If you or someone you know needs help with energy bills or managing fuel debt, there is currently funding available to support Herefordshire households.
Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding
The alternative funding is available for households who were not eligible for the government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) which provided a £400 reduction on electricity and gas bills. It supports residents who live in households without a domestic electricity meter or do not have a direct relationship with an energy supplier. Find out more and apply for funding on the Herefordshire Council website.
Household Support Fund
You may need to be referred by a qualifying agency to get help from the Household Support Fund, but if you contact the organisation directly, they’ll be able to advise on the process. If you need help or you can’t find what you’re looking for here, please email householdsupportfund@herefordshire.gov.uk
Severn Wye Energy Agency – Keep Herefordshire Warm
Severn Wye provides free local home energy advice to households in Herefordshire. They give free energy advice to help you stay warm and healthy in your home by helping you reduce your energy bills, switch energy tariff or supplier, or access grants to support your energy needs. They also may be able to provide free home energy visits from one of their energy advocates to help you understand your energy more deeply.
For more information or to get in contact, visit the Keep Herefordshire Warm website or call 0800 677 1432 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
Severn Wye Energy Agency – Emergency Funds
Along with Keep Herefordshire Warm, Seven Wye also have an Emergency Funds project that provides financial support to those struggling to meet their energy costs. Grants are capped at a maximum of £500 per household, and Severn Wye can only accept referrals from trusted partners (for example, Talk Community Hubs, Citizens Advice, Age UK, Herefordshire Council, CCP and food banks across the county). Severn Wye will not accept applications made by individuals for this funding.
To refer a client to this service, please visit the Warm and Well website. For more information on Emergency Funds, email conniec@severnwye.org.uk.
Herefordshire Community Foundation – Fuel Poverty Fund
The Fuel Poverty Fund is to help those in need in Herefordshire with the rising cost of fuel. Applications MUST be made by a referral organisation such as Citizens Advice Herefordshire, family support workers, social prescribers, or the food bank. Payments will be made via the referring professional. Grants are up to £500 maximum (depending on need), once a year per household only.
Find out more on the Herefordshire Community Foundation website.
Putson Baptist Church – small grants for energy and water
Putson Baptist Church can provide small grants to those are struggling with energy and water bills, and who live in South Wye, Hereford, and surrounding areas. Putson Baptist Church accept self-referrals and referrals from agencies.
Get in touch to find out more on 01432 357700 or email pastor@putsonbaptistchurch.co.uk
Ethos – energy and water support
Ethos can help support those who live in Hereford city and surrounding areas and are struggling with energy and water bills. They can also support with emergency costs. Ethos accepts self-referrals and referrals from agencies.
Get in touch to find out more on 01432 381838 or thelivingroomhereford@gmail.com
Ledbury Foodbank – grants for electricity and gas
As well as help with food, Ledbury Foodbank can also provide small grants for people who are struggling with energy and gas bills. Ledbury Foodbank accepts referrals from agencies only, such as Citizens Advice Herefordshire.
Get in touch to find out more on 07581 283092 or food@ledburyfoodbank.org during their opening hours.
Practical advice
Age UK Hereford and Localities – Home energy checks for over 50’s
If you find it difficult to keep your home warm in winter, contact Age UK Hereford and Localities for a home energy check. They can help by making sure your home in energy efficient and provide relevant advice and support. One of their experienced handypersons can visit you in your home to provide useful tips on saving energy and install practical equipment in your home. Age UK Hereford and Localities accept self-referrals and referrals from agencies.
Get in touch to find out more on 0333 0066 299 or email contact@ageukhl.org.