For over a decade, Community Resource has been a pillar of support for households across the County of Shropshire grappling with fuel poverty.

The demand for our services has reached unprecedented levels in recent months, even before the onset of the colder winter weather, when the financial strain on families and older individuals is set to intensify.

Fuel poverty, defined as living in a property with low energy efficiency that, when combined with housing costs and energy bills, pushes a household below the poverty line, has become an acute issue. The escalating cost of energy, compounded by the cost-of-living crisis, is poised to push more households in Shropshire into this challenging category in the coming months.

Startlingly, last year alone, over 23,000 people in Shropshire, Telford, and Wrekin were living in fuel poverty, surpassing the UK average. This number is expected to climb even higher in the months ahead.

At Community Resource, we've heard the distressing stories of individuals who are consumed by anxiety over their impending winter fuel bills. Trapped in cold, damp homes, they have no alternative but to endure harsh living conditions. The cost-of-living crisis and the surging fuel prices are set to bring unimaginable hardships to those already struggling to make ends meet this winter.

This winter, more individuals will be forced to make the heart-wrenching choice between "heating and eating."

Community Resource tirelessly strives to aid those facing fuel poverty in our county. We collaborate with local referral agencies, such as foodbanks and Housing Associations, to support vulnerable households struggling to heat their homes. Our efforts encompass providing energy-saving measures and advice, installing new boilers, and heating systems, and offering grants to settle fuel debt or purchase oil for those living in areas without access to gas.

The Story of the Smith Family: Your Impact

Allow me to share with you the story of the Smith Family. The Smiths were referred to us by their local foodbank during the cost-of-living crisis when their income couldn't stretch far enough. The family includes parents and two young children. The father has a serious heart condition, and the son has asthma, both exacerbated by their cold, damp home.

Despite the foodbank's help, the family were making "heat or eat" decisions to keep the children fed. Thanks to the support of compassionate people like you, we were able to contribute to the Smiths' electrical bill and buy them some logs to heat their home throughout the winter. This support alleviated a significant source of their stress and enabled the family to stay warm and well.

How You Can Make a Difference

On average, the support we provide to each vulnerable household is worth around £100. This aid can include free one-on-one energy advice, grant payments to clear fuel debts, and deliveries of oil or coal for off-gas households.

Your support can directly impact the lives of vulnerable households in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, ensuring they have a warmer winter and respite from the burden of inadequate heating