Southwark relaunches #HereToHelp cost of living campaign for 23/24
15 November 2023
As we head into winter, the national cost of living crisis continues. Southwark Council is here to help with a range of support for households who find themselves struggling to get by.
Last winter, the council supported more than 30,000 households who were struggling with the cost of living. This just wouldn't have been possible without the borough's voluntary sector, faith leaders and Tenants and Residents Associations (TRAs). The council will be working with them again to make sure all residents who need help know where to go and who to ask.
Southwark’s new Cost of Living Fund for 2023/24
This year the council set up a new Cost of Living Fund for low-income households at risk of hardship. This winter, people can apply directly if they meet certain criteria OR they can be referred by a whole host of community partners; from charities to headteachers to councillors and beyond. If eligible, they receive a £100 post office voucher that can be used for food, energy and essentials.
See if you may be eligible for Southwark Council’s Cost of Living Fund.
Warm Spaces are back
Warm Spaces are returning to Southwark. In the first instance, all of Southwark’s libraries are open to every resident who wants to keep warm, access free Wi-Fi, or have a chat with a friendly member of staff. Many more Warm Spaces run by the voluntary sector and TRAs with support from the council will start to pop up, with further promotion to come.
Encouraging older people to claim pension credit
Organisations from across the borough joined efforts with the council last winter to encourage older people to claim pension credit. Doing so can unlock a range of other benefits, including more money to help with living costs. This winter the council will be writing directly to eligible residents and running an awareness campaign to help promote take up again.
People who are concerned about money and rising costs can also attend the borough’s ongoing cost of living roadshows. These bring together a wide range of services to provide advice and support, including Southwark Council, Citizens Advice Southwark, and Age UK Southwark. The next one will take place on 21 November 2023 at Setchell and Longfield Hall in Bermondsey (Alscot Way, SE1 5XN). There is no need to book, and it is open to all between 10am and 1pm.
Councillor Stephanie Cryan, Cabinet Member for Communities, Democracy and Finance, said: “This winter, just like the last, people from across our community will be joining us in going the extra mile to help our residents who are struggling to get by. Our country might still be in the grip of a cost of living crisis, but in Southwark we will not turn our backs on those who need our help as the government has done time and time again. We are here to help with a range of support and advice, along with our fantastic network of community partners. Together we will pull out all the stops again to ensure no one goes without.”
Page last updated: 15 November 2023
