Support available in Greenwich this Winter
There is lots of support available in Greenwich this winter including:
Household Support Grant
Vital financial support will be available for eligible families across Royal Greenwich this winter, as the Royal Borough of Greenwich steps up to help those who are struggling. Using money from the Government’s Household Support Grant, we will be supporting a number of schemes throughout December, until March, to ensure our residents stay warm, well and safe.
Stay warm
It's important to keep yourself and your home warm in winter. Cold weather can cause health problems such as breathing problems, strokes or heart attacks. Being able to afford to heat your home in winter can be a real worry, but there's help available. The Royal Borough of Greenwich is providing extra services and support for residents who may be at risk during the cold weather. Residents who are over 60, caring for a young or vulnerable person or having problems paying their winter fuel bills could be eligible for support from Stay Warm Stay Safe.
https://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/staywarm
Look after your mental wellbeing
Winter can be a difficult time for lots of us. The cold weather and dark evenings can take their toll, and, whether or not it's part of your life, Christmas can bring up some tricky feelings and affect your mental health. But there are things we can all do to look after ourselves and loved ones. It's okay to ask for help, and lots of support is available.
https://livewellgreenwich.org.uk/lookafteryou/
For young people’s mental health: https://livewellgreenwich.org.uk/young-people/
Look after your body
Moving more is easier than you think. It can be easy to fall out of the routine of keeping active as the weather gets colder, but if you build it into your daily routine, you'll be moving more without even realising! Although some may still feel anxious about going outside, going for a short walk in the fresh air can make both your body and mind feel good.
https://greenwichgetactive.com/
Eating well for less
If the cost of food is putting you off eating well, here are 20 top tips on: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/20-tips-to-eat-well-for-less/
If you're struggling to afford to eat, call Live Well Greenwich on 0800 470 4831 to speak to a friendly advisor today. They will be able to organise support either through the https://greenwich.foodbank.org.uk/get-help/, a food club or to access the Emergency Support Scheme.
For updates around food, and support and advice to eat well, visit https://www.goodfoodingreenwich.org/
Holiday meals
During school holidays, Royal Borough of Greenwich provides food at a range of locations across the borough.
Holiday Food and Fun
This winter, we're funding free holiday club spaces for eligible children and young people. If your child is aged between 4 and 16, and receives or is eligible for free school meals, they can claim a spot at one of our participating clubs. Every club will provide a filling meal each day too, so parents and carers don’t have to worry about what to do with the little ones.
All programmes will have places for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
https://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/holidayfoodandfun
Support for children and young people
Young Greenwich
Young Greenwich offers local children and young people between 8 and 19 (up to 25 for people with SEND), the opportunity to attend youth hubs and take part in free or affordable activities, trips and classes in a fun, safe and welcoming environment outside of school.
https://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/info/200235/youth_support/2257/young_greenwich
Children's Centres
Children’s Centres offer Mums, Dads children and families help and advice, family support and parental outreach and children and family health services.
https://livewellgreenwich.org.uk/livingwell/childrens-centres/
Families Information Service and Local Offer
The Families Information Service offers help and advice on a range of issues that affect you and your family. You can also find information, advice and a range of support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) on our Local Offer.
https://www.greenwichcommunitydirectory.org.uk/kb5/greenwich/directory/home.page
Bexley’s Winter Holiday Activities and Food Programme
As part of the government’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme, Bexley is providing enjoyable activities and healthy food to school-age children and young people from Reception to Year 11.
Between Wednesday 20 December and Friday 5 January, Bexley’s Winter HAF Programme will offer children and young people lots of exciting ways to keep active, being creative and trying something new during the winter holidays. The programme will include a variety of fun activities, including sports, food-making activities, arts and crafts, computer coding, confidence-building sessions and CV writing, and other exciting opportunities to learn and develop new skills, alongside a nutritious meal each day.
Places are funded for those who receive benefits-related Free School Meals (FSM) and attend a school in Bexley. Paid for places are also available for those not eligible for the funded places.
https://www.bexley.gov.uk/news/bexleys-winter-holiday-activities-and-food-programme
The Money Saving Expert website has lots of tips and advice around money, including cards and loans, household bills, mortgages, insurance, budgeting and savings. You can also sign up for the free weekly email which contains lots of money tips. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/
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