Families in Fuel Crisis targeted specific areas in the South West that have high levels of deprivation, and focussed particularly on households with small children who are in or at risk of fuel poverty. The Centre for Sustainable Energy team provided wide range of support was provided, including:

• Energy efficiency advice on topics such as being on the best tariff for gas or electricity or switching supplier. 
• Help in accessing grants for insulation or heating system upgrades.
• Help with claiming benefits and entitlements such as the Warm Homes Discount.
• Improving budgeting and financial capability skills.

“Events in the local community are a great way to give face-to-face advice in a familiar setting,” explained Kate Thomas, CSE’s Project Manager.”We also ran a number of events in schools targeted at pupils. This is a really effective way to get children engaged in energy issues and to promote our services to parents.”

The project worked in partnership with other organisations to run numerous outreach events in schools and food banks. The small geographical focus allowed for targeted and highly relevant support, tailored to the needs of local people and the issues they face.

Families in Fuel Crisis is funded by Scottish Power Energy People Trust.