CCB is successful in bid to give valuable advice to families on reducing their home energy costs

The Family Energy Education and Advice project

This Big Lottery funded project under the Awards for All scheme provides drop in advice sessions to 26 Children’s Centres in locations across Berkshire. This valuable advice will enable vulnerable families to reduce their fuel costs by switching energy supplier to save on cost, and claim the benefits they are entitled to if they are on a low income, such as the Warm Home Discount, a discount of £140 off their electricity bill. Advice will also be given on where to get help with insulation and boiler repairs, and top tips on reducing energy use at home. Helen Dean from CCB will also give talks to groups of families who receive extra support from the family Support Workers in Children's Centres in Slough, on reducing their home energy costs. We expect that over 220 families will benefit from the project.

Helen Dean, Energy Advice Co-ordinator said: “ The information I am able to give out is of real benefit to families. Last week I was able to give a family advice on contacting their supplier to repay a debt on their electricity bill, and claim for the Warm Home Discount - £140 discount off their bill in the Spring. I was also able to give their family support worker details of a trust fund the family can apply to for a grant to pay off the debt, and they will now receive the support they need to apply.”