We understand that the winter months are challenging for some.
With the cost of living and the price of energy still a concern, we appreciate that the winter period can put a strain on some.
So, it’s important for you to know that Freebridge are here to help. Did you know that we have a Support Fund that you are able to access if you need financial support?
Since April 2023, £26,628 of support has been given to Freebridge customers - with the majority of vouchers issued for food or energy. We may also be able to support you with phone bills, food shopping, prescription, school uniform and travel costs, while we have a furniture and carpet assistance scheme that you may be eligible to access.
If you need support, the best thing to do is call us on 0333 240 4444 and speak to our income team. The team can then discuss with you how we can help.
So, give us a call if you’re in need of support and we’ll help you if we can!
With the nights now growing much darker and colder and the challenging winter months approaching, we appreciate the need for a safe and warm space in west Norfolk.
With that in mind, our Discovery Centre in North Lynn will become a Warm Hub from December 7th this year.
By doing this, it means we are opening the doors at Discovery Centre, on Greenpark Avenue, to the local community and offering it to those who need a free, warm, welcoming, and friendly space.
So, come the second week in December, this is an open invitation for you to come in, keep warm, connect with others, and make new connections in the community.
We have registered The Centre with Warm Welcome, whose idea is that ‘everyone has somewhere warm and friendly to go, so no one is ever left to get through winter alone’.
That’s a message we can fully get behind at Freebridge and we’re delighted to be able to get involved in the nationwide initiative.
The Centre will be available for you to use as a Warm Hub between 11am and 3pm on every Thursday from December 7th, all the way through to March 28th (2024).
If the Discovery Centre is a little out of your way, but you are in need of this support, you can always visit Warm Welcome and find a space near you by simply inputting your postcode.
We have a dedicated Support Fund to help customers who find themselves in financial difficulty. We will work with customers who are referred to us to complete an initial financial assessment, before offering further assistance with vouchers for utility payments, food, or specialist items such as school uniforms.
If you need additional you can self refer to our Tenancy Support Team at [email protected]
or call us on 03332 404 444.
Our income team are always on the end of the phone if you need help or advice with your household bills.
We’ve put together a list of some of the help you may be eligible for, to help towards your energy bills and to keep your warm over the winter months.
Warm Home Discount: one-off payment of £140 off your energy bill for winter 2023- 2024. You can apply through your energy provider. Eligibility: Low income or Guarantee Element of Pension Credit.
Cold Weather Payment: £25 for each 7-day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March. Automatically applied if eligible.
Winter Fuel Payment: If you were born before 25 September 1957, you could get between £250 - £600. The amount you get includes a ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’ which is between £150 and £300. Automatically applied if eligible.
Energy Trust Funds: Dependent on individual circumstances. Apply through your energy supplier. Eligibility: Those with debts they are unable to pay.
Client Hardship Service: (Previously known as Norfolk Assistance Scheme) Dependent on individual circumstances. Apply online at www. norfolk.gov.uk or phone 0344 800 8020.
Eligibility: low income or receive income-related benefits, such as Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance, have dependant children, have a disability or mental health problem.
Our winter support plan will run from 1st November to the end of February
