost of Living Support
The cost of living can put a real strain on people’s finances and also their health and wellbeing. We have put together details of organisations which can offer support with energy costs, prescription and healthcare appointments costs, food, and mental health. If you can’t find the information you need or would like a copy posted to you, please get in touch, or you can download a pdf version. If you would like some leaflets for a community setting or group near you, please let us know and we will post them out to you.
Energy advice and support
Citizens Advice Northumberland – The Energy Project The project offers free, tailored assistance with a range of energy issues including how to:
- Understand your bills
- Address debt or payment issues
- Check you are getting the best deal
- Save energy and keep your home warm for longer
- Check if you are entitled to additional financial help
Call 0808 278 7944 or email: energy@citizensadvicenorthumberland.org.uk
The Priority Services Register A free support service that makes sure extra help is available to people in vulnerable situations. If you are eligible you could get extra support. Contact your energy supplier to find out more.
Help for Households See what support is available to help with the cost of living and save money with energy saving tips.
Energy Advice in Rural Northumberland EARN is a project from Community Action Northumberland. It supports energy consumers in rural Northumberland who are disadvantaged through remoteness with no connection to the gas grid and/or the electricity grid. It can fit free energy saving measures, carry out home energy audits and provide independent advice about renewable technology.
OilCAN A bulk-buying heating fuel service offering Northumberland residents the opportunity to buy oil, LPG and coal at lower prices.
For details of EARN or OilCAN call 01670 517 178 or email: energy@ca-north.org.uk
Northumberland Log Bank The log bank provides seasoned wood fuel to those suffering financial hardship, chronic ill-health, disability or isolation, or who have difficulty obtaining or handling logs due to advanced age. Call 07470 564 442 to find out if you can get support.
In a power cut call 105 for free. If you smell gas call the free National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999.
General support
These organisations can offer support and also put you in touch with local services to help with specific issues.
Northumberland Communities Together If you’re having a difficult time at the moment, Northumberland Communities Together will find you support and connect you with people in your area. Call: 01670 620015 or email: NCT@northumberland.gov.uk
Find the team out and about across the county at community events.
Social Prescribing Social Prescribers can direct you to services that can help with things such as counselling, arts and creative activities, employment and training and financial advice. Ask at your GP surgery for more details.
Government cost of living support This website gives details of how you can get help with income and disability benefits, bills and allowances, childcare, housing and travel.
Warm Hubs Warm Hubs, run by Community Action Northumberland, are a safe, warm and friendly environment in which to enjoy refreshments, social activity, advice and the company of others. To find a Warm Hub near you email: christinenicholls@ca-north.org.uk
Warm Spaces Warm Spaces are places where people can come together in a warm, safe, welcoming place and maybe enjoy a hot drink, a sit down and a chat with others. Contact Northumberland Communities Together for venues (details above).
- Downloadable brochure: https://healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Healthwatch-Northumberland-Cost-of-Living-booklet-2023-1.pdf