As the cold settles in this month, financial woes might loom with it. January is already a tough month (they don’t call it Blue January for nothing!) , but for many people, money issues will be worsened this year by the cost of living crisis.
Nobody likes to worry about money, but the important thing to remember is you’re not alone! Oakley Vale is all about bringing the community together, which is why we have compiled a list of resources and support links for anyone who might need it. Let’s look after each other this winter.
Check what help you might be entitled to
First, we suggest checking that you’re receiving the help you might be entitled to. We’ve created a checklist below that might make this easier:
- Winter Fuel Payment: This is an annual one-off payment of £100-£300 depending on your age, who you live with and any benefits you receive. This year eligible households will receive an extra £300.
- Cold Weather Payment: If the average temperature in your recorded area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below, you’ll get £25 for each 7-day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March
- Warm Home Discount: A one-off payment to help with the cost of energy over winter is usually added as credit to your electricity bill. This winter it’s rising from £140 to £150.
- Cost of Living Payment: If you’re eligible, you’ll be paid automatically the same way as you’d get benefits or tax credits – find out how much you may be entitled to on the government website
- Budgeting Loans: this can help you pay for an essential or unexpected expense if you’re on a low income
Get free financial help or advice from organisations and charities
A reminder that you’re never on your own. There are a number of local and national organisations around Corby and the UK that can help you with your finances. We’ve put together an inventory of support hubs below.
- Financial Inclusion and Support in Corby: A specialist team dedicated to supporting Corby Borough Council tenants, helping them to access welfare benefits and debt management advice, whilst improving their household budget and signposting to charitable grants.They also help people with a vast array of support issues such as support for maintaining their tenancies, mental health support and voluntary opportunities.
To access this service, a referral is required via your housing officer. However, if you’re unsure of who this is, you can contact Landlord Services: 0300 126 3000 / cbc@northnorthants.gov.uk
- Turn2us: A charity that helps people in financial need to access welfare benefits, charitable grants and other money help with a helpline, benefits calculator and grant search. Visit their website here: http://www.turn2us.org.uk/
- Trussel Trust: A charity that is here to help, with free helplines and support to access food banks this winter – and all year round. They have created a tool to help you find your local food bank and a telephone for trained advisors is on their website: https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/.
- Corby Foodbank: Seeded by Trussel Trust, Corby Foodbank provides emergency food to people in crisis. They can put you through to a relevant local agency, who will arrange a visit and may supply you with a foodbank voucher where appropriate. They do have a local helpline where you can speak to Citizens Advice Corby, a referral partner of Corby Foodbank, who will be able to issue a food voucher if necessary.
- Home-Start Corby: Families might struggle with money for many issues. This charity helps parents to budget and manage their money more effectively, and can also signpost other local organisations who can support them. Find out more on their website or telephone: 01536 409 612.
Find a Warm Space near you
In what can often feel like a dark and miserable month, the community is offering a warm, safe place where everyone is welcome. Whether you have children in need of a place to play, you’d love some company or you’re struggling with heating bills amid rising energy bills and high costs, there are many warm hubs in the local Corby area. One of these hubs is the Oakley Vale Community Centre.
For details on where you can find a safe space to keep warm in Corby this January, visit the North Northants website. They have put together a table that lists addresses and opening hours for your nearby Warm Space: https://www.northnorthants.gov.uk/cost-living/warm-spaces.
