Cost of Living Support & Advice for Nailsea Residents
With energy prices soaring, and everyday essentials like food becoming more and more difficult to afford, many local people are struggling. But help is out there.
Organisations and businesses all over Nailsea are coming together to offer support for those who need it – from advice, to financial support, to a place to warm up in. If you’re finding the additional strain on your household finances untenable, don’t suffer on in silence.
Below, we’ve highlighted some of the many initiatives, events, and support services available to Nailsea people.
Upcoming Cost of Living Events in Nailsea
- Cost of Living Advice – If you’re struggling to cope with the cost of living crisis, there are a number of organisations coming together to offer much needed advice in Weston-super-Mare on the 8th December at 11:00-3:00 at 3-6 Wadham Street. Attendees include North Somerset Council, Citizens Advice, Bristol Water, and many more. There will also be a raffle and the chance to win a slow cooker and an air fryer!
- Heathier Together for Winter – Come along to 65 High Street on the 17th December at 10:00-12:00 and sit down, have a chat with our special guests, and enjoy a hot drink and a mince pie. We’ll be providing you with up to date information on how and where to access NHS services at this festive time of year, when health services are traditionally under pressure.
Warm Places in Nailsea
Across North Somerset, a number of organisations and businesses are opening up their spaces as warm rooms during the winter season – perfect whether you’re looking for somewhere to work, or just a cosy place to warm up.
Coates House is one such business, and the café bar has gone further by teaming up with Nailsea Community Group to give people the chance to buy £2 vouchers. These vouchers will then be distributed by the Community Group to people in need.
You can also go along to Nailsea Social Club every Friday from 10:00-4:00 to warm up with a free hot drink. Once there, you’ll have opportunities to meet new people, enjoy some activities, or just relax with a book or a newspaper
Here to Help Box
Nailsea Community Group is an invaluable resource of support for local residents. They have recently launched a ‘here to help’ box scheme, whereby people in need can register for an anonymous, one-off box of essentials like coffee, cereal, rice, vegetables, milk, and toiletries. To request one, email info@nailseacommunitygroup.co.uk.
Your Community Living Room
Did you know, 65 High Street is now a registered community living room? That means anyone can come along on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 10:00 and 3:00 and enjoy a safe, warm, and non-judgemental space – as well as a hot drink and a snack!
There are other community living rooms all over North Somerset, so there’s somewhere to go for support wherever you live. Use this map to find out where they are.
Crisis Support
There are a range of support services available in North Somerset for those going through difficulties. If you need short term financial support, the welfare provision scheme may be able to help. If you are homeless or worried about becoming homeless in the future, it’s important to contact the council as early as possible. At such a worrying time, mental health and wellbeing can suffer. If you’re struggling to cope, there are a variety of organisations who can support you.
Find out what mental health services are available in North Somerset >
Energy and Heating Support
If you need extra support during a power cut or other disruption, you can join your utility company’s Priority Services Register. Designed for elderly, seriously ill, or disabled people, as well as those who need power for medical equipment, joining will ensure you get helped first.
If you’re worried about an energy bill, are struggling to pay your bills, or want to find out what extra support is available, Citizens Advice has a wealth of resources available to help people through the crisis.
Broadband and Phone Packages
If you’re finding your broadband and phone services one cost to far, Ofcom have compiled a table of the cheapest tariffs and packages available. Those who are over 18 and from a low-income household may also qualify for a free SIM card and mobile data vouchers from their local library.
Feeding Your Family
Buying food can be a real struggle in the current financial climate. If you’re finding things hard, there are a number of places you can turn to for support, including the Nailsea Community Larder, and North Somerset’s food banks.
There’s also the Health Start Scheme for those who are pregnant or have children under four years old. If you meet the income criteria, you will receive a pre-loaded chip and pin card to use for food, milk, and formula milk.