Money Advice
We know that times are hard right now, so with each edition of Here to Help, we’re sharing some helpful resources that could save you some money at home.
Support from Stonewater
We recently wrote to all customers to remind everyone about the support that we offer in case you need it.
We’ve updated our guide on how we can help you either directly from us or through our Circles of Support charity partners. You can have a look at this, as well as some FAQs as to why we’ve put your rent up, just here.
Energy bill support
Most households in England have been getting the £400 discount on their energy bills, but if you haven't had yours yet, then here's where you can apply for it:
MyRewards
As a Stonewater customer, you can get discounts and cashback with top retailers to help you save money while you shop. All you need to do to start saving is log in or sign up to MyHome, and you'll automatically be given access to the platform.
If you're new to MyHome, it might take a few days before you can access it.
Trolley.co.uk
Other than energy, perhaps the biggest area where we’ve felt the pinch is at the supermarket. So you can get the best prices for your groceries, you can try this handy website, which is also an app, to compare food prices. All you need to do is search for your items and the app will tell you where you can find them for the best price and give you an idea of your total spend. It will even let you set up notifications for items to let you know when the price drops and take a look at the latest deals.
Citizen’s Advice
The Citizen’s Advice website is packed full of information about what you can do if you’re worried about the cost of living crisis. There’s also lots of support for a huge range of subjects such as debt, legal, benefits, employment and much more.
Energy hub
If you’ve not looked at it yet, our Energy Hub has some useful tips and advice on how you could save money on your bills.
Help for Households
The Government has set up its Help for Households website, which can help you to understand more about what support is available to you as well as some more advice about saving money at home on things like energy, transport and childcare.
Circles of Support
In March we held our latest Live and Direct event which focussed on the work of some of our charity partners. Take a look here:
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Transport tips
Buses
The Government has extended the £2 fare cap. This means the £2 cap for single fares will stay in place until June for participating bus companies. Find out more about how you can benefit here.
Most councils have bus timetables and information on routes on their website. Some even have a journey planner to help you plan your journey.
Certain councils offer concessionary rates for older people and disabled people. You can also apply for an older persons bus pass once you reach state pension age via the government’s website. You can also find out if you’re eligible for a disabled persons bus pass.
Cycling
Many councils offer free or discounted lessons for adults and children to learn how to ride a bike, with some councils even offer maintenance training. You’ll be able to find out more through your local council.
Your local authority may also provide information and maps of local cycling routes.
If you’re employed, you may be able to access a bike tax-free through the cycle to work scheme.
Accessible Transport
Many councils offer information and support designed about accessible travel. This may include information on accessible taxis or voluntary transport to medical appointments. To find out what’s available in your area, you can check with your local council.
If you’re wanting to know more about accessible travel, including your rights, you can read scopes transport advice.
Cars
If you drive an electric car, your local council may have information on charging points in your area. Zap Map is another handy resource for finding local charging points, and they also have a free app available to download on Apple and Android devices.
Local authorities also hold information on local car sharing schemes. These are a great way to get around whilst reducing traffic and emissions.
Of course, you can set up your own car sharing group with neighbors and people in your community.
Career and employment support
We know that taking steps into employment can be daunting, especially when you don’t know where to start. That’s why we have a dedicated team to help, advice and support customers into work and volunteering.
If you’re new to work, looking for a career change, want to enhance your skills or have some spare time and are looking to volunteer somewhere locally, we can help.
We work closely with other organisations and charities to make sure we are getting you the help you need, as well as being able to share opportunities they have.
Our dedicated page on the Customer hubb has everything you need to know, from self-help guides to contact details if you’d like additional support.
Need a helping hand?
On Hand is a network of fully vetted and verified volunteers that can help you with everyday tasks if you need some help.
Whether you're struggling to get out or just don't have the time, On Hand can put you in touch with someone in your community that wants to help. Here's what they can do for you:
- Grocery shopping
- Medication collection
- Dog walking
- Gardening
- Tech support
- Companionship calls
- Welfare checks
- Errands
If you think this service could be useful, give us a shout and we'll talk you through it.