Helping to keep you warm this winter

Support is on offer for people who need help with their heating bills throughout the winter

Blackburn with Darwen Council has recently received a government grant – the Covid Winter Grant Scheme – to support families and children and other vulnerable adults through the winter period to access food, support with utility bills and other essentials to help keep people warm and fed.

The programme will run until 31st March and is primarily for families with children under 19 as of 31st March 2021 who may not meet the threshold for benefits but have been affected directly by the pandemic through job losses, furlough, taking time off work unpaid to care for children who are isolating etc, and for those who are eligible for free school meals, healthy start vouchers, young people not in education or training. Some support for other vulnerable adults is also available where appropriate.

Support with utility bills – we have three local organisations supporting residents who may be struggling to pay fuel and water bills over winter. United Utilities is also partnering with us to help the most vulnerable with their water bills.

Support with essential items – support is available to replace broken washers, cookers, fridges and freezers, for boiler servicing and repairs and where families are struggling to afford essential toiletries, sanitary products, warm clothing and blankets.

The Council is working with Blackburn Foodbank, Darwen Food Larder, Care Network, BwD Healthy Living, Rummage Rescuers, Jubilee Tower Credit Union, United Utilities, Community Business Partners, Community Centres in BwD, Youth Action, Benefit Mankind, South East Blackburn Community Food Club and THOMAS. 

The winter wind is chilly and the temperatures freezing. Thanks to generous donations, the Rummage Rescuers Warehouse on Canterbury Street Blackburn were there to help. The team arranged collections and deliveries of warm clothes and bedding in Blackburn and Darwen areas during lockdown.

Working with local partners, Rummage Rescuers help with efforts to provide support to families, young people and the wider community. Blackburn Youth Zone collected a delivery of warm clothes donated by Boo Hoo in Burnley. Massive thanks to both organisations for their support for all those struggling to stay warm. 

People can self-refer by telephoning the Help Hub on (01254) 588111 between 9am – 5pm or anytime via the online form if you prefer.