Household Support Fund
Age UK Somerset is a partner in the 'Household Support Fund' programme
The Household Support Fund programme is funded by Somerset Council, who is working alongside partners across education and the VCFSE sector, including Age UK Somerset, to deliver essential support to families and residents who are struggling during the cost of living crisis.
Read more about the Household Support Fund on the Somerset Council's website
If you are worried about your finances we can help.
Contact our Information and Advice team who can discuss with you any options around claiming benefits or getting help with your finances.
Surviving Winter Grants
Once again this year, our Information and Advice Team will be working in partnership with the Somerset Community Foundation to distribute Surviving Winter Grants across the county.
We are able to offer grants of up to £300 per household to older people who may be struggling to keep warm and well during the colder months.
To be eligible, individuals should meet the following criteria:
- Be a resident of Somerset (excluding BANES and North Somerset)
- Be aged over 60
- Be likely to struggle to maintain a reasonable standard of living this winter
- Be eligible for Pension Credit (even if not currently claiming it)
- Have any health conditions
- Live in a hard-to-heat home
Our Information and Advice Officers hold the application forms and can send these to anyone who meets the criteria.
If you know someone who could benefit from this support please do get in touch with the team - we’d be very happy to help.
More information about Surviving Winter Grants from Somerset Community Foundation
If you are feeling lonely, or you have no one to talk to, we can help.
Our Wellbeing service is all about companionship and once you are registered you will be matched with a volunteer who will make a regular call for a friendly chat.
If you want to keep active with the benefit of meeting new people, we can help.
Every week we run 80 exercise and activity sessions across Somerset and North Somerset. Not only are these a great way to maintain your level of fitness but you'll find every group is very friendly and sociable. We even offer some sessions online so you can take part from the comfort of your own home.
Contact our Ageing Well team who will help you to find the perfect session to suit you.
Tailored help with the issues affecting your daily life
Chat and Map is a free service which offers a one-stop-shop approach to solving a wide variety of issues which may be affecting the quality of life of an older person.
The service treats everyone as individuals and involves a member of staff making a home visit. Through a friendly chat they'll ask what issues might be affecting daily life of the client. This could range from struggling with rising bills, feeling isolated and lonely, or having trouble coping in their homes.
Whatever the issues we will work our hardest to find the solutions. These may be provided through connecting the client with other services provided by Age UK Somerset, or referrals can be made to services provided elsewhere.
The other partners in the Household Support Fund Programme
There are other organisations who may be able to offer help via the Somerset Household Support fund.
Learn more about the other partners