Help During Winter
Food
If you are struggling to pay for food for yourself and your family, there are a number of options.
Help in an emergency
A foodbank is for anyone in crisis, who does not have enough money to buy food or essential supplies for themselves or their family.
There are several organisations within Solihull that can provide a food parcel or a hot meal to feed yourself and your household.
To access your nearest food bank please call Solihull Council on 0121 704 8001 to request a referral to your nearest collection point.
Deliveries will only be provided if you are not able to collect in person.
Food support for older people
Age UK Solihull can help anyone over 60 who has any issues accessing food. For support please contact Age UK Solihull on 0121 704 7840 or email info@ageuksolihull.org.uk.
Energy and Fuel
Is your home energy efficient? Inefficient homes which are susceptible to being either too hot or cold, can create health issues or make existing health conditions worse and can also make us more vulnerable to falls, stress and serious illnesses e.g. respiratory conditions.
People over 65, infants or people of any age with underlying health conditions are particularly at risk, the ideal home temperature is 18°C-21°C (64–70°F).
Winter Warmth campaign
Supported by Solihull Council, Age UK Solihull provides a local Winter Warmth Helpline. This service is primarily aimed at older people, those living with disabilities or long-term health conditions, carers, and families with young children. You can access lots of advice and support through the Winter Warmth Helpline on: 0121 704 8080, 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.
Advice and help with your energy bills
Solihull Council has partnered with energy experts Act on Energy, to help you reduce your energy bills and make your home warmer and more energy efficient. For advice, tips and support, including energy saving tips, pre-payment meters, energy debt, home heating repairs or improvements and energy efficiency grants please contact the free Act on Energy advice line on: 0800 988 2881, 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday, or email: advice@actonenergy.org.uk.
Contact your supplier if you are struggling to pay your bill or you are in debt. The earlier you contact them, the better. They can help with debt payment plans and help you with managing your ongoing payments.
Some also have hardship funds to help people.
Priority Services Register
The Priority Services Register is operated by energy suppliers to help people in vulnerable situations. If you are eligible for this scheme (e.g. over the state pension age, long term medical condition or disability) contact your own energy supplier to be added to their list. For more information and a full list of the eligibility criteria visit: www.ofgem.gov.uk/energyadvice-households/join-your-suppliers-priorityservices-register.
Money and Debt
If you are experiencing financial hardship as a result of your council tax charge and you are on a low income you may be entitled to support from our Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme. Call 0121 704 8200 or visit: www.solihull.gov.uk/Council-tax-andbenefits/Council-tax-reduction. There are a variety of other council tax discounts, exemptions and reductions available that you may be eligible for depending on your circumstances. Call 0121 704 8100 or visit: www.solihull.gov.uk/Counciltax-and-benefits/discounts.
Solihull Council’s Discretionary Crisis Fund provides help with food, fuel and items like white goods and beds for households experiencing financial hardship. Call 0121 704 8284 or visit financialinclusion@solihull.gov.uk. You can also apply online at www.solihull.gov.uk/here2help/money-advice.
Solihull Council’s Discretionary Housing Payments Scheme provides help with rent for Solihull residents experiencing financial hardship and who are in receipt of housing benefit or the housing costs element of Universal Credit. Call 0121 704 6202 or visit:financialinclusion@solihull.gov.uk.
You can also apply online at www.solihull.gov.uk/here2help/money-advice.
Solihull Community Advice Hubs Based in Chelmsley Wood and central Solihull, the Hubs provide a wide range of information, advice, and support. Call 0121 709 7590 or alternatively email: admin@solihullcommunityhub.org.uk.
Solihull Community Housing (SCH) Provides advice for SCH tenants and leaseholders. Call 0121 717 1515 or email moneyadvice@solihullcommunityhousing.org.uk or visit: www.solihullcommunityhousing.org.uk/advice-andsupport/money-advice/
Citizens Advice Solihull provides free and confidential advice. Call 0808 2787976 Monday to Friday or visit www.casb.org.uk/.
Entitlements and household grants To check that you are receiving all the money that you are entitled to and find out what you can claim, call the DWP Help to claim line on 0800 144 8444 or contact the Solihull Community Advice Hubs on 0121 709 7590.
Universal Credit Helpline is available for help to make a claim for Universal Credit. Call 0800 144 8444.
Money Advice Service provides lots of information on topics such as money, benefits, work and pensions. Visit www.moneyhelper.org.uk. They can also signpost to other debt organisations such as the National Debtline 0808 808 4000 and Stepchange, the leading debt charity which provides free and confidential debt advice. Call 0800 138 1111 or visit: www.stepchange.org.