Salix Homes introduces a raft of cost-of-living initiatives to help residents this winter

The cost-of-living crisis is a worry for many, with energy prices rising, food bills increasing and no end in sight, housing association Salix Homes offers a raft of saving initiatives to residents to ease the burden this winter. 

Salix Homes, which owns 8,000 homes across Salford, has joined forces with Good Things Foundation’s National Databank to provide free data and sim cards for residents. The National Databank works in partnership with network providers Virgin Media, O2, Vodafone and Three and the initiative pledges 24 million gigabytes of data to those who are struggling to access the internet.

The cost of topping up your mobile phone or paying for wi-fi is an added expense that some struggle to afford. 

Up to 1.5 million homes in the UK have no connection to the internet and 2 million people find it difficult to afford internet access according to an Ofcom survey.

With so many essential activities now digital on smartphones and computers, Salix Homes wants to help ensure its customers aren’t left disadvantaged or socially excluded by not having access to the internet.

To claim a sim card, you need to be over 18 and not have access to the internet at home. If you are interested, please call 0800 218 2000, the contact centre can help with a referral.

Salix Homes has also partnered with the Green Doctors initiative from Groundwork who offer free, impartial advice to help take control of household bills, saving energy where possible, and access to other services such as government subsidies and grants, as well as advice on energy or water debt. 

Green Doctors help residents stay warm, well, and save money. Providing free, impartial advice and support to help save energy, reduce bills, and live in a warm comfortable home. The service is free to all Salix Homes residents.

Another vital tool to fight the cost-of-living crisis comes in the form of the Customer Support Fund, in collaboration with the Rise Foundation, Salix Homes is offering emergency energy and fuel vouchers to the value of £50 for any residents who need assistance to heat their home.

There are 500 vouchers available and given via a referral system. 

A spokesman for the Rise Foundation said: “At Rise, we understand the pressures the cost-of-living crisis is having on lower-income households across Salford and these pressures are set to increase over the winter period. We are really pleased to be working with Salix Homes to help families with a fuel voucher.”

All three initiatives are designed to help reduce the burden and ease the constant worry the cost-of-living crisis brings to many. 

Sian Grant Executive Director for Operations at Salix Homes said “This year has been incredibly tough, and especially as we are nearing Christmas we know every penny counts, that’s why we have partnered with these brilliant initiatives to give some financial help and support. We would urge any of our residents who want help to get in touch.”

If you are a Salix Homes resident and would like to apply for any of the cost-of-living help, please call 0800 218 2000, or email enquiries@salixhomes.co.uk