As winter approaches and temperatures drop, we are calling on Northamptonshire residents to seek energy and fuel poverty advice early – before cold homes impact their health and bills spiral out of control.
Next week, national charity Advice UK launches its #AdviceSaves campaign next week, shining a spotlight on the life-changing work of independent advice organisations across the UK, with us here at Community Law Service being one of those.
Following the launch of our #SortItSooner campaign last month, which encourages people to seek help at the first sign of difficulty rather than waiting until problems escalate, as winter approaches we are turning our attention to energy and fuel poverty.
Our message is simple: please don’t wait until crisis strikes. With winter energy costs looming and colder weather on the horizon, now is the time to check your tariff, access support, and ensure your home is as energy efficient as possible. The earlier people reach out for help, the more options are available and the better the outcomes.
Community Law Service CEO Sarah Hayle said: “Last year, our energy advice projects supported 1,477 households across Northamptonshire and we issued over £34,000 in emergency fuel vouchers. But many of these families came to us far too late – when they were already in significant debt, were disconnected from gas or electric or their health had been affected.
We know that cold homes have a serious impact on health and wellbeing, particularly for older people, young children, and those with health conditions. Cold also affects productivity – people can’t work effectively if they’re struggling to stay warm or stressed about mounting energy bills.
Our #SortItSooner campaign is about encouraging people to reach out as soon as they notice problems affording their energy costs or they’re struggling to keep warm. The earlier we can help, the better the outcomes.”
Our free Energy and Fuel Poverty Advice Service, funded by West Northamptonshire Council and The British Gas Energy Trust, offers practical support including:
- Tariff checks and switching advice to reduce bills
- Emergency fuel vouchers for those in immediate need
- Energy saving devices and efficiency advice
- Help resolving billing disputes
- Benefit entitlement checks to maximise income
- Referrals for home improvements such as boiler repairs, insulation, and draught-proofing
- Access to the Priority Services Register for vulnerable households
We also have a free Home Energy Checklist, that provides practical steps residents can take to minimise energy costs and better manage their energy accounts.
One client told us: “At nearly 80 I feel the cold a lot more, but now I can keep warmer and the help I have had has stopped my health getting worse.”
Sarah adds: “We regularly see households with draughty windows and doors, inefficient or broken boilers, and families making impossible choices between heating and other essentials. Many have never claimed benefits before or don’t know what support is available. So, our message is simple: if you’re worried about keeping warm this winter or your energy bills are becoming unmanageable, get in touch today.”
We run drop-in energy advice sessions every Tuesday from 10am-12pm at our Head office – 49-53 Hazelwood Road, Northampton NN1 1LG, where residents can speak to specialist advisors without an appointment.
To request an appointment for energy and fuel poverty advice:
Call 01604 621038 or email: enquiries@communitylawservice.org.uk
Visit: www.communitylawservice.org.uk
Join the #SortItSooner and #AdviceSaves campaigns on social media to help spread the message that early advice saves stress, money, and hardship.