Support for you

 

February 2023 Update

 

  • Want to know which appliance is the cheapest? Why not try GoCompare's energy cost calculator? Find out which appliance is best for you by clicking here.

 

  • Need some free debt advice? This year Debt Awareness Week is between 20 - 26 March and the focus is on how debt can happen to anyone and the key theme is 'What is debt advice?'. If you need some free debt advice, click here to be taken to StepChange Debt Charity's webpage.

 

  • The cost of living crisis is proving to have a big effect on people living with dementia as 1 in 4 people are being forced to stay in one room to reduce their energy bills. For support, advice or to donate, please click here.

 

 

January 2023 Update

 

Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the charity Independent Age have produced a Winterwise guide full of information on how to:

  • Stay warm – financial support with the rising cost of energy.
  • Stay safe – focusing on home safety advice, including fire safety, how to spot and report scams, and what do to if they fall.
  • Stay well – tips and advice on mental health and well-being, eating well, and keeping active.

Click here to download the digital version.

 

For more support, the National Care Forum has rounded up the following schemes:

  • Energy Price Guarantee

A scheme for households that caps the unit price that domestic consumers pay for gas and electricity. Click here for more information.

  • Energy Bills Support Scheme

This winter households can receive a £400 discount to help with energy bills over winter 2022 to 2023. To find out more information and see if you're eligible, click here.

  • Energy Bills Relief Scheme

Providing energy bill relief for non-domestic customers until 31 March 2023. Click here to find out more.

 

December 2022 Update 

 

B&Q have an energy-saving service with personalised guidance on how you can reduce energy bills and carbon emissions. Click here for more information.

For schemes and grants to reduce your bills, click here.

For a list of food banks in Bury and surrounding areas, click here.

 

November 2022 Update

 

We have created a printable poster to show the hourly cost of common appliances in your home, please click here for this or click here for an Easy Read version.

 

Click here for 45 Christmas MoneySaving tips from MoneySavingExpert.

 

Earlier Updates

 

 

This helpful chart explains how much the appliances in your house cost to run (pricing correct in September 2022). There's also a calculator you can use here to work this out.

 

Blue Light Card Scheme (discount service for the emergency services, NHS, social care sector, and armed forces) - you buy a card that lasts 2 years for £5. This entitles you to all sorts of discounts with a range of companies. 

 

Martin's Money Tips – Martin Lewis provides a regular newsletter with tips and advice on how to save money.

 

Prescriptions – if you have a long-term condition you may be eligible for free prescriptions rather than paying charges. For more details on who is eligible for free prescriptions, click here. If you need a lot of prescriptions but you're not eligible for free prescriptions, you can purchase a three-month or an annual Pre-Payment Certificate (PPC) which will save you money if you need more than 3 prescriptions in 3 months or more than 11 prescriptions in a year.

 

Specialist shoes – where someone requires wide-fit shoes due to a health condition they may be able to buy these VAT free saving them money.

 

Get free, local debt counselling from CAP here or call 0800 328 0006 (calls from a mobile may be cheaper on 01274 760839).

 

Buying supermarket brands can save a lot of money over a year.

 

Some tips for when you're cooking:

  • Batch cook and freeze meals
  • Use a steamer, air fryer, or slow cooker
  • All avoid putting the oven on which can cost more money
  • When boiling potatoes, rice, or pasta – bring to boiling and then turn the heat off and leave the lid on and they will cook in their own heat

 

Lidl Plus Card – Lidl has a rewards app you can download for savings with every shop.

 

Snoop – ties bank accounts together and gives you insights into what you spend your money on and allows you to forecast, etc. Also provides reductions on bills like Sky.