Keeping Warm and Eating Well

1. Plan your meals before you go shopping. Look out for yellow labels on reduced items. Try out supermarket own brand or “essential” ranges. Shop for less at a community pantry or social supermarket.

2. Buy in bulk and batch cook larger quantities for freezing and eating later.

3. Heat the person not the room – layer clothing and have at least one hot meal a day.

4. Lower your thermostat by 1 degree and close curtains and doors to keep heat in. IMPORTANT: older people should keep living temperatures at 21 degrees.

5. Keep showers to under 4 minutes and wash clothes at 30 degrees.

Where to get more help

Help with food & essentials

Foodbanks provide emergency food and other essentials. You will need to be referred by a doctor, social worker, Citizens Advice or other agency. Find more information by visiting the Trussell Trust.

Help with energy bills

The Government has announced a range of measures to support households with high energy bills over the next year. Contact Citizens Advice for more information. 

Talk to your energy supplier: if you’re falling behind with your energy bills, and finding yourself struggling to pay, the best thing to do is contact your supplier as soon as possible who can discuss a payment plan you can afford.

Local authority grants: Many local authorities have crisis grants for residents struggling with the cost of energy bills. Contact your local authority directly.