The Cadent Foundation has announced the launch of its first ever Winter Support Fund in a bid to rapidly inject vital financial help into communities across the UK. The new £2 million pound investment aims to offer much needed energy and food support to people living in the most vulnerable situations this winter and will be distributed through Cadent Foundation’s current charity partners, including Citizens Advice, Groundwork UK and Trussell Trust.
Launching on Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, the new fund is designed to allow charities offering energy and money guidance, to have rapid access to additional financial resources, helping to make an immediate impact for people needing extra support. With new research by Opinion Matters revealing that almost all (89%) UK adults with a household income of £29,500 or less are finding it challenging to cover their household bills, and with 41 per cent stating they are struggling with energy bills and do not know where to turn, the launch of the Winter Support Fund comes at a time of increasing need across the country.
Ranjit Blythe, Managing Director of the Cadent Foundation, said: “As part of our focus on tackling fuel poverty, the Cadent Foundation has strong partnerships with incredible charities offering energy efficiency and money management advice, together with practical energy saving interventions. We know these are making a real difference in the communities that we work in to drive long-term change. However, we also know that the situation for many who are living in the most vulnerable situations is desperate, and due to the ongoing cost of living challenges, this is not expected to change any time soon. Therefore, we wanted to empower our charity partners who are working in the communities daily, to be able to make an immediate difference to people when they need it the most.
“With the number of people living in fuel poverty sitting at 6.3 million this year according to National Energy Action, we know this fund won’t provide the much-needed long-term solution for tackling this issue. But hopefully, by giving charities the option to make a quick financial impact, it will make the decision on whether to eat or heat their homes, a little easier for people this winter.”
How to access the support:
The food and energy vouchers will be available to people who are living in the most vulnerable situations and who Cadent Foundations’ current charity partners, including the Trussell Trust and Citizens Advice, are supporting with energy efficiency and money management guidance.
The funding boost will be available between December 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 up to £100 to spend on essential heating and cooking appliances, such as heated blankets, slow cookers and air fryers.
Gillian Cooper, Director of Energy at Citizens Advice, added: “Our work with the Cadent Foundation has already helped over one thousand people access crucial information about energy efficiency, benefits and ways to maximise their incomes.
“This winter could see millions of people struggling with their bills. The ability to provide vouchers to people facing immediate hardship means we can help some get access to electrical goods and prevent others from having to make the impossible choice between heating, eating or keeping the lights on.”
Cadent Foundation launches £2 Million Winter Fund to inject vital financial support into UK communities
