Our energy advice service regularly supports people who live in cold homes and are feeling alone in their struggle, like Michael*. Our Share the Warmth campaign is raising money so that we can continue to support people with life-changing advice and solutions for many winters to come.

Michael is in his mid-60s and lives alone in his home in Wiltshire. He’s got three grandchildren who he loves spending time with, but they started coming over less because his house was cold and his son thought it was bad for their health.

A cold, unwelcoming home

Michael’s home was not just cold, it was damp and mouldy, and expensive to keep warm. Poorly fitting doors and windows, and other gaps and cracks caused draughts, making it even colder.

Cold, damp homes have significant impacts on both physical and mental health. The cold worsened Michael’s arthritis and fibromyalgia, causing him pain and making it even harder for him to move around. He felt lonely and missed spending time with his grandchildren. He was struggling to afford his energy bills and was terrified about facing the winter alone in his freezing cold home.

Working together to improve Michael’s situation

Desperate for help, Michael reached out to CSE’s energy advice line. Our friendly expert advisor listened to him to fully understand his situation. We worked with Michael to identify ways to relieve some of his financial pressures, including getting food vouchers and reducing his water bill. We also sent him an electric blanket to help him stay warm at home without spending lots on the heating. These short-term solutions helped to alleviate some of Michael’s immediate problems.

We also gave Michael a dehumidifier, which reduced the damp and mould. Our advisors shared behavioural advice and information about small, inexpensive measures he could take to make his home less draughty. This will help Michael in the longer term to keep his home warm and comfortable and reduce the costs of his energy bills.

Our advisors also discovered Michael wasn’t claiming pension credit, which he was entitled to due to his age and low income. It’s estimated over 850,000 eligible pensioners are missing out on this vital benefit. We went through how Michael could apply for this, which will grant him additional money to cover his living costs.

CSE’s support gave hope to Michael

Michael told us our support significantly improved his mental health. He feels confident and reassured about getting through the winter and is excited to be reconnecting with his family.

Now that his home is in a better state, his grandchildren can come and visit again, in time for Christmas. A warmer home should also reduce the impacts on Michael’s illnesses and make him feel more comfortable at home.

*Name changed for privacy.