Financial Support

Please find below links and information for financial support and advice

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Durham County Council Support

Help with your money – Durham County Council

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Buying food

The Bread and Butter Thing (TBBT) TBBT collects surplus food and staple goods that often end up going to waste from supermarkets, factories and farms, and distributes it at a discount price through 10 community hubs across County Durham. You will need to become a member to use the service, but this is free to do. For just £7.50, TBBT members’ shopping bags can be filled with an average of £35 worth of items made up of quality, nutritious food. Each week members can access three bags of produce, including fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled goods, as well as cupboard staples such as pasta and cereal. Nearest Hubs are in Annfield Plain and Bullion Lane, Chester le Street. https://www.breadandbutterthing.org/members 

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Energy Support

If you’re in debt to your energy supplier, you might be able to get a grant to help pay it off. When you apply for a grant, you’ll have to provide details about your financial situation in your application.

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The following energy suppliers offer grants to their customers:

British Gas Energy Trust – apply for a grant on the British Gas Energy Trust website
British Gas Energy Support

Scottish Power Hardship Fund – apply for a grant on the Scottish Power Hardship Fund website
Scottish Power Hardship Fund

Ovo Energy Fund – apply for a grant on the Ovo Energy Fund website
OVO Energy Fund

E.ON Energy Fund – apply for a grant on the E.ON Energy Fund website
E.ON Energy Fund
E.ON Next Energy Fund

EDF Energy Customer Support Fund – apply for a grant on the EDF Energy Customer Support Fund website
EDF Energy Customer Support Fund

Bulb Energy Fund – apply for a grant on the website
Bulb Energy Fund

If you can’t get a grant from your supplier, check if you can get a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust. These grants are available to anyone – you don’t have to be a British Gas customer.
British Gas Energy Support

 

Staying Warm

Warm Spaces are somewhere you can go to get warm, stay warm and enjoy a little company. In some you’ll also be able to get refreshments. With many people feeling the pressure because of increased energy costs and the rising cost of living, the Warm Spaces network aims to support residents across County Durham this winter. Our Warm Spaces are free and will let you stay for as long, or for as short a period as you wish (within their opening hours)

Please see link below for more information What Warm Spaces are, why we need them and how to find them – Durham County Council