Below is a list of organisations and authorities who are providing advice, grants and possible funding to support people during the cost-of-living crisis. Underneath that, you can find a list of local services to support Carers alongside the local authorities’ services and hubs.
The list will keep being updated as we come across further support or when details of grants and funding from the Welsh Government are published. Please see the different sections below. If anything is missing, please let us know by emailing gwen@allwalesforum.org.uk . Thank you in advance.
We want to thank NEA Cymru for inviting us to their Energy Crisis Conference 2024, thanks to the contacts made at the event we were able to gather more information that could be useful to families and update this page with more resources to support families.
Energy & Water Support
Priority Services Register (PSR)
Every gas, water and electricity supplier – who you pay your bills to – and your electricity distribution networks, has what is called a Priority Services Register. This register makes sure that, in an emergency situation, such as loss of gas supply, services are able to prioritise those customers who need the support the most.
Who can join the PSR?
Households who:
- Have someone aged over 60, or someone under 5 living with them.
- Have someone who is living with a chronic medical condition or registered disabled.
- Have someone who has any other specific needs, meaning they need extra support, including but not only:
– Blind or partially sighted
– Deaf or hard of hearing
– Speech difficulties or a non-English speaker
– Poor or no sense of smell
Find out more information on the Ofgem site https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/getting-extra-help-priority-services-register
Or contact directly your energy or water service provider and ask about their PSR.
The NEST scheme
The Nest scheme offers a range of free, impartial advice and, if you are eligible, a package of free home energy efficiency improvements such as a new boiler, central heating, insulation, solar panels or a heat pump. This can lower your energy bills and benefit your health and wellbeing. Find out how you can apply for free home energy efficiency improvements.
Warm Wales
Warm Wales is a CIC working to tackle fuel poverty by offering free advice and support (gas grants, eco funding) to ensure people across Wales and South-West England have warm and safe homes.
Hope4U
Custom Solutions for Stronger Outcomes
Hope4U’s purpose is to eradicate poverty and improve financial sustainability whilst building a brighter future. Their range of services have been developed to tackle the immediate problems individuals are facing, but also to help with the underlying issues.
They can support individuals with:
Money Management
They offer a range of services to help individuals, discuss good behaviours, explain priorities all to help individuals understand their money better. They will also check to see if the individual is receiving all the benefits they are entitled too.
The range of services include:
- Income maximisation
- Budgeting
- Understanding bills
- Good behaviours
- Benefit entitlement checks
- Scenario planning
Energy Efficiency
Their experts can offer support and guidance to your customers, by carrying out a home energy survey, discussing the findings and giving hints and tips on how to be more efficient going forward, to save money on their energy bills. Their excellent customer focus ensures the highest level of service is delivered.
We can offer:
- Home energy survey
- Switching
- Installation
- Hints & tips
- Sources of available funding
Unemployment
Their services help people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life to gain the skills and knowledge to enter employment.
The journey consists of:
- CV writing
- Getting ready for an interview
- Interview tips & guidance
- Helping to secure training to increase skills
Visit their website here – https://www.hope4u.co.uk/
LEAP
LEAP helps to support as many people as possible who are at risk of going into fuel poverty. Their service is open to all types of householders – homeowners, private renters and social housing tenants.
You may be eligible for the LEAP service is one of the below apply. If you:
- Have a low income
- Receive tax credits
- Receive Housing Benefits
- Receive an income or disability related benefit
They can help with:
- Leap Appliance
- Energy Advice
- Boiler Scheme
Visit their website – https://applyforleap.org.uk/
Connected For Warmth
‘Connected for Warmth’ is an award-winning scheme run in partnership with AgilityEco, funded by National Grid that is Helping households to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and rising fuel bills.
Find out more of what is available in your area here – https://www.connectedforwarmth.org.uk/
Evolve – Home Energy Solutions
While funding lasts, with Evolve Home Energy Solutions you could get cavity wall insulation and loft insulation for FREE if your home is in Council Tax Band A-D! Plus, FREE SMART heating controls, Radbots, radiator reflectors,
LED lightbulbs and draught-proofing are available too.
Evolve is the primary installer for South Wales and the South west.
Find out more here – https://www.evolvehes.co.uk/connected-for-warmth/
Energy Ombudsman
The Energy Ombudsman provide a free and impartial service that aims to resolve disputes between consumers and suppliers in the energy sector.
If you’re having issues with your energy supplier, energy broker, network operator, green deal or heat network supplier, they may be able to help resolve your dispute.
Additional support
The energy Ombudsman can provide additional support to consumers needing help to access their services fully.
They can support individuals:
- Speaking to them in a foreign language & translation services
- With visual impairments (including Braille)
- With hearing impairments (including Sign Language)
- Accessibility
Visit the website here – https://www.energyombudsman.org/
Welsh Water
Priority Services
Welsh Water has a priority service for those who may be a parent with a baby, have an illness that requires water, have sight or hearing difficulties or are elderly or disabled.
Welsh Waters Priority Services Register means they can help with:
- Reassurance against bogus callers
- Bottled water if your supply is interrupted
- Alternative ways of getting information
You can join the register by completing the on line form on https://www.dwrcymru.com/en/help-advice/priority-services
Alternatively, you can contact 0800 052 0145 between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday and Saturday 9am to 1pm.
They also have advice, information and schemes to support those who are on low income and/or benefits. https://www.dwrcymru.com/en/support-with-bills
Hafren Dyfrdwy (HD Cymru)
If your water is supplied by HD Cymru, they can help with keeping bills low, finding the best tariff for you, and managing your payments.
Visit the HD Cymru website for support with paying your water bill.
Care and Repair
Helping older people to live independently in warm, safe, accessible homes. Running the 70+ Cymru service which offers free Home Energy Assessments for people aged 60 and above in Wales.
https://www.careandrepair.org.uk/en/your-area/
British Energy Trust
British Energy Trust is an independent Charitable Trust. Its mission is to alleviate the detrimental impact of poverty, with a focus on fuel poverty.
https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/
Ask CPAG
Essential welfare rights information, advice and tools for advisers. The Fuel Rights Handbook is free to access and they have a section with financial help for families
Scope Disability Energy Support
Free energy and water advice to disabled people, helping them to manage their energy and water needs.
Benefits & Cost Of Living Resources
MoneyHelper
MoneyHelper is a free service offering impartial guidance on money and pensions. They are backed by UK Government, and can recommend further support if you need it. Visit the MoneyHelper website for free guidance.
Shared Lives Plus Cost of Living Resources
SLP has created a webpage with a roundup of information and resources, including in easy-read, about the cost of living which may be relevant to Shared Lives households.
Money Matters Hub – By Carers Wales
Carers Wales has created a new hub filled with resources to help support you with finances. It includes information on grants and benefits, as well as money and debt management tools and support with energy bills.
https://www.carersuk.org/wales/help-and-advice/money-matters-hub
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice is an independent organisation specialising in confidential information and advice to assist people with legal, debt, consumer, housing and with benefits, council tax reduction they may be entitled to. Find your local branch at the website link below.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/wales/
Charis
Charis manages the energy grant and scheme offered by energy companies through Ofgem, check if there are any active schemes in your area and their eligibility criteria. E-On Energy Fund, E-On Next Energy Fund, British Gas, OVO Energy, SSE and others.
https://charisgrants.com/individuals/
Turn2Us
Turn2us has a benefits calculator and grants search tool to help you find out what support you can get alongside adviser locator tools. They also have information on benefits and information on help with paying energy and water bills.
https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/
Older People’s Commissioner for Wales
Cost of Living: Financial Entitlements – Frequently Asked Questions. The Commissioner has brought together helpful information to answer some key questions about the financial assistance that may be available to older people to help them through this difficult time.
Cost Of Living – Frequently Asked Questions
Debt
StepChange
Step Change, the Debt charity have a page dedicated to information and support around the Cost-of-living Crisis and can provide free debt help.
https://www.stepchange.org/how-we-help/rising-cost-of-living.aspx
Breathing Space scheme
Breathing Space (sometimes called the ‘Debt Respite Scheme’) is a free government scheme that could give you up to 60 days’ space from creditors to focus on getting debt advice and setting up a debt solution.
If you apply and are eligible, all creditors are informed and must stop any collection or enforcement activity. You’ll still need to keep making your regular payments if you can afford to.
StepChange can help with applications: https://www.stepchange.org/how-we-help/breathing-space-scheme.aspx
WELSH GOVERNMENT
Benefits
Many people are unaware they may be entitled to benefits that could offer them the support they need. If you are unsure about what benefits you can claim, Advicelink Cymru can help you check and claim what’s yours. Call the free helpline on 0808 250 5700
Find out more here: https://gov.wales/claim-whats-yours
Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF)
The Welsh Government with this fund is providing two grants.
Emergency Assistance Payment (EAP)
A grant to help pay for essential costs, such as food, gas, electricity, clothing or emergency travel if you:
- are experiencing extreme financial hardship
- have lost your job
- have applied for benefits and are waiting for your first payment
- You cannot use it to pay for ongoing bills that you cannot afford to pay.
Individual Assistance Payment (IAP)
A grant to help you or someone you care for live independently in their home or a property that you or they are moving into.
Use the grant to pay for:
- a fridge, cooker or washing machine and other ‘white goods’
- home furniture such as beds, sofas and chairs
https://gov.wales/discretionary-assistance-fund-daf
Pupil Development Grant- Access
Learners currently eligible for free school meals can apply for the grant of £125 per learner, and £200 for those learners entering year 7, recognising the increased costs associated with starting secondary school.
The parents of children and teenagers eligible for free school meals in Wales can apply for a grant towards school uniform, school trips, and kit. The grant this year is for £225 per learner, or £300 for those going into year seven, to recognise the increased costs with starting secondary school.
Parents and guardians can contact their local council to check their eligibility and apply.
Both grants have been raised by £100 for this school year, a Welsh Government spokesperson said. All looked after children qualify for the grants, whether they receive free school meals or not.
Families are only entitled to claim once per child, per school year. The 2023 to 2024 scheme is now open and will close on 31 May 2024.
https://gov.wales/pupil-development-grant-access
Full list of Financial Support for Individuals
https://gov.wales/financial-support-for-individuals
UK Government
Winter Fuel Payment
If you were born before 25 September 1957 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’. Most people get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they’re eligible.
If you’re eligible, you’ll get a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get.
If you do not get a letter but you think you’re eligible, check if you need to make a claim.
https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment
Warm Home Discount Scheme
You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2023 to 2024 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. If you do not get a letter and you think you’re eligible, you must contact the Warm Home Discount Scheme before 29 February 2024.
NHS
Are you pregnant or have children under the age of four? You could qualify for the NHS Healthy Start scheme to help you buy food, milk and get free Healthy Start vitamins.
Chinese Autism Support
Families, parent carers from the Chinese community can find a bilingual booklet and leaflet that highlight the various support services and programs offered by Chinese Autism Support. These materials aim to raise awareness, provide guidance, and promote understanding of autism.
https://chineseinwales.org.uk/chineseautism/chinese-in-wales-association-autism-booklet/
LOCAL SUPPORT
Aneurin Bevan Health Board area
Support with the cost of living
https://abuhb.nhs.wales/healthcare-services/staying-well-and-healthy/cost-of-living-support/
Blaenau Gwent
Local support and advice around cost-of-living, information and times of local Warm Hubs and more.
https://www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/en/resident/cost-of-living-advice-and-support/
Support for carers Blaenau Gwent
The Care Collective – Carers Services South Wales
Bridgend
Cost Of Living Support Hub – https://www.bridgend.gov.uk/residents/benefits-and-support/cost-of-living-support/
Caerphilly
Cost Of Living Support Hub – https://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/services/cost-of-living-support.aspx
The Care Collective – Carers Services South Wales
Cardiff
Cost Of Living Support Hub – https://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ENG/resident/Benefits-and-Grants/Cost-of-living-support/Pages/default.aspx
Cardiff & The Vale University Health Board Emotional and Practical Support for Unpaid Carers
Carers Services in Cardiff
From 1st April 2024 the way in which unpaid carers in Cardiff access information and advice will change.
07977 291587
Carmarthenshire
Cost Of Living Support Hub – https://fis.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/support-with-the-cost-of-living-crisis/
Support for Carers Carmarthenshire
Ceredigion
Cost Of Living Support Hub – https://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/resident/cost-of-living/
Gofalwyr Ceredigion Carers – Credu
Conwy
Cost Of Living Support Hub – https://www.conwy.gov.uk/en/Resident/Cost-of-Living/Cost-of-Living.aspx
Denbighshire
Cost Of Living Support Hub – https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/benefits-grants-and-money-advice/cost-of-living-support/cost-of-living-support.aspx
NEWCIS – Supporting unpaid carers across Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham
Flintshire
Cost Of Living Support Hub – https://www.flintshire.gov.uk/en/Resident/Cost-of-Living-Hub/Home.aspx
NEWCIS – Supporting unpaid carers across Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham
Gwynedd
Cost Of Living Support Hub – https://www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/en/Residents/Costau-Byw/Cost-of-living-help.aspx
Isle of Anglesey
Cost Of Living Support Hub – https://www.anglesey.gov.wales/en/Residents/Benefits-and-grants/Cost-of-living-support.aspx
Merthyr Tydfil
Cost Of Living Support Hub – https://www.merthyr.gov.uk/resident/cost-of-living-support-and-advice/
Support for Carers Merthyr Tydfil
The Care Collective – Carers Services South Wales
Monmouthshire
Cost Of Living Support Hub – https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/money-matters/
Support for Carers Monmouthshire
The Care Collective – Carers Services South Wales
Neath Port Talbot
Cost Of Living Support Hub – https://www.npt.gov.uk/33338
Support for Carers Neath Port Talbot
Neath Port Talbot Carers Service
Newport
Newport Carers Network – For support in your caring role contact 01633 656656 or visit www.newport.gov.uk/carers for lots of helpful resources.
If you would like to receive regular carer information from us, please email community.connectors@newport.gov.uk and ask to join the Carers Network
General advice and support
https://www.newport.gov.uk/en/Support-and-Advice/Support-and-Advice.aspx
Cost of Living Support for Newport City Homes
https://www.newportcityhomes.com/advice-and-support/cost-of-living/
The Care Collective – Carers Services South Wales
Pembrokeshire
Anyone experiencing financial hardship or who would like information about what support is available in their area, can contact the Pembrokeshire Community Hub on 01437 723660 or email enquiries@pembrokeshirecommunityhub.org
The Pembrokeshire Community Hub has also created an online one-stop-shop on the Connect Pembrokeshire website https://connectpembrokeshire.org.uk/ which has lots of useful information and an interactive map of Warm Welcome Community Spaces across the county.
Cost Of Living Support Hub – https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/benefits-support-and-grants
Powys
Cost Of Living Support Hub – https://en.powys.gov.uk/article/13329/Cost-of-Living-Hub
Rhondda Cynon Taf
Cost Of Living Support Hub – https://www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Resident/ConsumerAdviceandMoneyMatters/CostofLivingSupport/CostofLivingSupport.aspx
The Care Collective – Carers Services South Wales
Swansea
Cost Of Living Support Hub – https://www.swansea.gov.uk/costoflivinghelp
Torfaen
Cost Of Living Support Hub – https://www.torfaen.gov.uk/en/CouncilTaxAndBenefits/Cost-of-Living-Support/Cost-of-Living-Support.aspx
The Care Collective – Carers Services South Wales
Vale Of Glamorgan
Young people aged 11-19 can access the School Nursing service via text for confidential, anonymous health advice and support.Text: 07520 615718
More local support at advice at the link below
https://www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/en/living/Cost-of-Living/Cost-of-Living-Support.aspx
Support for Carers in the Vale
Cardiff & The Vale University Health Board Emotional and Practical Support for Unpaid Carers
Carers Services in Vale of Glamorgan
Wrexham
Cost Of Living Support Hub – https://www.wrexham.gov.uk/services/help-cost-living
NEWCIS – Supporting unpaid carers across Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham
We are still building this post and will keep it updated as further support is available. We are also currently adding local information pages which will provide information specific to the area. If anything is missing, please let us know by emailing gwen@allwalesforum.org.uk . Thank you in advance.
