Supporting you this winter
On this page you’ll find links to lots of information about financial help, reducing the energy and water you use, and keeping you and your home healthy.
Help is available for you.
We understand that you might be worried about the cost of running your home, especially in winter. With the rising cost of living, you might be worried about feeding your family too. Here are some useful links to areas on our website which provide information on the financial help available, reducing your energy and water use, and keeping you, and your home, healthy.
We are here to help and there’s lots we can do; the most important thing is to let us know. Click here to contact us.
Winter warmer projects
To support with the rising cost of energy and food, a ‘Winter Warmer’ project will take place at both of our community hubs, The Arc in Scunthorpe, and The Viking Centre in Barton upon Humber. As part of this, members of the community can benefit from free hot drinks and a welcoming environment to keep warm, whilst saving on energy costs and meeting new people.
Both buildings are also running community food pantries, for customers most in need. This was hugely popular last year, and demand is expected to increase.
Find out more about what we’re doing to support our customers during winter.
Keeping you healthy
Did you know, we have a team of dedicated mental health specialists on hand who can support anyone, even if you’re not an Ongo tenant. Sometimes our mental health can be affected more during the colder months. Whether that’s because of the shorter days, dropping temperatures, or worrying about heating our homes, it’s important to ask for help if you need it.
Click here to find out more about our free mental health support
Financial support
We have pulled together financial support available in different areas.
West Lindsey
Gainsborough, Market Rasen, Scotter, Caistor and other surrounding areas.
Find out moreEnergy and water savings
Here are some energy and water saving things you can do right now to reduce the amount you use – helping to save you money.
Keeping your home healthy
There are some ways that you can keep your home healthy this winter.
Condensation is more common in colder weather, because there’s a bigger difference in temperature between the air in your home and the air outside. You can spot condensation as water collecting on the inside of windows or on the window sill.
It’s really important to try and prevent and remove condensation, so that it doesn’t lead to further issues such as damp and mould. To remove condensation, simply wipe windows with a cloth so that they are dry. It’s a good idea to open windows for a short period once you’ve done this to allow proper ventilation.
Below are some top tips to help keep your home healthy this winter
If you can, setting your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature (between 18 – 21°C) will help to keep you and your home healthy while keeping your energy bills down.
Moving sofas and furniture away from radiators or heaters helps heat travel more effectively around rooms in your home.
If you spot condensation on a surface, wipe it down with a dry, clean cloth or towel.
Twisting radiator valves higher in rooms you want warmer and lower in rooms you don’t use as often helps to save energy and keep your home healthy.
Putting lids on pans when cooking prevents excess moisture in the air and helps save on your energy bill!
Opening windows when cooking, bathing, showering and drying clothes helps moist air escape.
Keeping your home heated where possible helps to prevent condensation from forming on walls, floors and ceilings.
Turning your extractor fan on when cooking, showering and bathing removes excess moisture from the air.
If you have access, drying clothes outside reduces moisture in your home. When using a drying rack indoors, opening a window slightly or turning on your extractor fan helps reduce condensation.
Curtains and rugs help keep your home warm. Ideally, curtains should stop between the windowsill and above radiators. Opening them in the morning and closing them at dusk lets warmth in and keeps cold out.
Closing internal doors and using draught excluders keeps heat in the rooms you use most often, reducing the amount of heat moving into colder areas of your home.