Help to Save Made Permanent, Eligibility Expands
The government's Help to Save scheme is now permanent, with eligibility expanding from 2028. Up to 1.5 million more low-income households could get a 50% bonus on savings.
The government's Help to Save scheme is now permanent, with eligibility expanding from 2028. Up to 1.5 million more low-income households could get a 50% bonus on savings.
Households on six key DWP benefits could receive a £25 Cold Weather Payment this week as temperatures plummet. Find out if your postcode qualifies for the automatic energy bill help.
HMRC has announced its Help to Save scheme is permanent and expanding, making 1.5 million more low-income families eligible for a £1,200 savings boost from April 2028.
Tributes are paid to Doug Baldwin, a Normandy veteran and former POW who has died aged 100. We remember his courage and remarkable life story. Read more.
Staffordshire households earning under £36,000 could qualify for free heating upgrades worth up to £30,000 this winter under the Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme. Apply now to improve your home's energy efficiency.
Former soldier Dan Vaughan, who struggled after leaving the army, is rebuilding his life thanks to a veteran-specific HMO scheme in Solihull. Discover how the project offers housing and support.
Shocking Shelter survey reveals more than half of teachers in the West Midlands have worked with homeless children in the past year, severely impacting education. Urgent action is needed.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces the Help to Save scheme is now permanent, offering Universal Credit claimants a 50% bonus on savings, up to £1,200. Learn how to apply.
Asda urges shoppers aged 60+ to spend just £1 for soup, bread & unlimited hot drinks in its cafes. The initiative runs until end of February to combat winter financial pressures.
Struggling with post-Christmas debt? Citizens Advice offers a vital 5-step plan for UK households to regain financial control, from budgeting to the Breathing Space scheme. Get help now.
Young people once sleeping rough in Birmingham reveal how St Basils charity transformed their lives. Hear their emotional stories from the Big Sleepout event that raised over £43,000.
Millions of UK households are seeing a £150 discount on energy bills this winter via the expanded Warm Home Discount scheme. Find out if you qualify and what to do.
Birmingham New Street station hosted a free Christmas dinner for over 100 vulnerable and homeless people on Christmas Eve, offering festive cheer and community support. Read the heartwarming story.
SSAFA volunteers have delivered 40 Christmas hampers to veterans in South East Wales, a scheme now in its third year. The initiative provides vital festive support to the Armed Forces community.
A group of British military veterans enjoyed a memorable flight in a historic Douglas Dakota, organised by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans and Aero Legends. Discover how this special day was created.
UK households are asked to leave cranberries off their Christmas plates to help garden birds survive the frosty winter. Experts reveal festive foods to share and avoid.
Sainsbury's is giving away free surplus fruit and vegetables on Christmas Eve to support families and cut food waste. Find out how to get involved.
RAF veteran Barrie Griffiths urges Hertfordshire residents to post messages of support for veterans this Christmas via Help for Heroes. Small gestures can combat loneliness.
Suki Kullar, owner of Rasoi restaurants, delivered nearly 50 hot meals to The Wallich's homeless projects in Swansea, spreading festive kindness. Discover how the community is supporting those in need.
Students at Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy in Birmingham have launched their annual Winter Gift Programme, providing essential aid and companionship to vulnerable locals. Discover how they're making a difference.
Robbie Hall, a 102-year-old Bomber Command veteran, fulfilled a lifelong dream with a glider flight over Cambridge, organised by the Taxi Charity. Read her inspiring story.
Taylor Wimpey Manchester has donated 321 winter essentials to Lifeshare charity for the homeless. The homebuilder's national Wrap Up Warm campaign has provided over 14,000 items. Learn more about this vital community support.
Tottenham Hotspur releases a powerful film with Samaritans to encourage fans to seek help. New research reveals 58% of those struggling are reluctant to ask for support.
NHS Midlands urges public to use 111 for urgent medical help as junior doctors begin a five-day strike. Health Secretary's offer rejected. Key festive period impacted.
Over three million more UK households now qualify for a £150 winter energy bill discount under expanded government rules. Find out if you're eligible for the vital cost-of-living support.
A Lloyds Banking Group volunteer from Wrexham discussed the power of employee volunteering with King Charles at Windsor Castle. The event previewed a major UK volunteering weekend in June 2025.
Over 260,000 households save £325 on average via WaterSure. See if you qualify for the bill cap on Universal Credit, Pension Credit & other benefits.
Shirley's Yasmin Paulson relaunches the Sock Choc campaign, asking for socks and chocolate donations to help Birmingham's homeless community over the festive period.
Martin Lewis highlights the government's Help to Save scheme, offering a £600 tax-free bonus for low-income savers. Find out if you're eligible and how it works.
Pupils and staff at Our Lady of Pity RC Primary in Greasby have rallied to support the Shoebox Full of Love Christmas appeal for the second year, donating gifts for vulnerable people and pets across Merseyside.