As temperatures dropped across our neighbourhoods this winter, Great Places colleagues once again came together to make sure our customers had the support they needed to stay warm, safe and well.
Between October 2025 and February 2026, our Winter Campaign delivered vital practical help, financial support and energy-saving advice to households across our regions — reflecting our ongoing commitment to strengthening resilience and supporting customers through the cost-of-living pressures many continue to face.
Reaching customers across our communities
Throughout the campaign, colleagues organised Winter Warm events in Oldham’s Primrose Centre, Northmoor, Longridge and Richmond Park. More than 125 customers attended, receiving warm packs, friendly advice and practical information to help them stay comfortable during the coldest months.
In total, we distributed over 650 winter warm packs, made possible through a blend of in‑house procurement and generous social value support from partners including CPC Project Services, Eric Wright Group and Sureserve. Packs included a mix of electrical items such as heated throws, electric blankets and rechargeable hot water bottles, alongside non‑electrical essentials like hats, gloves and fleece blankets. These reached customers across a range of schemes including Housing First, RSAP and I&W accommodation.
Practical energy support in customers’ homes
Our partnership with Groundwork’s Energy Doctor teams provided additional, hands‑on support. More than 70 customers received home visits, where energy-saving measures including LED bulbs, radiator panels and draught exclusion were installed. Customers also benefitted from personalised guidance on heating controls and energy usage, helping them stay warm while keeping costs down.
Financial support when it matters most
Colleagues continued to advocate for customers facing financial hardship, with:
£12,152 in energy vouchers distributed through the Torrus Foundation following Great Places referrals; and
£19,365 in shopping and energy vouchers raised by our Financial Resilience Team, supporting 300 customers who were struggling over the winter.
These interventions made a meaningful difference for households balancing rising costs while trying to keep their homes warm.
Positive feedback from customers
We’ve received heartfelt messages from customers who benefitted from the campaign, demonstrating the real impact this support has had:
“I can’t get over your kindness… I’m excited to go to bed tonight and use my electric blanket.”
“…was really helpful and appreciated.”
“We got the hot water bottle in the winter pack and it is amazing.”
“The heated blanket works a treat… On a low setting it’s a snuggly treat. Thank you.”
Speaking about the campaign, Andy Wilson, our Financial Resilience Energy Advisor, said:
It’s been brilliant to see colleagues and partners come together to support our customers during what can be a really difficult time of year. Every referral, every warm pack and every conversation made a difference — and the feedback from customers shows just how valued this support has been. Thank you to everyone involved.
The Winter Campaign is a great example of what we can achieve together, and we’re incredibly thankful to all colleagues, partners and community groups who played a part in supporting our customers.
Further support
If you’re finding it difficult to manage your money or keep on top of bills, our Money Matters team is here to help. They offer free and confidential advice on budgeting, debt concerns and checking whether you might be entitled to welfare benefits. You can contact the team directly by email or ask your Neighbourhood Services Manager to make a referral for you.
You can also access additional support through Lightning Reach — a free, secure online portal that helps people quickly find and apply for practical financial assistance. It brings together a wide range of grants, benefits and support schemes in one place, making it easier to see what you may be eligible for just by answering a few simple questions.
To learn more about the help available and to access Lightning Reach, visit our Managing Your Money page.
