The cost of living (increasing food, fuel and energy prices) is an increasing issue for locals. There are those who have never struggled before to cover the running costs of their household and are now finding themselves in difficult financial positions, to those who are already vulnerable
in the local community but finding things harder than ever before, with many having to make the decision to eating or heating.
There is lots of support available locally and it’s more important than ever before to reach out when you need this support:
Warm Spaces
If you need a welcoming warm space to stay safe during the cost-of-living crisis, warm banks are opening-up around the UK and in the borough. Find a list of all the current warm banks across Wokingham Borough here.
Wokingham Household Support Fund
If you’re struggling to pay for the essentials; food, energy bills, water bills and other essentials, help is available. If you have children using Free School Meals you could get additional support during the school holidays.
The fund is designed to provide short-term financial support to households who are struggling to afford household essentials. The fund is being distributed by Citizens Advice Wokingham and Wokingham United Charities assisting Wokingham Borough Council as part of the Hardship Alliance. For further details and to apply for funding, click here.
Warmer Winter Project
Essential items are distributed free of charge across Wokingham Borough to residents who are struggling with the cost of living. These items are to ensure they are warm themselves and can lower their energy consumption - and bills - at home. All the details can be found here.
Citizens Advice
They provide free and independent advice on a number of different issues from relationships and employment to debt and benefits. The Wokingham branch runs a Contact One Front Door service that helps residents find the most appropriate support. Use the online referral form or call 0808 278 7958, Monday to Friday.
Energy bills support scheme alternative funding
This scheme launches in January 2023. This will help people who use alternative fuels like heating oil and those who don't have a direct relationship with an energy supplier, like park homes, some rented home tenants, caravans, houseboats or people who live in care homes. More information will be published here once more announcements by the Government is made.
Cost Of Living hub
Wokingham Borough Council has launched an online Cost of Living hub where you can find more information on other grants and support other than those listed above, here.
Tell us how the cost of living crisis affecting you?
Have your say, share your experiences and views and tell us how the cost of living crisis is impacting you mentally and physically so we can understand how you are feeling and what support you need during these difficult times from services across Wokingham Borough.
Call: 0118 418 1418