Cost of Living Support in Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside

Rochdale Council have information on what cost of living help is available, how to apply and where to go for advice.

They provide advice and up-to-date information on help with bills, debt, food, energy and warm spaces. You can call their Cost of Living Helpline 01706 923 685 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or visit https://www.rochdale.gov.uk/cost-living

Warm Welcome Spaces in the borough of Rochdale are places where local people can gather for free in a warm, safe and welcoming place, and enjoy a free drink, activities and access to other services.

All venues will offer free hot and cold drinks, activities and advice. Some venues will offer additional services such as free wifi. All Warm Welcome Spaces will be heated, safe, friendly and neutral places where you can comfortably spend time reading, studying or chatting with others. We won’t ask why you need a Warm Welcome Space.

You can also email: WarmSpace@rochdale.gov.uk

Home Improvement Grants: There are a range of grants and support available that could help make your home more energy efficient and save you money.

Rochdale Warm Homes Fund: You could qualify for support to make your home warmer, safer and more energy‑efficient. Funding is available for essential improvements, including boiler replacements, white goods like fridge freezers and washing machines, and repairs to damp or roofing issues.

With funding made available by the Department for Work and Pensions, Rochdale Borough Council are investing £4.1 million between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026 to support households most in need.

This financial support will be used for:

• Food vouchers - support for low-income families by providing e-food vouchers during school holidays, supporting up to 16,000 children.
• Local Household Fund - emergency short-term support for individuals and families by providing supermarket and fuel vouchers.
• Warm Homes initiative – support to help vulnerable residents stay safely in their homes, including emergency heating, fuel bill help, boiler repairs, and providing white goods, like fridges and washing machines.
• Grants for food, digital, essentials and prevention – funding allocated through the borough's voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise groups network. Supported by Action Together to provide support for food networks, essential items, improving digital access, and offering mental health, welfare advice and other preventative support.
• Work and Skills support – investment in our Work and Skills Team and Digitech Library to help residents access employment, training and digital inclusion opportunities.

They are working with partners across the borough, including the voluntary sector, community groups and charities, to make sure those most in need receive the targeted assistance.

In partnership with current food providers, Rochdale Council and Action Together have developed this signposting resource that will help groups, individuals and families get access to food in the borough.

This tool is for anyone in Rochdale Borough looking to do something about money matters. It will help you work out your first priority, what options there are, and who to speak to first.

View information around money, debt and benefit advice, including links to welfare rights, debt advice, and benefit-take-up support.

View information around free digital equipment, sim cards and training that is available for those who are digitally excluded.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority have advice and support available from organisations across Greater Manchester who can offer a helping hand.

With colder temperatures and shorter days - plus all the coughs, colds and bugs doing the rounds - winter can be tough for us all. It’s more important than ever that people get to know where to go if they are unwell or need extra help and support.