Keep Herefordshire Warm Newsletter

Keep Herefordshire Warm has sent out their first newsletter with news and updates from July-September.

As one of the most rural counties in the UK, 16.7% of Herefordshire’s households are considered fuel poor, with lower-than-average incomes and properties that are more costly than average to keep warm. Current estimates suggest the number of fuel poor households in the county is likely to almost double this coming winter, rising to a staggering 28% of all households.

The impact of rising fuel costs and fuel poverty on vulnerable households across the county will be extremely challenging and potentially devastating for those on the lowest incomes. The health impacts of cold homes can be far reaching and long lasting. Many residents find their circumstances changing rapidly due to illness, loss of income or retirement, leaving them with large, poorly performing homes to heat.

This is why Keep Herefordshire Warm is as vital now as it has ever been. They are seeing increased demand and need for the service from both traditionally fuel poor households and increasing numbers of middle-income households, who usually wouldn’t worry about paying their energy bills.

The newsletter is designed to keep members up to date with changes and developments to the service and what it offers, insight into current campaigns, funding streams and training opportunities, plus links to a range of energy resources.

Click here to visit the KHW website to find out more about what KHW has been up to and how the service can benefit residents across Herefordshire this coming winter.

Keep Herefordshire Warm this quarter

It has been another quarter of high demand on the Keep Herefordshire Warm service due to the ongoing energy and cost of living crisis. This has proved challenging with the level of resource they have available.

663 inbound calls have been received. 446 households have been supported, 237 of those reported health conditions and a high number of mental health conditions are still being seen.

Overall, in this year to date (April-September) 1200 enquires were received and 748 households supported; this time last year was 431 supported.

Upcoming free training 
Introduction to Energy Use In The Home & Fuel Poverty Awareness CPD
This free online training is aimed at frontline workers, volunteers, community workers, councillors etc who support communities and households who may be at risk of fuel poverty. Upcoming dates:
  • Thursday 10th November 10-12pm
  • Thursday 8th December 10-12pm

The 2hr training is certified by the CPD Certification Service and will count towards any CPD goals of staff/volunteers.

‘It was a really useful training session, with lots I can bring back to my work’ ‘I will now feel confident to advise service users on how to improve home energy efficiency and signpost to services or grants that may provide appropriate support’

Further details and to book on, visit the Eventbrite page: Book onto the training here
Places are limited so book as early as you can.

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