‘Warmth for Wellbeing’ grants helped hundreds in Brighton and Hove during difficult winter
Hundreds of vulnerable households across Brighton and Hove received new or top-up ‘Warmth for Wellbeing’ grants during the coldest winter months, following unprecedented demand for help.
Energyworks, run by Citizens Advice Brighton and Hove and Money Advice Plus, distributed grants to a further 580 residents in hardship following a £50,000 grant from UK Power Networks to support those in need during the cost of living crisis.
Funding was distributed to residents whose health is at risk from living in fuel poverty and cold homes, including households with young children, pregnant women, disabilities, respiratory, heart and mental health conditions.
Energyworks grants were capped in October 2022 due to unprecedented demand. UK Power Networks’ funding enabled existing grants to be topped up, plus 174 full new grants of £200 for residents who otherwise would not have received help through the programme.
Residents experiencing significant hardship were referred to the scheme by partners who were already supporting them, including foodbanks, money advice projects and community groups.
Rich Jones, projects lead, Citizens Advice Brighton and Hove, said: “UK Power Networks’ funding was crucial to the delivery of our money advice work, enabling us to support the most vulnerable members of the community at a time of exceptional hardship. The availability of grant payments allowed us to address urgent need, giving our advisers time to explore longer term solutions.”
Nick Vaughan, client services manager for Money Advice Plus, said, “The money provided by UK Power Networks meant we were able to give practical support alongside advice, which has made a huge difference to the community of Brighton and Hove.”
Farina Farrier, social sustainability manager at UK Power Networks, said: “Our customers are facing unprecedented challenges which is why we have expanded our fuel poverty support, working collaboratively with others to deliver practical support that will make a real difference to people’s lives during the current cost of living crisis.
“We were delighted to be able to support Energyworks and Brighton and Hove City Council to provide additional practical support during the winter to those who are at risk living in cold homes.”
Energyworks, run by Citizens Advice Brighton and Hove and Money Advice Plus, distributed grants to a further 580 residents in hardship following a £50,000 grant from UK Power Networks to support those in need during the cost of living crisis.
Funding was distributed to residents whose health is at risk from living in fuel poverty and cold homes, including households with young children, pregnant women, disabilities, respiratory, heart and mental health conditions.
Energyworks grants were capped in October 2022 due to unprecedented demand. UK Power Networks’ funding enabled existing grants to be topped up, plus 174 full new grants of £200 for residents who otherwise would not have received help through the programme.
Residents experiencing significant hardship were referred to the scheme by partners who were already supporting them, including foodbanks, money advice projects and community groups.
Rich Jones, projects lead, Citizens Advice Brighton and Hove, said: “UK Power Networks’ funding was crucial to the delivery of our money advice work, enabling us to support the most vulnerable members of the community at a time of exceptional hardship. The availability of grant payments allowed us to address urgent need, giving our advisers time to explore longer term solutions.”
Nick Vaughan, client services manager for Money Advice Plus, said, “The money provided by UK Power Networks meant we were able to give practical support alongside advice, which has made a huge difference to the community of Brighton and Hove.”
Farina Farrier, social sustainability manager at UK Power Networks, said: “Our customers are facing unprecedented challenges which is why we have expanded our fuel poverty support, working collaboratively with others to deliver practical support that will make a real difference to people’s lives during the current cost of living crisis.
“We were delighted to be able to support Energyworks and Brighton and Hove City Council to provide additional practical support during the winter to those who are at risk living in cold homes.”