If you're struggling to stay warm and keep up with your bills, there is lots of help available. For immediate advice in a crisis, there are helplines you can call, some focusing primarily on energy-related issues, and others offering multi-agency support for wider wellbeing issues. You may also be able to apply for one-off hardship payments and grants. Use this page to find the help you need.
The services on this page are focused on supporting basic welfare and alleviating financial hardship , including struggles you may have with managing your energy costs.
If you're looking for help which is more centred around saving money by improving your home energy efficiency , please visit our Get help from an expert
Call a helpline For urgent energy-related help The Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) Advice Service provides emergency practical help, as well as free, impartial energy advice. An adviser can help you:
understand your energy bills deal with energy debt find out about grants and financial support keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in hot weather get help if your heating is not working deal with problems with your energy supplier Call CSE on 0800 082 2234
Contact CSE online
Information on contacting CSE via video with an interpreter for users of British Sign Language
“I was referred to the CSE Advice Service for support as I couldn’t afford to turn on my heating. They gave me an electric blanket and great tips to lower my bills. They also gave me vouchers for electric and gas. I’m forever grateful."
- Lucy received support from CSE’s Energy Advice Service
If you need help with more than energy The Community Wellbeing Hub can help if energy costs are part of a wider problem, or you need support with more than one issue.
The Hub can connect you with local support for:
energy and keeping your home at a comfortable temperature money and benefits accessing food housing health and wellbeing You don't need to know which service you need. The team will talk to you about your situation and help you find the right support.
Call the Community Wellbeing Hub on 0300 247 0050
Contact the Community Wellbeing Hub online
Apply for hardship grants or payments Grants and one-off payments are available for periods of financial hardship. These schemes are all available through the B&NES council website.
Welfare Support This service for people in financial crisis who cannot meet basic costs such as food and bills. The amount of help will be based on your personal and financial circumstances, but could include vouchers or help to buy essential items, we may refer you to a charity for support, or temporarily contribute towards housing or living costs.
Apply for Welfare Support
Payments from the Crisis and Resilience Fund This is central-government-funded emergency support for low income households who have been affected by a financial shock, an unexpected expense, or a sudden drop in income. It's a limited fund, and applications are treated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Apply for a crisis payment
Council Tax Support If you are living on a low income, you may be able to apply for this additional help with your Council Tax bill, even if you already receive other Council Tax discounts and exemptions.
Apply for Council Tax Support
"Thank you for such a speedy reply and for everything you have done for us. The new heating system will make a huge difference to my dad and it's one thing less for him to worry about."
- A B&NES resident who got support from CSE's Energy Advice Service
Find other welfare guidance To find out about other help with the cost of living that you may qualify for, try these resources:
