Every year, we fund local organisations across our region to help us deliver our personalised Extra Care support. These vital partnerships help us to reduce fuel poverty throughout our communities, provide a voice for 'seldom heard' groups and support us in raising awareness of our free Extra Care Register.
From local charities to strategic partners, we’re proud to work with, support and invest in organisations which make a huge difference to thousands of lives throughout the North West.
Our customers tell us it can often be tricky to find the right support personalised to their circumstances, so our Partnership page is dedicated to incredible organisations and services across the UK who have friendly and highly experienced experts ready to answer your call and provide the extra support you may need.
To use this page simply click on the theme that best describes your concern and follow the signposting to access a little extra care.
Important – Danger to life or medical emergency: If you are in a situation where there is a threat to safety, life or property, contact the emergency services immediately by calling 999.
Addiction Helpline
Addiction Helpline is a free confidential support helpline for anyone affected by addiction abuse.
Calls are answered by a fully trained addiction treatment expert and lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Call: 0808 163 9632 or visit: https://www.addiction.org.uk/
Citizens Advice
We can all face problems that seem complicated or intimidating. At Citizens Advice they believe no one should have to face these problems without good quality, independent advice.
Our strategic partnership with Citizens Advice gives people the knowledge and the confidence they need to find their way forward - whoever they are, and whatever their problem.
To contact their advice line, dedicated to Electricity North West customers call: 0808 169 9924 or visit https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ for more information on their wide range of services. You can also ask any Electricity North West colleague for a direct referral.
The Farming Help Partnership
The Farming Help Partnership is a collaboration between The Addington Fund, The Farming Community Network and Forage Aid and is supported by The Prince’s Countryside Fund.
Through just one phone call, farmers in need can access free, impartial, and confidential support from all three charities.
Call 03000 111 999 or visit: https://fcn.org.uk/
Asthma and Lung UK
Asthma and Lung UK helpline team are trained to give you information on many aspects of living with a lung condition. From how to manage your condition, to going on holiday. Or just to say hello their team are ready to answer your call.
Get in touch on tel: 0300 222 5800
Anxiety UK
Anxiety UK offers support, advice and information on all anxiety, stress and anxiety-based depression conditions.
The helpline is open Monday to Friday 09:30am to 5:30pm on Tel: 03444 775 774 or you can text 07537 416 905
The National Autistic Society
The National Autistic Society provides an online directory to support autistic people, their families and the professionals who work with them to find local and national services.
To view the directory visit www.autism.org.uk/directory
Cruse
The Cruse Bereavement Helpline offers emotional support to anyone affected by grief.
Callers can get in touch for free on 0808 808 1677
Remember, if you require any of our communications in an alternative format, please let us know. You can contact us by emailing extracare@enwl.co.uk or by calling us on 0800 195 41 41
RNIB
The RNIB helpline is open 8am – 8pm on weekdays and 9am – 1pm on Saturdays and can be reached by calling Tel: 0303 123 9999
If you prefer to can also reach them through Alexa, simply say "Alexa, call the RNIB Helpline"
Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan knows cancer throws a lot your way, and from the moment you’re told you may be overwhelmed by the number of thoughts and questions you have about cancer. Questions both big and small, with one leading to another and another. Whatever you need to ask, Macmillan is here to help and will do whatever it takes to support you.
Contact the Macmillan Helpline for free on 0808 239 06 25. They're open, 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm.
Remeber, if you are in a situation where there is a threat to safety, life or property involving a child, contact the emergency services immediately by calling 999.
NSPCC
If you have any concerns at all about a child’s safety or wellbeing, you can contact the NSPCC. Due to an increase in demand across their service, their voice Helpline is temporarily unavailable. However, you can email help@NSPCC.org.uk at any time. It’s free and you don’t have to say who you are.
Onside Youth Zones
Youth Zones are purpose-built spaces fizzing with energy and crammed with incredible facilities. These youth centres provide local young people aged between eight and 19, or up to 25 with a disability, affordable access to high-quality sports, arts and leisure facilities and activities, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year.
Find a youth zone near you by visiting: https://www.onsideyouthzones.org/the-youth-zone-model/our-youth-zones/
Girl Guiding North West
Girl Guide Units are all over the North West. To find a local Rainbow, Brownie, Guide or Ranger unit for your child, start by registering online. Once you start the registration process you can search in a map for units near you.
Find out more by visiting: https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved/finding-your-nearest-unit/
They could even earn the free Electricity North West ‘Girl Power’ badge!
VoiceAbility
VoiceAbility is one of the one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services, supporting people to be heard in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing.
The VoiceAbility team are available through web chat and email or can be reach through their helpline.
Visit www.voiceability.org or call 0300 303 1660
Find your local council
From help with housing, family challenges, cost of living support and so much more, your local council can offer a wealth of practical help, support and advice.
To find out about the help available in your area contact your local council using the ‘find my local council’ website here https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
Royal Association for Deaf People
Royal Association for Deaf People provides services to deaf people in their first or preferred language, usually British Sign Language (BSL).
To chat with Team RAD via their online messenger service visit: https://royaldeaf.org.uk/
Take Charge is funded by Electricity North West and delivered in partnership with Citizens Advice in the North West and the Energy Saving Trust.
Take Charge is here to help you reduce your energy bills, get support with debt, access benefits and financial support, and even secure funding for
To find out more and access support to Take Charge today...
Call us: 0808 169 9924
Website: www.takechargetoday.co.uk
Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Helpline
Alzheimer’s Society dementia advisers are there to listen, give you support and advice and connect you to help you need.
Get personalised information, support and help today by calling Alzheimer’s Society on 0333 150 3456 or by visiting https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/
When you’re going through divorce and separation it can be really hard to find support from others who know what you’re going through.
It can be an extremely isolating time and sometimes it is nice to know that there are others who know how you are feeling and can understand how difficult it is.
Gingerbread
Gingerbread is a single parent charity offering a wealth of support. You can access their online community by visiting https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/what-we-do/advice_and_support_for_single_parents/ or call their helpline on 0808 802 0925
Remember, if you are in a situation where there is a threat to safety, life or property, contact the emergency services immediately by calling 999.
Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline
The Refuge Helpline team is delivered through highly trained, female advisers. They won’t judge you or tell you what to do; they are there to listen.
The freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline is: 0808 2000 247
If it’s tricky to talk, you can also chat to the team online by visiting their website https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
Take Charge is funded by Electricity North West and delivered in partnership with Citizens Advice in the North West and the Energy Saving Trust.
Take Charge is here to help you reduce your energy bills, get support with debt, access benefits and financial support, and even secure advice and funding for energy efficient home improvements.
To find out more and access support to Take Charge today...
Call us: 0808 169 9924
Website: www.takechargetoday.co.uk
Unfortunately energy scams are on the rise. Scammers never stop looking for new and innovative ways to help you part with your money. But the best way to spot an energy scam is to stay vigilant and know what to look out for.
Here are some key signs that a scammer is at work:
How can I protect myself?
If you think you’ve spotted a scam but haven’t yet given away any personal information or money, you can contact Citizens Advice for support.
If you’ve handed over any financial and personal information or made a payment, you should talk to your bank or card company immediately. You should also report the scam to Action Fraud and Citizens Advice. By reporting scams, you can help reduce the chances of someone else getting defrauded.
Forcesline
Forcesline is a free and confidential telephone helpline and email service that provides support for serving (regulars and reserves), ex-Forces and for their families.
Contact the helpline 0800 260 6767 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm or visit https://www.ssafa.org.uk/get-help/forcesline
If you're struggling to access food, a food bank or food club may be able to help.
Food banks are for people in crisis with no other means of accessing or affording food and supplies. A referral is often needed to access a food bank.
Food clubs are small community groups that aim to help provide food for people who live in their neighbourhood or local area. They run once a week in a local community space and offer opportunities to socialise with your neighbours while you pick up your food. You don't usually need a formal referral to visit your local food club, but some of them are membership-only so you should check on their website or social media pages before you go to make sure.
There's usually a small weekly fee (between £3 - £5) to go to a food club, and you might not always pick up all the food you'll need, but the aim is to save you money in the long run, and they can be a great way to try out new foods without worrying about spending money on things you or your family won't end up liking.
Every food club works slightly differently. Watch the video below from our partners at The Bread & Butter Thing to find out more...
Food banks and food clubs can be found throughout the North West. If you’re unsure where to start, try the Independent Food Aid Network interactive map to find an independent food bank – local to you. Remember many church groups and national food banks like the Trussell Trust may also be able to help.
Take Charge
Take Charge is here to help you reduce your energy bills, get support with debt, access benefits and financial support, and even secure funding for energy efficient home improvements.
It’s funded by Electricity North West and delivered in partnership with Citizens Advice in the North West and Energy Saving Trust.
Are you ready to Take Charge? Let’s get started!
If you smell gas or suspect CO2 poisoning it’s important you act immediately.
Call the National Gas Emergency service number 0800 111 999
Remember:
British Heart Foundation: Heart Helpline
British Heart foundation’s experienced cardiac nurses are there to help answer your questions or concerns about heart and circulatory diseases.
Call 0300 330 3311 weekdays 9am to 5pm or visit https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-helpline
Kidney Care UK
Kidney Care UK's Patient Support & Advocacy Service provides free personalised help to kidney patients, their families and carers, and local kidney patient associations across the country.
Call 01420 541424 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) or visit https://www.kidneycareuk.org/get-support/advice-support/
NHS
Loneliness is an issue that can affect us all, young or old, at any point in our lives. We might live in a busy city or a rural location, on our own or with others and still feel isolated.
For advice and support that meets your personal circumstances visit https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/lifes-challenges/loneliness/
Go Low Today!
Moving to net zero will mean major changes to the way we all use energy. From updating heating systems in our homes and switching to electric vehicles, Electricity North West is here to help your understanding of these new technologies, with our free expert advice service.
Electricity North West provide this free service to help you make the right decisions – we will not try to sell/promote any low carbon technologies – just give you expert advice so you decide when you want to Take Charge and Go Low…
Get in touch with our experts for more information
Call: 0800 988 1731
Visit: Go low today - Shape your energy future
If you, or the person you are with, is at immediate risk of taking their own life call 999 or visit your local A&E
Samaritans
Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They're there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Call 116 123 for free or visit https://www.samaritans.org/
SANEline.
If you're experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.30pm every day).
NHS 111
The NHS 111 service provides urgent care triage if you think you need A&E but it’s not life-threatening, and advice when your GP, pharmacy or dental practice is closed.
Feeling unwell? NHS 111 can support you to get help for your symptoms. Call 111 or visit https://111.nhs.uk/ to check your symptoms online.
The Silverline Helpline
The Silver Line Helpline is a free, 24-hour telephone service for older people across the UK. They offer friendship, conversation, and support for people aged 55 or over, especially those who may be experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Call 0800 470 80 90 or visit https://www.thesilverline.org.uk/
Pregnancy Crisis Helpline
Struggling with pregnancy? The Pregnancy Crisis Helpline offers a safe, confidential place for you to talk things through.
Call 0800 368 9296 or visit www.pregnancycrisishelpline.org.uk
Stroke Association
The Stroke Helpline is a place for information and support.
If you or someone you know has been affected by stroke, or you want to know more information on how to reduce your risk of a stroke contact the helpline on 0303 3033 100 or visit https://www.stroke.org.uk/finding-support/stroke-helpline
Student Space
Get free, confidential support by phone from a trained volunteer, from 3pm to 12am every day.
Whatever is causing you concern, Student Space is there to listen. Whether it’s your mental health, your studies, worries about money or relationships, they can support you and help you move forward.
Call for FREE on 0808 808 4994 or visit: https://studentspace.org.uk/
If you are having thoughts of suicide, are harming yourself or have thought about self-harm, it's important to tell someone.
These thoughts and feelings can be complex, frightening and confusing, but you do not have to struggle alone.
If you cannot wait to see a doctor and feel unable to cope or keep yourself safe, contact one of the organisations below to get support right away.
999
In a life-threatening emergency, phone 999 emergency services and ask for an ambulance.
Samaritans
When life is tough, Samaritans are here to listen at any time of the day or night. You can talk to them about anything that's troubling you, no matter how difficult:
Call free on 116 123
Calm
CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for people in the UK who are down or have hit a wall for any reason:
Call 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)
Across our region, leisure centres, cafés, hair dressers and more have transformed into free, safe, warm spaces, offering friendly companionship and a warm environment to spend your leisure time, what ever the weather
A warm space, is a free, friendly, safe and warm space you can access within your community. They may also be called warm spots, warm hubs, warm welcome etc.
Some warm spaces also offer a range of extra support services relating to the cost-of-living crisis (e.g. benefit support, debt advice, foodbanks, energy efficiency ideas/equipment etc).
Watch the video below from 'Warm Welcome' to find out more...
Warm spaces are popping up across our region. Contact your local council for more information or take a look at Warm Welcome's interactive map.
Whether you need advice on keeping safe and warm, or help during a power cut, we can provide extra care, extra support and extra help when you need us most...