The CCB Family Fuel and Water Poverty Project
CCB delivers this project to bring advice and guidance on reducing home energy and water costs to low-income families in Berkshire.
Families are offered one to one bespoke advice and information, at groups, or through telephone advice referrals. Through this coaching and support, families can take action for themselves, gain the skills and confidence they need to reduce their energy and water bills, and address any issues with their suppliers, including utility debt. Training is provided to frontline workers supporting families, enabling them to share trusted advice and information with the vulnerable families they support. Helen Dean delivers this project for CCB.
Telephone Advice – Professionals supporting families can refer their clients to Helen for telephone advice. Just email Helen at helen.dean@ccberks.org.uk with the family’s details (name, phone number and email address), and Helen will get in touch.
Visiting groups to advise families – Helen will attend groups to give bespoke advice to parents/a talk to groups as appropriate. Please contact Helen to discuss this further – helen.dean@ccberks.org.uk
Training for support workers for families – this can be arranged for frontline workers, practitioners and volunteers. These can be short focused sessions, or a webinar on all aspects of saving money on energy and water bill, and dealing with utility debt.
Links to websites with useful information on reducing home energy and water costs
Financial support from Thames Water
Financial support from South East Water
If you are looking to get a better deal on your energy at home – visit Switch energy supplier or tariff – Citizens Advice for everything you need to check on, and details on how to switch suppliers.
Struggling to pay your bills? Tips and advice from Citizens Advice
Reducing energy and water use at home:
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/energy-saving-tips https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/cut-water-bills
Improving insulation measures and boiler repairs:
See Find ways to save energy in your home and Apply for support from the Great British Insulation Scheme. Also, check if your Local Authority has any schemes.
Helen has received very positive feedback on the evaluation of her project work; advising families, and giving talks to frontline workers on how they can signpost/advise their families to reduce their home energy costs. These include:
“The advice was very informative and although I thought I was on top of this stuff there is clearly a lot that I was not aware of.”
“It’s really helpful information that is needed for every family. Every little help makes a big difference.”
Comments on the bespoke telephone advice from families:
“I was struggling with my bills, lost, confused, and in a panic about my debt. After talking to Helen, I felt more confident, more relaxed, and brave to be able to talk to the energy company.”
Jurgita
“Thank you once again, you really have made it clear that we don’t have to spend so much to keep our house warm.”
Rosie
Comment on the training for frontline workers on energy and water advice and dealing with debt:
“This training was fantastic. I had no idea so much was available to assist people who face challenges fuelling their homes, and how to access grants and organisations. Thank you! Infinitely useful and so important.”
Hannah, Support Worker at Alana House, Domestic Abuse Charity.
Connecting Communities in Berkshire 