Winter Support Fund announced to inject financial help for communities in Cumbria
The Cadent Foundation's announced £2 million investment
A £2 million pound investment has today been introduced for communities across Cumbria, as well as across the UK, to help address the growing concerns of fuel poverty.
As the cost of living continues to take hold, the Cadent Foundation have announced its first ever Winter Support Fund, offering energy and food support to those must vulnerable this winter.
The support will be issued by the Foundation's current charity partners which include Citizens Advice, Groundwork UK and Trussell Trust.
Cadent operates across Cumbria, the North West, the Midlands and the East, among places.
The funding was announced on Fuel Poverty Awareness Day (30 November), as new figures reveal the ongoing cost of living crisis means 6.3 million people living in fuel poverty are still having to choose between heating and eating.
Ranjit Blythe is the Managing Director of the Cadent Foundation, and is urging people to reach out if they need help: "Heating and eating is a tough and a real choice for people right now, and this will hopefully help through our charity partners to help.
"I think if people are really struggling they should reach out to charities to see what help and support they can get."
What support will be available?
From December to March, food an energy vouchers will be available, as well as the option to have up to £100 to spend on essential heating and cooking supplies.
The energy vouchers can include an Energy Payment Card, Post Office Energy Vouchers, or PayPoint Energy Vouchers.
Supermarket and food vouchers can be provided in single or couple amounts, as well as a family and large family - for 5 people or more - to be supplied. These will be available at Asda, Aldi, Farm Foods, Iceland, Morrisons, Sainsburys and Tesco.
There's a maximum of two vouchers/cards per household, which must be used in separate months.
What essential winter items can be purchased?
The Cadent Foundation's offering of £100 to spend on heating and cooking supplies can be used on a variety of items, including a single duvet, oil filled radiator and heated under-blankets.
Heated throws and rechargeable hot water bottles are also on the list.
For those who would rather a cooking appliance, air fryer's and slow cooks are on the list of items.
The fund hopes to allow people to access financial resources immediately, providing a quick impact solution for those needing extra support.
Research, from Opinion Matters, shows almost all (89%) UK adults with a household income of £29,500 or less are finding it challenging to cover their household bills.
41% say they are struggling with energy bills and not knowing where to turn, leading to the Cadent Foundation launching its very first Winter Support Fund.