Controlling your energy costs can be a challenge, especially during cold weather, and as such there are a number of ways you can help reduce the energy costs in your home.
Switching Energy Providers:
To find out how to take part in one of Colchester's Big Community Switch Auctions simply follow the link or call the 24 hour automated information line 01206 507555.
Local charity Enform provides energy switching advice for older, frail or disabled residents that can't take part online. These residents can call 01206 367776.
Stay Warm and Well This Winter:
Find out about the Council's Warm Homes Project including information about the Emergency Heater Scheme.
Read up about Saving Energy at Home
Get more information about Council Home Security Grants, Repair Loans and Empty Property Loans
Helpline Plus offers personal monitoring and response 24/7 for complete reassurance at the touch of a button, visit the Helpline Plus website or call 01206 769779 for further information or a free demonstration.
The Council provides a welcome social hub for older people at the Lion Walk Activity Centre, call 01206 282578 or email lionwalkactivitycentre@colchester.gov.uk for more information.
Find out about sheltered housing schemes for older residents by visiting the Older Persons Services webpage or contacting the Sheltered Housing Team on 01206 282508 or 01206 282511.
Colchester Community Voluntary Services (CCVS) can help you to become more connected with your local community, visit their My Social Prescription and Community Transport Service pages or call 01206 505250 for more details.
The Live Well Essex Campaign focuses on helping you stay happy and healthy, and provides information about the costs of care, and health support in Essex.
You can call 105 to report or get information about power cuts in your local area, it's free of charge and will put you through to your local network operator who can give you help and advice.
Become a UK Power Networks Priority Customer. It doesn't matter which energy company you are with and ensures that vulnerable people are not left without heat or light in the case of a power cut. Anyone that meets the criteria can be added free of charge by registering today.
WINTER RESILIENCE ROADSHOWS
Drop in for an informal chat and gain a wealth of useful information on keeping warm this winter. Talk to your local Zone Wardens and Fire Service on support they can offer. Other agencies that will be at some of the roadshows include: Age Concern, Community Agents, CBC - Health & Housing, Helpline, Provide - Health advice/checks & More!
Visit the Colchester Community Voluntary Services (CCVS) website or call 01206 505250 for further information.
January - Winter Resilience Roadshow: Monday 15th January 2018 2:00pm - 4:00pm: Location : Abbots Activity Centre, 39 Ladbrooke Drive, Colchester, CO2 8RW.
February - Winter Resilience Roadshow: Thursday 15th February 2018 10:00am - 12:00pm. Location: Forrest Road Meeting Hall, Forest Road, Colchester, CO4 3XG.
WINTER RESILIENCE BURSARIES
Winter Resilience in Colchester is a partnership of local voluntary, community and statutory organisations, facilitated by One Colchester. It has come together to ensure that residents keep safe, warm and well over the winter months. Community360, are running four Winter Warmth Roadshows in some of the most deprived areas of Colchester, with a wide range of organisations giving advice. As part of Winter Resilience we are also recruiting volunteers for local projects over the winter period.
Community360, supported by Essex County Council is issuing bursaries to enable community groups to take part in Winter resilience initiatives to help the community. If you would like to apply for up to £100 bursary funding, on behalf of your organisation please complete this form. .