Easter Eggs Galore!

A big big thank you to all the members at Nuffield Health in The Light, Leeds who collected Easter Eggs fur us. We have been busy giving them out over the last few days.

They have been very well received and we do really appreciate you thinking of us.

And a special thank you to David who nominated us to receive them

Energy prices rising on 1st April

It’s not too late to fix your tariff

The energy price cap is rising by 6.4% on 1st April so, if you are on a standard variable tariff, the amount you pay for the gas and electricity you use will go up.

If you haven’t already fixed your tariff then it is most likely that you are on a variable rate that will rise with the price cap rise. It will say on your bills what your tariff is.

It is not to late to fix your tariff and avoid these rises, a fixed tariff will fix the rate you pay for each unit of gas or electricity, and a fixed standing charge, for a certain length of time. So this means you will be protected from price rises during this time (note it won’t go down if the price cap decreases) The actual amount you will pay will depend on how much you use.

To see if you can get a better deal by fixing, you could speak to your energy supplier about what tariffs they offer. Or you could compare it with other suppliers by using a comparison tool such as Uswitch or Money Supermarket.

Or you can ask Caring Together if you would like someone to help you look at the options.

Councillors Surgery at Caring Together Today

Headingley, Hyde Park and Woodhouse Labour Councillors will be at Caring Together premises today between 5pm and 6pm for their monthly advice surgery.

This is open to all residents in the area and no appointment is needed so you can just call in if you would like to speak to your local councillor.

Caring Together – 127 Woodhouse Street (Charing Cross), Leeds, LS6 2PY

Headingley, Hyde Park and Woodhouse Councillors will be at Caring Together premises today between 5pm and 6pm for their monthly advice surgery.

This is open to all residents in the area and no appointment is needed so you can just call in if you would like to speak to your local councillor.

Caring Together – 127 Woodhouse Street (Charing Cross), Leeds, LS6 2PY

Please note this is a changed date for November only – it will be back to the usual 2nd Tuesday of the month from December onwards

Mental Health Awareness Week 2024

Find Your ‘Moments for Movement’

The theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 is moving more for your mental health. One of the most important things we can do for our mental health is regular movement. Moving more can boost your self esteem, help to lower stress and anxiety, and increase your energy.

However this doesn’t have to mean starting a massive exercise program and for many people there are barriers to exercising so the campaign is focused on finding moments for movement in your everyday life – even a stretch in the morning counts!

MindWell Leeds have produced this ‘Move Your Way’ booklet with lots of advice and tips as well as information about local resources.

If you do want to try out an exercise group/class, Caring Together runs lots of activities that incorporate movement at all levels. For adults aged 55 and above. Contact us to find out more

Cost of Living Payment 2024

The last of a series of 3 cost of living payments for people eligible for certain benefits will be paid between 6th and 22nd February 2024. This payment will be £299 and will be paid into the same bank account as your benefit.

You should get this payment if you are entitled to one of the following benefits:

  • Pension credit
  • Income-related employment and support allowance
  • Income support
  • Income-based jobseeker’s allowance
  • Universal credit (providing you didn’t have a ‘nil’ award)

If you get child tax credit or working tax credit but don’t also get one of the above benefits, you should still get the payment but it will arrive in your account from 16th February 2024

You need to have been entitled to the qualifying benefit for at least one day during the qualifying period, which is between 13 November 2023 and 12 December 2023.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment

You do not need to apply. If you’re eligible, you’ll be paid automatically in the same way you usually get your benefit or tax credits. This includes if you’re found to be eligible at a later date.

If you get a message asking you to apply or contact someone about the payment, this is likely be a scam. The DWP will not need to contact you to ask for bank details (or any other personal information) to make this payment so please do not give out any personal information.

If you are over state pension age and on a low income but do not already get pension credit it is worth checking if you are entitled to claim as soon as possible – pension credit can be backdated for 3 months so if you make a successful claim now you would then also be entitled to this cost of living payment. You can check this online https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator or call the pension credit helpline 0800 99 1234

‘Digital Switchover’ Information session

Thursday 1st February 2024

Location: Caring Together Premises, 127 Woodhouse Street, Leeds LS6 2PY

Time: 1pm – 2pm

By 2025, the UK’s phone lines will be switching over to a new digital landline service. For most people this will be a really simple change, and all phone companies have to provide help and support to anyone who might have issues with it.

Come along to learn more about this and how it will affect you. Someone from BT will be on hand to answer your questions. No need to book. Open to all.

image sourced from clipart

‘Winter Warmer’ Soup and a Roll


Location: Caring Together Premises, 127 Woodhouse Street, Leeds LS6 2PY (opposite Post Office/Londis Shop)


Time: Call in anytime between: 11am to 2pm


(Note: soup is usually ready by 12noon)


Our doors will be open every Wednesday for the wintery months ahead where you don’t have to think about what to cook or if the heating is on or off. It will be on and we will have a light lunch covered too.
There will also be some ‘Live Music’ from the students of Leeds University Music in the Community and some Traditional Irish Music & Songs on the some of the weeks. You can come and listen, tap your foot and even sing along if you wish.


So please call in, and take some soup away, or stay a while, with a warming cuppa, some hearty soup and a bread roll. There are also books and magazines to read or take away if you wish. There is no need to book, all are welcome. We would love to see you!