Sheffield Council Urges Residents to Claim Support Amid Winter Challenges

[SheffieldForum]

 

Sheffield City Council is stepping up efforts to support residents facing financial pressures this winter, urging people to ensure they claim all the help they are entitled to. With the rising cost of essentials like energy and food, the Council’s Cost of Living Hub continues to provide vital advice, guidance, and neighbourhood-level support.

 

At a Strategy & Resources Committee meeting on 11 December, the Council approved a study to expand support across the city. Leader of Sheffield City Council, Cllr Tom Hunt, emphasised the importance of reaching those in need, saying:

 

“Winter can be a tough time for many. Help is available, and we urge anyone struggling to contact the Council for advice and financial support.”

 

Key Support Available

 

Residents facing immediate financial crises can access the Community Support Helpline at 0114 273 4567, providing urgent help with food and energy.

 

For broader advice, including dealing with rising fuel costs, the Council website offers resources and information:

 

• Cost of Living Support: sheffield.gov.uk/cost-of-living
• Energy Advice: sheffield.gov.uk/council-housing/central-heating

 

A map of Welcome Places—warm, safe spaces offering additional support—is also available: Sheffield Living CrisisMap.

 

Unclaimed Support in Sheffield

 

An estimated £230 million of support goes unclaimed in Sheffield each year, part of a £22.7 billion national figure. To address this, the Council has worked with Citizens Advice Sheffield on a campaign encouraging Pension Credit take-up. This effort reached over 7,000 low-income households, providing clear information on eligibility and applications.

 

The Council’s Free School Meals Auto Award scheme has also gained national recognition. This initiative has ensured more children receive free school meals while generating £4.1 million in Pupil Premium funding for local schools since 2016.

 

Building on Existing Success

 

Sheffield’s voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector plays a key role in delivering support, particularly through schemes like Welcome Places. These spaces not only offer warmth and safety but also provide tailored support for poverty, cost of living issues, and newcomers to the city, including asylum seekers and refugees.

 

Looking ahead, the Council is exploring ways to expand these successful programmes and better support communities across the city.

 

How You Can Help

 

If you or someone you know is struggling this winter, reach out to Sheffield City Council for advice and assistance. Residents are also encouraged to keep up to date with evolving support initiatives through the Council’s social media channels.

 

For more information, read the Council’s full Cost of Living report here: Cost of Living Report.

[Stannington Lad]

"An estimated £230 million of support goes unclaimed in Sheffield each year"

 

Yeah and just you try getting anything at all. It's always been the same for as long as i can remember