Let's get winter ready - our top tips and advice
As the temperature starts to drop across Manchester, we’re proud to launch our new ‘Let’s get winter ready’ campaign designed to get you the support you need when you need it.
Helping you this winter
We know the winter months can be difficult, having a big impact on our homes and our health, we’re here to do everything we can to support you to get winter ready.
As the temperature starts to drop across Manchester, we’re proud to launch our new ‘Let’s get winter ready’ campaign designed to get you the support you need when you need it. Read our handy guide filled with tips, tricks, advice and more to help you this winter.
Getting support during colder months
Worried about costs this winter? We know some of you might be worried about energy costs when heating your home. If you’re worried about heating your home, there’s action you can take and support available – so don’t struggle alone.
Our top tips
- Speak to our team – they're here to help -If you’re worried about affording your heating or paying your rent this winter and are looking for some guidance, our Financial Inclusion team can support you. The team can support you with a range of queries such as benefits applications, rent payment plans, and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims, and can offer budgeting advice to help you manage your finances. You can contact the team by calling us on 0330 355 1000 and asking to speak to our Financial Inclusion team.
- Change energy supplier - You can speak to your energy supplier and they might be able to switch you to a cheaper tariff. You might be able to find a better energy deal from other suppliers on websites such as Uswitch.com, MoneySupermarket, or Compare the Market.
- Check if you're eligible for Government - The Government has a range of support available to help eligible people during the winter months. Such as the £150 one-off payment from the Warm Home Discount Scheme or a £200 or £300 payment to help pay for your heating bills through the Winter Fuel Payment. You can find out if you are eligible here.
- Check if you could receive financial support from Manchester City Council - The council has funding available to support people not eligible for Government funding like the Winter Fuel Payment. You can find out more and apply for funding on their website here
- Get personalised support from a HEAT mentor - HEAT is a free service to support households struggling with energy prices. A mentor will help you with free advice, practical solutions including funding applications to help you manage your energy costs and reduce financial stress. Find out more and arrange a call back here.
- Apply for support through our Thrive Fund - Our Thrive Fund is here to help you, it was set to help customers purchase essential items you might be struggling to afford like furniture, kitchen appliances, and white goods. Find out more and apply here.
- Call the Manchester City Council Cost of Living support line - Manchester City Council has a range of support options available if you’re struggling with the increased cost of living. You can access support from Manchester City Council by calling their freephone line 0800 0232692. Find out more here.
Keeping your home warm
Home starting to get chilly? Check out our cheap and easy ways to make the most of your heating, save money and keep your home warm.
- Try to keep your home a consistent room temperature - If you’re worried about the cost of heating for advice and support.
- Moving furniture away from your radiators can improve the temperature of your home – your furniture can absorb the heat and prevent it from circulating your room.
- Look out for any drafts around your doors and windows - If you do feel any drafts coming from your doors and windows, get in touch and we can arrange a visit.
- Try to close your interior doors – This will prevent cold air from moving around your house and contain the heat in your house to the areas you’re spending your time.
Damp and mould
We’re taking a proactive approach to improving the condition of our homes and are committed to ensuring you have a healthy home, free from damp, mould and condensation. Damp and mould can be a serious problem in homes, which can cause health issues and property damage. If you’re worried about damp and mould in your home, let us know right away!
How to report it
If you have signs of damp and mould in your home, contact us as soon as possible. Our dedicated Healthy Homes team is here to resolve any cases of damp, mould, and disrepair in your homes and stop it coming back.
To report damp and mould email healthyhomes@onemanchester.co.uk or call our Customer Contact Centre on 0330 355 1000
Come along to our winter social events
This winter, come along to our neighbourhood hubs for our free winter social events. At the events you can enjoy a free hot meal, drink, and a creative activity, as well as a chance to chat with One Manchester colleagues and get support.
Each of our Neighbourhood Hubs will offer the following exciting free activities: Bingo, Macrame, music making and song session with local organisation String of Hearts and make and take home craft sessions.
From money advice, tips on energy saving, tackling and reporting damp and mould, and accessing routine health checks, our colleagues will be there to help you get ready to face the winter!
Check out our upcoming events below.
We’re here for you
We know the winter months can be difficult and we want you to know, we’re here to do everything we can to support you so don’t struggle alone. You can talk to your Neighbourhood Officer at your nearest Neighbourhood Hub if you’ve got a problem or need a chat. You can find out more about our hub drop-in sessions on our Neighbourhood services page.
Any questions or need support? Feel free to call us on 0330 355 1000 or complete our Contact Us form and a member of our team will be in touch.
