Groundwork, which works with communities in Braintree and Colchester, is to help distribute a £2m fund ‘emergency’ Support Fund to help people living in fuel poverty this winter.
With the cost-of-living crisis far from over and new figures revealing that almost 60 per cent of UK adults feel more anxious about what their energy bills will be this winter, compared to last, The Cadent Foundation has launched the fund to provide vital energy and food support to people living in the most vulnerable situations.
With over six million people living in fuel poverty across the UK, the Winter Support Fund is designed to allow charity partners – already offering energy and money guidance across vulnerable communities – rapid access to additional financial resources, helping to make an immediate impact for people needing extra support.
This is the second time the fund has been created and following the recent Winter Fuel Allowance changes for pensioners, coupled with the price cap increase, the Cadent Foundation felt it was important to offer charity partners additional help once again, with many frontline charity workers reporting that the situation for thousands, remains desperate.
Ranjit Blythe, Managing Director of the Cadent Foundation, said: “It’s a mistake for anyone to think that the cost-of-living crisis is over, and we’ve seen, first-hand, through all of our projects, the impact of fuel poverty on the most vulnerable. With the recent price cap changes and removal of the Winter Fuel Allowance for many pensioners, we’re worried that those who may have just about managed last year, will now be tipped into fuel poverty.”
With research also revealing that almost 70 per cent of UK adults feel worried about what their energy bills will be this winter and over 50 per cent trying to prepare for higher bills now, the Cadent Foundation is expecting to reach thousands of people with its additional support.
Ranjit continued: “For us, last years’ fund allowed us to test and learn and really understand what help people needed quickly but this year, while fuel poverty doesn’t discriminate on age, we do expect to target a larger share of our fund towards elderly people needing more of a helping hand.”
Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, added: “Our Green Doctor energy advisers work all year round to help those most vulnerable to the devastating impacts of cold, damp homes, and we have seen no let-up in demand. Changes to the Winter Fuel Allowance will cause additional hardship and distress. This funding boost from the Cadent Foundation is enormously welcome and will give our Green Doctors the opportunity to offer immediate support to families who really need our help this winter.”
How to access the support:
The Winter Support Fund will be distributed through Cadent Foundation’s current charity partners, including Groundwork and Citizens Advice in the East of England. Those supported by the charities, with energy efficiency, through Groundwork’s Green Doctors, and money management guidance, will be eligible.
The funding boost will be available between October and March and has the potential to support thousands of homes across the country in areas of high deprivation. Each household can receive up to two vouchers, with the option of also having access to essential heating and cooking appliances.
Items available include:
Food vouchers
Energy vouchers
Slow Cookers
Air Fryers
Self-heating mattress toppers
Duvets
Heated blankets
Foot warmers
Mini ovens
Microwaves
