Public health news: Cost of living and Welcoming Places

Information on the support, advice and services available to help with the cost of living crisis.

Public Health Newsletter: December 2023

There is lots of help and advice available on South Tyneside cost of living information.

This includes information on government help, welfare support and the Household Support Fund. There is also help and support on the following subjects:

  • Money and debt advice
  • Benefit entitlement
  • Crisis support and food
  • Job and skills support
  • Education
  • Data tariffs

South Tyneside Home Energy Advice Team (HEAT)

HEAT is an independent energy advice and advocacy service from The Wise Group. 

It's available to households in England & Wales that need support with any energy related issue or are struggling to pay their energy bill. 

A dedicated Energy Mentor will get in touch to talk about the help available.

This includes:

  • Energy Crisis and advocacy support
  • Income maximisation
  • Energy efficiency & energy saving
  • Fuel bank support for pre-pay customers

Referral Process

If customers are already in touch with the welfare team or First Contact Clinical, you can ask them to refer you into South Tyneside HEAT via the referral form. Or you can refer yourself by getting in touch with one of the Energy Mentors:

Pension credit

Thousands of people in South Tyneside are missing out on pension credit payments.

You could be entitled to pension credit if you are over 66 years old and living on a low income. This tops up your state pension and could help you cover your costs. You may even qualify if you have some savings.

You can check your eligibility at or by calling 0800 991234.

For more information, or assistance with the application process, call Citizens Advice on 0191 455 7958 or Welfare Support on 0300 123 663.

Welcoming Places

More than 70 venues previously known as 'Warm Spaces' kept their doors open over the summer months in South Tyneside as Welcoming Places.

Community centres, churches, charities, family hubs and Council buildings (such as The Word) are continuing to offer companionship, advice and free activities at drop-in spaces across South Tyneside throughout the winter.