The winter months can bring challenges, especially with the ongoing cost of living pressures. We are here to help you access the financial, practical, and emotional support available from us, your local council, and community partners across the North West.

You do not have to struggle alone. Please read through the topics below and contact our dedicated team if you need guidance or a referral to specialist advice.

• Christmas savings and budgeting

  Christmas shouldn’t mean starting the new year in debt. A bit of planning can make a big difference.

  • Set a realistic budget – Before you start buying, decide on a total amount you can genuinely afford for gifts, food, and activities. Remember to keep up with your priority bills (like your rent) first.

  • Be smart with gifts – Consider alternatives like a Secret Santa within your family or friend group to limit the number of presents you need to buy. Homemade gifts or a focus on experiences rather than expensive items are great low-cost options.

  • Avoid high-interest loans – Be cautious of borrowing money at high interest rates for Christmas. If you need financial advice, please speak to our team before taking out a loan. We can explore safer options with you, please contact us by emailing enquiries@ovh.org.uk or calling 0300 365 1111.

  External tools and advice 

  • MoneyHelper Budget Planner – Use this free, government-backed tool to clearly see your income and outgoings and help you plan specifically for the extra Christmas costs.

  • StepChange Debt Charity – Offers fantastic guides on managing money during the festive season, including top tips for cutting costs and avoiding borrowing.

• Gas, electric and water bills

  If you are worried about keeping warm or paying your utility bills, you should contact your supplier as they may be able to help with debt and manageable repayment plans.

  You could also be eligible to get help through:

  • Citizens Advice’s emergency top up vouchers for prepayment meters
  • The Government’s:
    • Warm Home Discount Scheme
    • Cold Weather Payment
    • Winter Fuel Payment

  You can also get advice from:

  • National Energy Action, available Monday to Friday on 0800 304 7159 between 10am and 2.30pm.
  • Energy Advice Freephone Line, available Monday to Friday on 0800 043 0151 between 9am and 5pm.
• Winter fuel payment

  If you were born  before 22nd September 1959 , you can get between £100 and £300 to help with your heating bills. This is usually paid automatically. More information can be found here. 

• The cost of food

  If you are worried about the cost of food, we may be able to help with vouchers for food clubs and pantries. For more information, please contact us by emailing enquiries@ovh.org.uk or calling 0300 365 1111 and ask to speak to our Financial Inclusion Team.

  To find a food bank near you;

  • Visit our local support services section below
  • Visit the The Trussel Trust’s website 

  To find your local food club;

  • Visit Feeding Liverpool’s website

  Your children may also be eligible for free school meals. Please visit the Government’s website to see eligibility criteria.

• Finding a place to keep warm

  If you are worried about keeping warm this winter, please see below local support services available.

  Sefton

  • Sefton Council’s list of warm places
  • Sefton Council’s list of wellbeing hubs
  • Sefton CVS’ map of warm spaces
  • Warm Welcome’s map of warm welcome spaces

  Liverpool

  • visit a local library
  • visit a free museum or gallery
  • find a Warm Welcome space

  Wirral

  • visit a local library
  • search for a location on the Wirral InfoBank
  • visit the Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight
  • find a Warm Welcome space

  St Helens

  • visit a local library
  • find a Warm Welcome space

  Cheshire East

  • visit a local library, gallery or museum
  • find a Warm Welcome space

  Cheshire West

  • visit a local library
  • visit a local gallery or museum
  • find a Warm Welcome space

  Knowsley

  • visit a local library
  • find a Warm Welcome space

  Chorley

  • visit a local library
  • find a Warm Welcome space
• Help with the cost-of-living

  There’s a range of financial help you might be entitled to that can significantly cut down your winter expenses.

  • Warm Home Discount Scheme

    • This is a one-off discount applied directly to your electricity bill (or sometimes your gas bill). You might qualify automatically if you receive certain benefits. Check with your energy supplier to see if you are eligible and how to apply.

  • Cold weather payment

    • If the temperature drops below zero for seven consecutive days, you could automatically receive a £25 payment. This goes to people claiming specific benefits. You don’t usually need to apply. More information can be found here.

  • Dealing with debt

    • Our Financial Inclusion Team offers free, confidential help. We can review your energy tariff, help you deal with any accumulated debt, and ensure you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to. Please contact us by emailing enquiries@ovh.org.uk or calling 0300 365 1111.

• Budget friendly recipes

  Eating well doesn’t have to be expensive. By planning your meals, using cheaper ingredients, and reducing food waste, you can save money and still cook delicious, nourishing food.

  • Batch cooking – Cook larger amounts of cheap, staple meals like stews, curries, or Bolognese, and freeze portions. This saves on energy and means you have ready-made meals on busy days.

  • Utilise your cupboard – Pulses (like lentils, kidney beans, and chickpeas) and tinned vegetables are incredibly cheap, filling, and packed with nutrients. They can form the base of many great meals.

  • Use cheaper cuts – Cheaper cuts of meat like chicken thighs or mince are perfect for slow-cooking or traybakes.

  Check out these great websites that focus on affordable and healthy meals:

  • NHS Healthier Families: Features a huge collection of easy, step-by-step recipes for dinner, lunchboxes, and snacks that are designed to be affordable.

  • BBC Good Food: They have specific collections dedicated to budget friendly and cheaper family recipes, with lots of batch-cooking ideas.

  • Jamie Oliver’s Budget Recipes: The celebrity chef has many collections focused on using everyday ingredients for maximum flavour without the big cost.

• Free school meals

  Need help with school meals? Your child may be eligible for free school meals.

  • How to apply – The application process is managed by your local council or, in some cases, directly by your child’s school. It’s best to check with the school first for guidance on how to apply in your area.

  • Once awarded, the school is automatically notified, and your child will be added to the eligibility list.

  New eligibility in 2026

  The government has announced that eligibility for free school meals is expanding from September 2026 to include more children in families receiving Universal Credit.

  More information can be found here. 

• Home safety and efficiency

  Small actions can help keep your home warm and your bills down.

  • Damp, mould and condensation – If you are worried about damp, condensation, or mould in your home, please report a repair to us immediately. Don’t let these issues get worse during the winter.

  • Stop pipes freezing – Keep your heating on a low setting or on a timer when it’s very cold to stop pipes from freezing and bursting. Make sure you know where your main stop tap is in case of an emergency. More information can be found here. 

  • Simple energy saving – Close your curtains and blinds as soon as it gets dark to trap the heat inside. Keep furniture away from radiators so the heat can circulate properly.

If you are struggling and need help or advice, please know that you’re not alone. We’re here to listen and help you find the support you need.

• Call us on 0300 365 1111 – Please ask for the Financial Inclusion Team for confidential money and budgeting advice.

• Email us at enquiries@ovh.org.uk.