Published: Tuesday, 19th December 2023
If you are concerned about someone over the festive period, the council and its partners can help.
Cabinet member for People and Communities, Cllr Jo Rust, says: “At this time of year many of us are thinking about gifts for family and friends, time spent with loved ones and festive fun.
“It is also a time of year when many people think about others who may be less fortunate and worried about money, isolation or whether they will even have a roof over their head.
“Sometimes we aren’t sure how to help but this is where the Borough Council and others can step in. If you are worried about other people generally at this time of year, or a specific person, here are some ideas for how to get help.”
Money worries and the cost of living
The borough council has lots of information about help available – from housing and money worries to food and help to pay for extras like travel and prescriptions. www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/costofliving.
Emergency payments to help pay for fuel, food and more: Norfolk County Council Hardship Service: call the county council on 0344 800 8200 or visit www.norfolk.gov.uk.
Isolation
The council’s Lily service helps adults who are experiencing loneliness or social isolation.
Go to the Borough Council’s Lily website at www.asklily.org.uk or call 01553 616200. You can refer yourself or another person, or find details of local organisations that can help.
Homelessness and rough sleeping
The council works with a number of agencies to provide emergency accommodation so that no one needs to be sleeping rough.
Nowhere to sleep tonight: call 01553 616200 when the council is open, or 01553 616601 when it is closed.
At risk of homelessness (but not immediately): call 01553 616200.
Borough Council opening hours over Christmas. The council is closed from 4.45pm Friday 22 December until 9am on Tuesday 2 January. For emergencies in that time please call 01553 616601.