We want to ensure a comfortable winter for all by offering secure homes, support for physical and mental wellbeing, and preventing financial crises.

How we can help with our support fund

We understand that the winter months are challenging for some. 

With the cost of living and the price of energy still a concern, we appreciate that the winter period can put a strain on some. 

So, it’s important for you to know that Freebridge are here to help. Did you know that we have a Support Fund that you are able to access if you need financial support? 

During the winter plan of 2023-24 we issued £88,974.08 in energy and food vouchers to help our residents - with the majority of vouchers issued for food or energy. We may also be able to support you with phone bills, food shopping, prescription, school uniform and travel costs, while we have a furniture and carpet assistance scheme that you may be eligible to access. 

If you need support, the best thing to do is call us on 0333 240 4444 and speak to our income team. The team can then discuss with you how we can help. 

So, give us a call if you’re in need of support and we’ll help you if we can! 

We have a dedicated Support Fund to help customers who find themselves in financial difficulty. We will work with customers who are referred to us to complete an initial financial assessment, before offering further assistance with vouchers for utility payments, food, or specialist items such as school uniforms.

If you need additional you can self refer to:

Tenancy Support Team [email protected]

or call us on 03332 404 444.

Warm Hubs

With the nights now growing much darker and colder and the challenging winter months approaching, we appreciate the need for a safe and warm space in west Norfolk.

With that in mind, our Discovery Centre in North Lynn will become a Warm Hub from November this year.

By doing this, it means we are opening the doors at Discovery Centre, on Greenpark Avenue, to the local community and offering it to those who need a free, warm, welcoming, and friendly space.

This is an open invitation for you to come in, keep warm, connect with others, and make new connections in the community.

We have registered The Centre with Warm Welcome, whose idea is that ‘everyone has somewhere warm and friendly to go, so no one is ever left to get through winter alone’.

That’s a message we can fully get behind at Freebridge and we’re delighted to be able to get involved in the nationwide initiative.

The Centre will be available for you to use as a Warm Hub, including planned activities between 10am- Noon on every Thursday from November, all the way through to March 28th (2025).

If the Discovery Centre is a little out of your way, but you are in need of this support, you can always visit Warm Welcome and find a space near you by simply inputting your postcode.

Here are some of the other ways we're helping our customers this winter:

Safety

Urgent Damp & Mould Issues: We respond to serious damp or mould concerns within one working day.

Emergency Repairs: Have an emergency repair in your home? We’re there within one working day.

Heating/Hot Water Loss: Swift responses to ensure your home stays warm.Increased Estates Team Presence: More on-site support at our sheltered schemes.

Health

Winter Energy Grants: If your home is less thermally efficient, we offer energy grants to help you stay warm.

Support Fund: Struggling with energy or food costs? Our Support Fund is here to help.

Essential Food Parcels & Winter Warm Packs: Available for those in need of extra assistance.

Partner Collaborations: Working with trusted partner agencies to provide broader support.

Housing

Homes for Priority Need: Prioritising homes for homeless or priority need households.

Housing Advice: Access to housing advice and out-of-hours support for any urgent concerns

Wellbeing

Warm Hubs: Stay warm and social at our Warm Hubs at the Discovery Centre, North Lynn.

Adult Social Sessions: Join us for social sessions at the Discovery Centre to stay connected.

Combat Loneliness: Activities designed to bring the community together and combat isolation.

Online Support: Follow us on social media for advice, guidance, and wider service updates.

Prioritising Wellbeing: We place social, mental, and financial well-being at the heart of our services.

Outreach to Less Vocal Customers: We’re reaching out directly to those who may not voice their needs.

Wellbeing Calls: Regular calls to over 75s who live outside our sheltered schemes to ensure they’re well.

Need Assistance

Our winter support plan will run from 1st November to the end of February

For more information or to access these services, contact us today. Let’s get through this winter together - safely, warmly, and with the support you deserve.

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