Winter help, resources, and support from Places for People

Women Leans Against Radiator To Keep Warm

Originally published on 21 November 2023. Updated with new information and republished on 12 December 2024.

At Places for People, we understand that winter can be a difficult time for many of our Customers. As the UK's leading Social Enterprise, it's our responsibility to provide many forms of winter help to support you through this tough time. Whether you're struggling to keep your home warm, or the rising cost of living is forcing you to make difficult decisions about food – we're here to help you this winter. 

We're also aware that, as a Customer, you might not know all the support from Places for People available to you. So, to help, we've created this handy guide.

Jump to:

Condensation, damp, and mould support
Warm spaces
Energy advice
Financial support
Food banks
Community projects

Condensation, damp, and mould support 

Window With Condensation

Damp and mould are issues that many people face within their homes, and they can be particularly prevalent during the colder seasons. However, many people don’t realise that the condensation they produce in their home from cooking, showering, or even breathing can contribute to the issue. 

To combat this, we’ve created a range of content to help  educate you on the slight changes they can make to reduce the chance of damp and mould while also signposting them to the resources available if they find it present in their home. 

Customers living in Places for People rented homes should have already received the updated Condensation, Damp, and Mould Leaflet. It’s full of handy tips and tricks to keep condensation low and resources for dampness or mould in your home. 

Alternatively, if you prefer digital content, we’ve created a range of helpful how-to guides and blogs like the ones listed below. You can also find more information on the Winter Toolkit page.  

Warm spaces 

A warm space in a designated area within our public building, like a library or leisure centre, that offers a free heated space during the day. 

Following last year’s demand for warm spaces, we’ve decided to continue offering the service in several of our Communities. You can find your local warm space through Warm Welcome’s website. 

Energy advice 

Women In Jumper Reads Utility Bill

From keeping your radiators warm to limiting the number of times you boil the kettle; we understand that many of our Customers are changing how they use their homes to prevent large energy bills. However, you don’t need to struggle on your own.  

We’re offering a range of energy advice (like our energy myth-busting guide), financial support, and resource signposting for those who may be struggling with their energy bills this winter. 

You can find more information on the support available here, or call our Customer Contact Centre on 01772 667002.   

Financial support 

We understand that keeping on top of your finances can be difficult in this trying time, but you’re not alone.  

We can offer advice and information to you if you need help managing your money and sustaining your tenancy. Our team can support you with benefit claims, maximise available income, manage a household budget, and signpost to other support services. 

Check what benefits you may be eligible for and how much you could claim using our Better Off Calculator.

Food banks

Cardboard Box Containing Essential Food Items

Keeping a warm meal on the table is a tougher challenge than ever. With more of us having to decide between food and heating, there’s never been such demand for food support. With that in mind, we’ve partnered with various food banks and organisations to offer local food support in your area. 

You can also search for your nearest food bank on The Trussell Trust’s website.  

Please get in touch if the foodbank near you needs a referral or if you can’t find help in your area. You can contact our Customer Contact Centre on 01772 667002.

Community projects

Group Of Young Women Sit In Circle

We understand that our Customers' current social and economic issues are often down to a combination of factors rather than a single cause. That's why we provide a range of Community projects to tackle various issues. 

From Community centres to food banks, we’ve developed a range of Community projects to combat the current cost of living crisis. While our employment support, digital training, and well-being programmes are designed to put you in the best mental and financial position possible. 

Find a Community project near you