When the cold hits, lots of families try to stretch their heating as far as they can.
Some switch it off early to save money. Others sit wrapped in extra layers because the meter is close to empty.
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It happens in homes all over the country, and many people feel too embarrassed to talk about it.
We’ve had winters where the heating stayed off more than it stayed on. Watching the meter drop and hoping it would last took its toll.
That is why guides like this matter. Nobody should sit freezing because the numbers don’t add up.
The good news is that there is real help out there. Warm spaces, heat vouchers, support lines and small community groups can make things easier.
Most families just don’t know where to look or what they are allowed to ask for. This guide keeps everything simple so you can stay warmer without feeling judged.
Warm spaces and how they work
Warm spaces are places where anyone can go to sit in the warmth for free.
They pop up in libraries, community centres, church halls and even some cafés during quiet hours.
They often offer hot drinks, safe spaces for children and plugs for charging your phone. You do not need an appointment, and nobody will quiz you about your situation.
Many councils across the UK publish warm space lists each winter, usually on their websites.
They change slightly each year, so it is worth checking the latest one for your area. Many families prefer starting with a library because they feel busy and relaxed.
For example, Hull usually has warm spaces across the city, including libraries, community kitchens, and charity hubs. Your town or city should have similar support.
What to do if your energy meter runs out
Running out of credit on a prepay meter is frightening, especially when the house is already cold.
If the meter hits zero and you cannot afford to top up, the Fuel Bank Foundation may be able to help. They support people across the UK by offering heat vouchers that add emergency credit to your meter.
In many areas, you need a referral from a food bank, Citizens Advice, a housing association or a community group, although the exact process can vary by region.
They deal with this every day and will guide you through the process. It is quicker and much kinder than people expect.
If you are on a traditional credit meter and you are worried about arrears, speak to your supplier.
Under Ofgem rules, suppliers are required to support customers in payment difficulty, including affordable payment plans and extra help for vulnerable households.
Asking early always gives you more options.
Free energy advice that can lower your bills
National Energy Action, known as NEA, offers free energy advice across the UK.
They help families understand tariffs, check if they qualify for grants and explain how to talk to suppliers.
They also run sessions that show how to heat a home more efficiently without sitting in the cold.
Even small changes, like using the right settings on heaters or understanding how emergency credit works, can take pressure off your budget.
NEA’s advice is clear and calm, which makes a huge difference when you are stressed.
Local help that often goes unnoticed
Every winter, small charities and community groups quietly support families who are struggling. They are not always easy to find online, but they make a real difference.
Many towns have coat banks for children, baby banks with warm clothing, community kitchens offering hot meals and groups handing out blankets and hot water bottles.
If you need help with winter clothing, you may find a local scheme through our guide on free or cheap winter coats for kids.
Some areas also run slow cooker schemes, where families can pick up a low-cost cooker to help cut their energy use.
Simple steps like this can reduce bills, and our guide on free energy gadgets that help cut your bills shows what support is out there.
In Hull, for example, volunteers often collect coats and warm items for families who cannot afford them. Most towns and cities will have something similar, even if it is run by only a few people.
If you’re looking for something in your area, these tools can help:
If you are not sure where to start, your local library, council, or Citizens Advice will point you in the right direction.
Staying warm at home without a big bill
Heating a whole home is expensive, but there are small steps that help you stay comfortable. Our guide on how to heat the human, not the home, shares simple ways to stay warm without big energy costs.
Closing the doors to rooms you are not using keeps heat where you need it. A cheap draught excluder at the bottom of a door stops cold air creeping in.
Wearing two thinner layers keeps your body warmer than one thick jumper because it traps heat better.
Hot meals help too. A slow cooker or microwave uses very little electricity compared to an oven, and a warm drink before bed can make a cold evening feel easier.
These ideas will never replace proper heating, but they can make a chilly home feel less harsh.
If asking for help feels difficult
Many people feel ashamed when they hit a point where they cannot keep the heating on. But families all over the country are dealing with the same thing.
Asking for help is not failing. It is looking after your home and your health.
A simple way to frame it is this: warmth is not a luxury. It is a basic need, and support exists because so many households are struggling with the cost of energy.
Skint Dad says:
When money is tight, warmth stops feeling like comfort and starts feeling like something you have to earn. Nobody should be sat freezing because the numbers won’t stretch. If these steps help even one family find a bit of heat this winter, that is worth talking about.
Where to turn next
If winter is already feeling tough, there are a few clear places to try first.
Council warm space lists show what is open nearby. Citizens Advice can check if you qualify for heat vouchers, grants or supplier support.
NEA offers free energy advice, and community groups can help with warm clothing or hot meals.
These services exist because so many people are in the same situation. Reaching out can make your week feel more manageable.
Final thought
Winter should not feel like a fight to stay warm. Whether you live in Hull or anywhere else in the UK, there is support out there and steps you can take today.
Even one warm afternoon or a bit of extra credit on the meter can make a cold week feel less overwhelming. You do not have to face it alone.
Ricky Willis is the original Skint Dad. A money-making enthusiast, father, and husband to Naomi. He is always looking for unique ways to earn a little extra.
