10 charities and schemes offering cost of living help this winter

When the temperature drops and bills rise, it can feel like you’re fighting a losing battle. Many families are cutting back on heating, skipping meals, or worrying about how to afford warm clothes for their children.

The good news is that you’re not alone, and there’s help out there.

Across the UK, charities, community groups and national schemes are offering real support to people who are finding it tough this winter, from emergency food and clothing to help with energy bills and household costs.

Here are 10 that can make a genuine difference.

Family and community charities offering practical help

Family Action provides small grants to help with essentials like school uniforms, clothing and household costs.

Applications are usually made through a professional such as a teacher, health visitor or support worker, so it’s worth asking someone you already have contact with if they can help make a referral.

The Trussell Trust runs more than 1,300 food banks across the UK. If you’re struggling to afford food, you can get a voucher from Citizens Advice, your GP, or a local support service.

Once referred, you’ll be given food parcels to last several days and can often get advice on bills and benefits too. Many Trussell Trust centres now offer energy top-up vouchers and signpost people to extra support.

The Salvation Army provides practical help in communities across the UK. Local branches often give out food parcels, clothing, toys and sometimes even vouchers for fuel or electricity.

During the winter months, they run coat appeals and Christmas gift collections to help struggling families through the hardest part of the year.

Where to find financial and energy support

Turn2us helps people find local grants and hardship funds that often go unnoticed. Its online benefits calculator and grant search tools are free to use and can show you what help you’re entitled to in minutes.

Many families use Turn2us to find help with rent arrears, fuel debt, or one-off emergencies.

Citizens Advice is another key source of help, especially if you’re behind on bills or unsure what support you can claim.

Advisors can contact energy suppliers on your behalf, help you apply for the Warm Home Discount, or check whether your council’s Household Support Fund can help cover essential costs.

The British Gas Energy Trust gives grants to households in energy debt, even if you’re not a British Gas customer.

If your bills have spiralled and you’re unable to pay, the fund can help clear some or all of the arrears so you can start fresh. Applications are online, and you’ll need to show proof of income and recent bills.

Local councils’ Household Support Funds are another key form of help. Every council in England has been given money by the government to support residents in need.

The funds are used for food, clothing, white goods and energy costs. Each area runs its scheme differently, so check your council’s website for details or call their helpline to ask how to apply.

Free warm spaces and meals across the UK

Warm Welcome Spaces have sprung up all over the country. These are community centres, libraries, churches and cafes offering a safe, warm space for people to come in, have a cuppa and connect with others.

Many also run free lunch clubs, coat swaps and advice sessions.

Age UK offers vital support for older people who might be struggling to stay warm.

They provide information on claiming Pension Credit, Winter Fuel Payments and cold weather grants, as well as practical help like free home energy checks and advice on cutting heating costs safely.

FoodCycle offers free hot meals in hundreds of towns and cities. There’s no need for a referral, just turn up, enjoy a freshly cooked meal and meet friendly people.

It’s a great option if you’re skipping meals to save money or need some company in a warm, welcoming space.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

If you’re struggling this winter, it’s okay to ask for help.

These charities exist because times are hard for millions of people, and nobody should feel embarrassed about reaching out.