Your guide to staying warm, healthy and supported in Burnley
HERE you’ll find friendly advice on keeping your home safe from damp, mould and cold, and tips to stay well this winter – including grants, community warm spaces, staying healthy, food, and everyday support. Burnley Together and partners are here to help; we want everyone in Burnley to stay safe, warm and well this winter.
Stay warm and well this winter
Try to keep your home to at least 18°C in winter, this helps protect your health, especially if you’re 65+ or have a health condition. Lancashire Women offer free energy advice to hep you stay warm and reduce your energy bill.
Winter Fuel Payments: If you were born before 23 Sept 1958, you’ll automatically get £200–£300 to help with winter 2025–26 heating costs. If not, check you’ve received it, contact the Pension Service on 0800 731 0469.
Fire safety at home: Stay safe with heaters and candles. Never dry clothes on electric heaters and test your smoke alarms. Call 0800 169 1125 to receive advice and free smoke alarms fitted if needed.
Cosy Homes in Lancashire have lots of different funding types designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel poverty in households across Lancashire. Check if you are eligible. www.chil.uk.com
Handyperson Services: For over-60s, disabled, or vulnerable residents, Burnley Council offers help with jobs, for £10hr, like fitting grab rails and draught excluders to keep your home safe and warm. Lancashire Women also offer a handywoman service.
Affordable Warmth Grant: If you’re on a low income, you might qualify for a grant for insulation or home improvements to keep you warmer and safer this winter. burnley.gov.uk/affordable-warmth-grant
Warm hearts Warm spaces
Free, welcoming places where you can stay warm, enjoy a hot drink and some company, and access helpful support. Open to everyone, they offer a friendly environment to relax, connect, or simply take a break.
Burnley Central Library,
Grimshaw Street Mon 9am–7pm,
Tue–Sat 9am–5pm
Padiham Library,
Burnley Road
Mon & Fri 9am–5pm, Wed 9am–7pm
Valley Street Community
Centre, Valley Street
Friday 9:30am–12:30pm
Gannow Community Centre,
Adamson Street
Mon & Thu 9am–3:30pm, Tue, Wed & Fri 1pm–3pm
Down Town Hub,
Market Promenade, Charter Walk
Mon–Fri 9am–4pm
The Hub at Padiham,
97 Burnley Road
Mon, Thu & Fri 10am–1pm, Wed 10am–2pm
Prairie Sports Village,
Windermere Avenue
Mon–Fri 9am–9pm, Sat–Sun 9am–5pm
Burnley Mechanics Theatre
Manchester Road
Tue–Fri 11am–3:30pm, Sat 11am–2:30pm
Church on the Street
Bethesda Street Mon–Fri 9am–3pm
Rosehill Baptist Church
Rosehill Road
Thursday 11am–2pm
St Matthew’s Church,
Harriet Street
Wed 12:30pm–1:30pm
AND MORE…
To find your nearest Warm Space:
Visit burnley.gov.uk/find-a-warm-space
Call 01282 686402
Ask at Burnley Town Hall, the Contact Centre on Parker Lane, Down Town hub (above New Look, Charter Walk)
Damp or mould?
Cold, damp homes can lead to serious health problems, especially for children and older adults. You might have a damp or mould problem if your home has:
- Black mould on walls or ceilings
- Cold patches or condensation
- Musty smells or peeling paint
Burnley Council and partners may be able to help you access grants or repairs to make your home safer and warmer.
Don’t wait – Early action is important.
Private Renting
If you’re renting and your landlord hasn’t fixed it, report it to Burnley Council:
01282 475883
housing@burnley.gov.uk
Calico Homes
Calico tenants can report issues directly: 01828 686 300
hello@calicohomes.org.uk
calicohomes.org.uk/damp-mould-condensation
Financial support
Help with bills: Help for Households offers support with energy, childcare, and more. Burnley Council also gives Council Tax discounts and extra help for low-income workers – visit our website to see if you qualify.
Grants & support: Burnley’s Household Support Fund can help with essentials like energy bills or winter costs – ask Burnley Together about the current scheme. You may also qualify for other benefits or grants, so check the council’s benefits page to make sure you’re not missing out.
Debt & money advice: Struggling with debt or bills?
There are a number of agencies who can help you with your finances find out more on our website. Northern Community Bank (former credit union) can also provide affordable loans and savings options.
Utility bill support: Talk to your energy or water supplier
if you can’t afford your bills – most utility companies now
have schemes to help customers in need (payment plans,
discounts, etc.). It’s important to reach out early before bills build up.
If you’re over 66 on a low income: Check if you can claim Pension Credit to boost your income and access other benefits like help with rent or heating.
Stay Well
Vaccines are your best protection in winter: Make sure to get your flu jab and COVID-19 booster. These help protect you and others from serious illness. The NHS also offers a pneumonia vaccine for those aged 65+.
Keep germs at bay: Wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water, especially after coughing or sneezing.Try to let fresh air in when you have visitors (ventilation helps keep mould at bay, too!).
Take care of your health: If you start feeling unwell, seek advice early. Your local pharmacist can help with minor illnesses and suggest remedies. You can also call NHS 111 (24/7) for medical advice if you’re unsure what to do. For any emergency (e.g. severe difficulty breathing or chest pain), dial 999 immediately.
If you feel down or lonely, talk to someone – a friend, your GP, or a support line. Burnley Together can connect you with a befriending service (friendly volunteers who call for a chat) if you’re feeling isolated. You can also ring Samaritans on 116 123 . Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength and you do not have to struggle alone.
Build better health
Eat well and move more: Regular hot meals fuel your body and keep you warm. Even light activity – walking, stretching, dancing in the kitchen – boosts circulation and lifts your mood.
Breathe easier: Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to protect yourself from flu, chest infections, and winter illness. You’ll breathe easier, feel warmer, and save money too. Stay steady on your feet: Preventing slips, trips and falls at home can help keep you out of hospital this winter.
Need a helping hand?
Talk to our Health and Wellbeing Coaches, they’re here to support you to: Lose weight Get more active Prevent falls Quit smoking They’ll help you set personal goals and make lasting changes that improve your overall health and wellbeing.
Call Burnley Together on 01282 686402 and ask to speak to a Health and Wellbeing Coach.
Food & Everyday Support
Affordable food: Struggling with grocery bills? The Burnley Community Groceries (Valley Street and Down Town, Charter Walk) help local residents with low-cost food. A small annual membership (£5) lets you do a weekly shop for about £5 per visit.
Free school holiday clubs: If your children receive free school meals, they can join the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme during school holidays. Kids enjoy free meals and fun activities, helping them stay fed and active when school is out.
Family and baby nutrition: Check if your child is eligible for free school meals during term time, it can save money and ensure they get a hot meal at school. If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four, you may qualify for the Healthy Start scheme to help with milk, formula and healthy food. Ask your midwife or health visitor about how to apply.
Everyday support: Burnley Together is here to help with day-to-day needs. If you’re stuck at home and need someone to pick up a prescription, or you need advice about caring for a loved one, or any other support, call us. We can connect you to local services and community groups.
Don’t go without: If you are unable to afford food or essentials, or you face a crisis at home, contact Burnley Together. We can direct you to food banks, emergency fuel vouchers, warm clothing donations, and other support.
Struggling to afford period products? Free period products are available at many Warm Spaces, community centres, food banks, and schools across Burnley. You can also ask Burnley Together where to collect products privately and discreetly.
