Go online and check what's available

The City Council has teamed up with Lightning Reach, a portal where residents complete a profile by answering a simple 10-15 minute online questionnaire.

Once a profile is complete, residents can see in one place all the support they might be eligible for, get updated when more support is added, and apply for multiple sources of support directly through the portal.

The Lightning Reach portal includes targeted help with energy bills, home improvements to boost energy efficiency, or grants from charities, and disability aids.

Please go to: Lightning Reach - Sunderland City Council 

Councillor Beth Jones, the City Council's Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "By using the Lightning Reach portal residents can find a huge variety and range of possible support, and they only need to make one profile to be able to start applying.

"We hope this helps a lot of residents to get extra financial help, particularly around energy bills over the winter. As a council we are completely committed to helping all residents if they are finding themselves in more straitened circumstances with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis."

Residents can also receive support and help going online at one of the 22 community digital health hubs across the city.

Visit Digital Directory - Sunderland City Council to find out more.

Sunderland pensioners have already been receiving targeted energy support with the Sunderland Fuel Fund (SFF). The £910,000 SFF has benefited more than 5,000 city pensioners with winter support payments of £200 or £300 if aged over 80.

The North East Child Poverty Commission recently reported unclaimed benefits and social tariffs across the region at £1.33bn (billion).

Incorporating a benefit eligibility check, Lightning Reach allows access to a range of personalised support (e.g. grants, benefits, help with bills) - all in one place.