Be energy savvy as the winter weeks get well underway.
As the winter months creep up and the dark nights make their appearance, The Haven Wolverhampton is advising people to get energy savvy and not to get caught in the fuel-poverty trap.
Since June 2013, The Haven Wolverhampton has been running a Fuel Poverty Project due to support from the Scottish Power Energy People Trust, that has seen some of the most vulnerable people across Wolverhampton receive help. Women who have experienced domestic violence and financial abuse have been supported through the charity’s services and a Fuel Poverty Development Officer.
Women who have experienced Domestic Violence and have fallen into the poverty trap are advised by the Fuel Poverty Officer as well as given guidance and access to services around; understanding utility plans and bills, budgeting and planning as well as receiving assistance with grant relief to reduce fuel debt. Preventative measures are also put in place with the worker advising on energy saving tips and appropriate insulation schemes. The key aims of this project are to help women develop their knowledge, have the confidence and ability to manage fuel as well as budget for future financial independence.
Interim reports indicate that The Haven has so far supported over 140 women and their children who had been referred to its services and managed by the charity’s Fuel Poverty Development Officer.
This project will run until May 2015
