If you need help and support this Winter, there are a wide range of local services that are there to help you if you need them. From food support to money advice, and staying connected, help is at hand in your neighbourhood.

Please click the link below to view more information:

Hulme Winter Support

Benefits and rent, debts or bills, food or staying warm, please ring MCC’s Cost of Living advice line on freephone 0800 023 2692 Monday to Friday, 9am–4.30pm

More information is also available at manchester.gov.uk/coladvice or text: 07860 022 876.

Extra money you may be entitled to

Check if you are eligible for Pension Credit by calling charity Independent Age for free on 0800 319 6789 Monday to Friday, 8,30am–5.30pm, or visit independentage.org.

Pension Credit is a very important benefit because it gives access to other benefits, such as social tariffs, the Warm House Discount, cheaper broadband, free TV licences, lower water bills, and now the Winter Fuel Payment. You need to apply for Pension Credit by 21 December.

Extra support for pensioners

MCC has identified pensioners who receive Council Tax Support or Housing Benefit but have not qualified for Winter Fuel Payment. These pensioners will automatically receive direct payments of £150 or £200 if aged 80 or over. You don’t need to do anything – payments go straight into the bank account that MCC has details of, or will be paid in Post Office vouchers.

Hardship Fund

MCC has created a new Hardship Fund for pensioners in need who will not receive the Winter Fuel Payment and don’t get the automatic payment mentioned above.

Under this scheme those people aged 66–79 may be eligible for £150 payments and those aged 80 or over may be entitled to £200.

Referrals will be made through MCC’s Cost of Living advice line by calling 0800 023 2692. This line is open Monday to Friday, 9am–4.30pm, or visit manchester.gov.uk/coladvice

Applications to the Hardship Fund can be made from Monday 18 November 2024.

There are also £100 automatic payments for households in receipt of Council Tax Support where at least one person receives disability benefits.

Free vaccinations for people aged 65 and over

This year there are three main breathing conditions that can make people seriously ill. Details of vaccinations for pensioners are as follows:

Flu – age 65 plus. Available now. Make an appointment when you are contacted by your GP practice or ask your local pharmacy. Or visit manchester.gov.uk/getmyjab

Covid – age 65 plus. Available now. Call 0161 947 0770/0800 092 4020 to make an appointment, or visit manchester.gov.uk/getmyjab

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – age 75–79. Please wait for your GP to contact you about this.

Where to get urgent care

NHS 111 provides urgent care, support, and advice for people of all ages.

Depending on your symptoms, NHS 111 can:

·                     Book you an evening or weekend (out-of-hours) GP appointment

·                     Book you a callback from a nurse

·                     Refer you to other urgent care and specialist services

·                     Provide advice to look after yourself at home.

Contact them by ringing 111

If you have any questions after reading this letter, please don’t wait – MCC will want to help you, and if you aren’t sure who to speak to, ring their Cost of Living advice line on freephone 0800 023 2692 Monday to Friday, 9am–4.30pm.

More information is also available at www.manchester.gov.uk/coladvice. Or text 0786 002 2876.

Please click the link below to view more information on the WalkSafe Manchester App: 

WalkSafe Manchester

Please click the link below to view the top tips for saving money on your energy bills: 

HEAT TOP TIPS

Please click the link below to view the full details: 

Manchester Message 2024

Please click the link below to view the full details: 

United Utilities Affordability Scheme 2023-2024

Please click the link below to find our handy tips for saving energy: 

Saving energy

Please click the link below to see how you can use fire prevention to stay safe in your home:

Stay Fire Safe - Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service

Please click the link below to find out more information from Money Helper- the free and impartial help with money: 

Money Helper

We operate an established and well-respected Community Support Service operating across Manchester, working with vulnerable people who have a range of needs.

The association also owns and manages in the region of 300 properties of various sizes in Hulme and its tenants are encouraged to get actively involved in making decisions about the future of People First and their homes by becoming Board members or helping with policy reviews.

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