Published 29th November 2022
If you are caring for a family member or friend, you may be struggling with living costs for a range of reasons. We understand that it’s not an easy time for many people at the moment, and we want to let you know that you do not have to cope with these struggles alone.
Here are a few ways in which you can get help and support from both Carers Matter Norfolk and other organisations.
Advice with your money
The ‘Your Money’ section on our website has a wealth of information ranging from grants and trusts you can apply for to winter fuel payments.
Go to carersmatternorfolk.org.uk/information-and-advice/your-money/
Energy costs
The rising cost of energy will affect many of us this winter and it could be a struggle to pay our gas and electricity bills.
Many unpaid carers may be especially affected by rising energy because they need to keep the person they care for safe and warm at home.
Free Keeping Warm and Safe webinar
Caring Together has joined with National Energy Action, the national fuel poverty charity, to run a free ‘Keeping Warm and Safe’ webinar on Monday 12 January, 10.00am – 11.30am.
The webinar will give unpaid carers from Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Norfolk, an opportunity to find out more about:
- the links between warmth and health
- advice on how to save energy and money this winter
- help they may be entitled to and how to access it.
There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.
Click here to book your free place.
Better Together
Better Together Norfolk’s Life Connectors can help you reduce your energy bills, by giving you guidance, top tips and signposting to specialist support and grants.
For further information call the Advice Line on 0300 303 3920 or visit their website.
Warm hubs
Warm hubs are running throughout Norfolk during the winter months of 2022/23.
If you are caring for a family member or friend, the hubs offer a friendly and inclusive place where you and the person you care for may wish to go along to.
The warm hubs offer somewhere for you stay healthy and well, socialise, take part in activities, receive advice on how to reduce energy bills and access financial support.
Several hubs have cafes with the option to pay what you can.
Click here to find a warm hub in your area.
Further help with living costs
The Norfolk Assistance Scheme (NAS) may be able to help you if you are in financial hardship and cannot pay your living costs. Maybe you have had to give up work or reduce your hours to care for a family member or friend.
This is one of many reasons why people might not be able to pay their living costs.
If you are eligible, they can:
- Provide emergency financial help
- Supply essential household goods and furniture
- Give support, guidance and advice
You will need to complete an application with evidence of your financial situation.
Click here for further information about the Norfolk Assistance Scheme (NAS) and how to apply.
Help with food costs
The Trussell Trust food banks provide emergency food and support. To get help from the food bank you will need to be referred with a voucher. Your local food bank will advise you on which health and care professionals or organisations can refer you to a food bank.
Click here to find a food bank in your area
Health and Wellbeing Fund
If you are a carer who has completed a Carers Assessment and action plan with a Family Carer Practitioner, then you may be able to apply for our Health and Wellbeing Fund. The fund is to improve the health and wellbeing of you as a carer and to support you in your caring role.
Advice Line
If you want to, you can call our advice line and our carer advisors can talk through with you what local and national support is available based on your personal needs and situation.
You can speak to someone from our advice line team on 0800 083 1148 or email info@carersmatternorfolk.org.uk
Our advice line is free to call from both landline and mobile telephones.