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Worried about money this winter? We’re here to help

19 November 2024 - Services
If you’re worried about paying for your energy bills or other essentials this Winter, we’re here to support you.

Rising energy bills and the on-going cost of living crisis is continuing to affect many of our residents, but our dedicated Tenancy Sustainment Team is here to help with a range of practical money issues.

Richard Bampton, A2Dominion’s Head of Income, said: “We know winter is a difficult time for many of our customers. It can be worrying to have to think about heating or putting food on the table.

“If you’re concerned about how to pay the bills this winter, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re on-hand to provide advice and support and we also have different grants and support available. If you’re struggling don’t let your debts and worries mount up. Pick up the phone and give us a call, we’re here for you.”

Last year, we helped more than 2,400 customers experiencing financial difficulty to gain a total of £9.7m in funding, including through help with benefits claims and grants. 

How to contact us

If you have a question or are worried about money, our friendly Tenancy Sustainment Team is available.

They can help with reducing debts, applying for benefits, money management and lots more.

Call us on 0800 432 0077 or fill in our short online form and we’re happy to talk through your situation and give advice.

Here is some information to help you prepare and save money and keep warm: 

Government support

We’ve listed some of the Government support available to eligible customers this winter. If you need help with applying for the below, please get in touch with us for advice.

  • Pension Credit The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates that around 880,000 people who are eligible for Pension Credit do not claim it. If you are aged 66 or over, please check if you are eligible.

  • Winter fuel payment If you were born before 23 September 1958, you could get either £200 or £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2024 to 2025.

  • Warm home discount scheme The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill.

  • Household Support Fund You may be able to get help with essential costs from your local council. This is sometimes known as ‘the Household Support Fund’.

  • Cold weather payment If you are eligible, you’ll automatically get a bank top-up of £25 when the average temperature has been recorded as, or is forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days at the weather station linked to your postcode.

  • Energy saving advice Find out what can do to be ready for winter and save money on your energy bills.

Warm hubs and food hubs

Our community centres are warm, welcoming spaces where you can drop in and spend time.

We run a range of activities and at some events have trained staff and partners on hand to help you with support and advice.  You're welcome to visit and spend time in these spaces and take part in the activities and events on offer. Keep an eye out for things happening in your local area. 

Swanfield Park Community Centre, Chichester

  • Coffee morning on Wednesdays 11am-1pm - come in for free refreshments and socialise

  • Food hub every other Thursday 2pm-3pm - come in for free refreshments and collect surplus food from UKHarvest to take home

Beethoven Community Centre, Westminster

  • Community lunch on Mondays 12.30-2pm - come in for a free lunch of homemade soup, a bread roll and tea or coffee

Stanwell Rose Community Centre, Spelthorne

  • Friday social club every other Friday for the over 60s 10.30am-12 noon

  • Bingo for the over 50s on Thursdays 10am-11.30am

The Orchard Cafe, Green Man Lane, Ealing

  • Food and multi-hub on Tuesdays 1pm-4pm - come along to collect surplus food and household essentials

Clayponds Community Centre, Hounslow

  • Food hub on Tuesdays 12.30-3.30pm - come along to collect surplus food and get advice and support 

Please note that our community hubs will be closed over the Christmas period from Monday 23 December until Monday 6 January. Clayponds will remain open as usual.

Employment support

We’re here to help if you or anyone in your household are looking for work or keeping an eye on future options. We work with all our customers and their families and connect you with opportunities, give you one-to-one support with your CV and help you prepare for interviews. If you would like to speak to an employment advisor, please email money.matters@a2dominion.co.uk.

More information

Visit our Money Matters page for information and advice on where to get support this winter.