Southwark residents struggling with the cost of living crisis this winter are being urged to take advantage of the council’s support services
Families and individuals can benefit from vouchers, warm spaces, help claiming pension credit and advice from local organisations.
Cllr Stephanie Cryan, Southwark Council’s finance chief, said: “We are here to help with a range of support and advice, along with our fantastic network of community partners.
“Together we will pull out all the stops again to ensure no one goes without.”
Southwark’s new Cost of Living Fund for 2023/24
This year, the council set up a new Cost of Living Fund for low-income households at risk of hardship.
People can apply directly and receive a £100 post office voucher for food, energy and essentials if they meet certain criteria.
Those who aren’t eligible can be referred by a whole host of community partners; from charities to headteachers to councillors and more.
See if you may be eligible for Southwark Council’s Cost of Living Fund.
Warm Spaces are back
Warm Spaces are returning to Southwark – places where people who can’t afford to heat their homes can visit to keep warm.
All of Southwark’s libraries are open to every resident who wants to keep warm, access free Wi-Fi, or have a chat with a friendly member of staff.
Many more Warm Spaces run by the voluntary sector and TRAs with support from the council will start to pop up, with further promotion to come.
Find your nearest Warm Space here.
Encouraging older people to claim pension credit
Many older people are eligible for pension credit but do not claim it. Southwark Council can help those missing out.
Doing so can unlock a range of other benefits, including more money to help with living costs.
Organisations from across the borough joined efforts with the council last winter to encourage older people to claim pension credit.
This winter the council will be writing directly to eligible residents and running an awareness campaign to help promote take up again.
Cost of Living Roadshows
People who are concerned about money and rising costs can also attend the borough’s ongoing cost of living roadshows.
These bring together a wide range of services to provide advice and support, including Southwark Council, Citizens Advice Southwark, and Age UK Southwark.
The next one will take place on 21 November 2023 at Setchell and Longfield Hall in Bermondsey (Alscot Way, SE1 5XN). There is no need to book, and it is open to all between 10am and 1pm.