This article will outline all available support schemes across North Wales.

With the cost of living and energy prices at an all-time high, millions are wondering how they will pay their bills and put food on the table. Skyrocketing energy prices across the UK have left people worried they may be unable to pay their energy bills.

People are worried they won’t be able to put food on the table. 

There are many schemes available for people of all backgrounds. The following schemes are accessible across Wales:

What do these schemes entail?

LA Flex- LA Flex is an additional route to apply for ECO funding. It enables households to access funding through the local authority. It’s the same scheme, but the application process is different. It is essential to know that every local authority will have its version of the statement of intent, which provides access to the eligibility checker.

Warm Wales- Warm wales could provide gas grants for those in Wales who are struggling to heat their home. Their mission is to ensure no one lives in an unsafe and cold home. Warm wales can provide support to assist homeowners in reducing their energy bills, support those affected by fuel poverty, and assist in applying for schemes.

NEST Wales- The Nest scheme provides free advice and, if eligible, free home energy efficiency improvements like a new boiler, central heating system, insulation, or solar panels. This scheme could save your energy expenses and improve your health.

Household support fund- The Government provides the Household Support Fund (HSF), which BCP Council handles. It gives short-term financial assistance to needy households unable to afford necessary home items. You must be eligible to apply for or get access to this fund.

Help for Households- The government has over 40 different schemes available for millions on benefits. Each scheme is different and can provide cash or alternative grants to people struggling with the cost of living. Only eligible people will receive payments, such as those on means-tested benefits. Each scheme will have different entitlements with it.

E.on Energy fund- An E.on energy fund has become available to assist the most vulnerable previous or existing E.on energy customers. The fund is designed to assist with paying energy bill arrears for customers in England, Wales, and Scotland.

Fuel Voucher scheme- The Welsh Government’s fuel voucher program aims to provide emergency assistance to households unable to pay in advance for their energy. Customers with prepayment meters will receive top-up coupons. And a new crisis service will be launched for houses that are off the gas grid and cannot afford to purchase gas bottles. If you require emergency electricity or gas, you may receive a top-up code via text, letter, or email.

Unpaid carer financial support scheme- This payment is offered to appreciate people’s heightened financial challenges due to the pandemic. And to assist with additional expenses, they have encountered. The reimbursement is intended for low-income individuals who provide at least 35 hours per week of caregiving.

Discretionary housing payment-Discretionary housing payments (DHPs) can help pay a deposit or rent in advance for a new house. If you get housing benefits or the housing element of universal credit where you now reside. You can only receive a DHP after your first universal credit payment if you have just applied for universal credit.

Discretionary assistance fund- The discretionary assistance fund is a grant to assist with necessary expenses, such as food, gas, electricity, clothing, and emergency travel. If you are suffering extreme financial trouble or have lost your job.

Welsh government fuel support scheme- The local government will provide eligible households with a one-time payment of £200. The funds will assist with the payment of fuel expenses. This is additional to the winter fuel payment granted by the government.

Heat fund-The Heat Fund primarily promotes biomass (forestry, agriculture, biogas production, and thermal recovery), geothermal energy, heat pumps, and solar thermal energy. The targeted sectors include affordable housing, higher education, agriculture, and industry.

Citizen’s Advice- Citizens Advice is an independent organization in the UK that provides private information and advice to help people with legal, debt, consumer, and housing issues, among others. If you know anyone struggling and may need some help, Citizen’s Advice will be able to assist you in sorting out any problems you may have.

Charis Grants- Charis is a reputable administrator of numerous critical funds and grants on behalf of prominent corporations, local governments, and charities. They can provide an effective solution to any organization requiring the secure distribution of financial aid and support.

British Gas Energy Trust-  British gas energy trust is an independent charity designed to support families and individuals struggling to pay their energy bills across England, Scotland, and Wales. It does not matter what energy company you are with; you could receive assistance through this trust. The British gas fund offers a bounceback checklist, which details the main benefits and schemes individually to help maximize income, whether you are in work or not.

This scheme can also be used to help customers pay arrears. It could help provide white goods for people in need. The greatest needs will be prioritized first, such as the disabled, vulnerable, and elderly.

Fuel bank foundation- Fuel Bank Foundation is the only charity in the UK that focuses on the issues faced by those in fuel poverty. The Fuel Bank Foundation provides emergency financial aid through its partner network. They discover individuals who need help to afford to pay for their fuel or energy in advance. This implies that when their money runs out, they will have no means of cooking or heating. This is known as a “fuel crisis.”

96% of people supported would have had to choose between heating or eating before reaching out.

Food banks in and across Wales- It is essential to know that some food banks (not all) may require a voucher upon arrival. The list of food banks around Wales are:

Warm banks- Community centers, churches, and libraries are being opened and used as ‘warm banks’ across Wales. Plans are currently in place with Anglesey and Gwynedd councils about setting warm banks up around that area. You may find your nearest warm bank by entering your postcode into the warm welcomes search engine.

Warm spaces list Wales- Warmspaces.org can offer a place for people to stay warm, have a paned and a chat, and access the internet if needed. Depending on their area, people may also receive a meal in specific warm spaces. The following places have warm spaces set up:

  • Anglesey, 16 Ffordd Tudur, Holyhead, LL65 2DH
  • Amlwch, 17 Mona Street, LL68 9AN
  • Conwy, St Paul’s Church, Penmaenmawr, Bangor Road, LL34 6LE
  • Llandudno, Lloyd Street, LL30
  • Flintshire, Old Buckley library, Mold Road, Buckley, CH7 2JB
  • Wrexham, The old community cafe, 46 Market Street, Wrexham, LL14 2HY
  • Wrexham, Hope Church Street, LL11 1GB

Homeless shelters- For anyone needing emergency assistance with accommodation this winter:

  • Shelter Cymru 01248671005
  • St Mary’s Hostel 01248 362211
  • The Wallich 01248 725910
  • Conwy housing solutions 0300 124 0050
  • The Olives Colwyn Bay 01492 532 662

Helplines- There are various helplines available across Wales to offer assistance or advice for anyone struggling:

Caernarfon FareShare- A food share scheme has been set up in Caernarfon and a scheme for baby and children’s clothes. This scheme aims to hand out free clothes to those in need and any food they have on offer to give away. Arfon MS praised the Caernarfon community efforts and wants to encourage more acts like this in local communities.