Preparing for Winter – Household Bills, Grants and Benefits
As winter approaches, it’s vital for Southwark’s older residents to be aware of available support to manage household expenses.
Thames Water offers the WaterHelp scheme, providing eligible low-income households with a 50% discount on water bills. Additionally, the WaterSure programme caps bills for those with high water usage due to medical needs or large families.
Furthermore, Southwark Council’s Better Living Fund offers one-off payments to residents facing financial hardship, including support for food, energy and other essentials.
Many older people miss out on financial support simply because they are unaware of what they can claim. Turn2us provides a free benefit checkerwhich can help you quickly find out if you’re eligible for extra income, including Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction.
Turn2us easy to use and requires details about your income, savings, and living situation. If you are not online, the SPC can assist you in checking your entitlements. Even a small benefit like Pension Credit can unlock further support, such as the Winter Fuel Payment or free TV licences.
Local charities also extend assistance: Camberwell Consolidated Charities offers financial help to individuals over 65 with modest incomes residing in Camberwell, Dulwich or Peckham. Find out more about assistance provided by local charities at the Southwark Charities website.
Pantries and Meal Services for Older People
Southwark offers a range of food pantries and meal services to support older residents with affordable, nutritious options.
The Peckham Pantry provides around £15 worth of groceries for just £5 – you can find out more and register at pecan.org.uk. The Bermondsey Pantry offers 12 items for £5 to local residents – booking is required – find out how using this link: ageingwellsouthwark.org.
For hot meals and social connection, FoodCycle Peckham serves free vegetarian meals twice a week at All Saints Church (details here), while Senior Support Plus offers affordable Caribbean meal deliveries on Fridays and Saturdays (sssa.uk).
Together, these services provide vital support in tackling food insecurity and social isolation across the borough.
Iceland Foods Discount
Iceland offers a 10% discount to customers aged 60 and over every Tuesday. This discount is available in-store at both Iceland and The Food Warehouse locations, with no minimum spend required.
To access the discount, customers need to present an Iceland Bonus Card (sign up here) and valid identification, such as a driver’s licence, Senior Bus Pass, Senior Railcard or Freedom Pass.
National Discount Cards
Many older people may be eligible for discount cards that help reduce the cost of everyday expenses, leisure activities and transport.
Two particularly valuable options are Carer’s Card UK and the National Disability Card. Carer’s Card UK is designed for unpaid carers and may offer local or national discounts on shops, cafes, events and more. The National Disability Card serves as proof of disability and can be used to access concessions, priority services and support, especially for those with hidden or non-visible disabilities.
These cards not only ease financial pressure but also help ensure older people and their carers are recognised and supported in daily life.
Useful cards available:
- Carer’s Card UK – discounts and recognition for unpaid carers. £8 registration fee, card valid for two years. Check your eligibility and sign up here.
- National Disability Card – proof of disability with discounts and access to priority services – available discounts include No7 Beauty, Iceland and Odeon. £23.50 fee, card valid for two years. Check your eligibility and sign up here.
If you need support signing up for discounts or schemes, do not hesitate to get in touch with the SPC at 020 7708 4556 – we’re here to help you!
Article by Matthew Pellow.