Helping Doreen stay warm and worry less this winter

When Doreen was referred to us through Homes Plus, she was facing a difficult winter.

Living alone and managing complex health conditions, including COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and limb loss, staying warm wasn’t just about comfort it was essential to her health. Like many people using prepayment meters, she was also dealing with the constant worry of running out of credit.

Through the Household Support Fund* (HSF), we were able to provide Doreen with a £300 grant to help top up her gas and electricity.

“I really appreciated it. It went to good use and kept my meters topped up so I could stay warm through the winter. I’m grateful to Homes Plus and Community Resource for helping me keep warm.”

Reducing worry and improving wellbeing

Before receiving support, Doreen described how managing her energy use caused ongoing anxiety.

“I’d worry about whether I could top up my meters, and about being cold on my own. In winter you’re inside more, and with my disability I’m not always mobile.”

“If I get too cold, I get ill. I’ve got COPD as well, and the cold makes it worse.”

The grant made an immediate and meaningful difference not just practically, but emotionally too.

“It really helped at Christmas. Because the grant covered the meters, I could spend the money I saved on extra shopping. I had a nicer Christmas because of that, without worrying.”

Practical advice and ongoing support

Alongside financial support, our Affordable Energy Project Officer, Nickie Long, provided a one-to-one energy advice session to help Doreen feel more confident managing her energy use.

Following this, Doreen made small but important changes at home:

“Yes. I don’t leave things plugged in anymore, and I’m more careful with how I use electricity.”

During this session Nickie also connected her with further support to help her stay warm and reduce costs in the longer term, including:

• joining the Priority Services Register for additional help from her energy provide
• a referral to Marches Energy Agency for fuel vouchers, advice and a heated throw
• a referral to NILS (No Interest Loans Scheme) for some energy saving kitchen appliances

“A few small changes, along with the right support and referrals, can make a real difference when someone is trying to manage their energy use alongside health challenges. It is about giving people clear advice they can trust and helping them feel more in control at home.”
Nickie Long, Affordable Fuel Project Officer

Staying warm day to day

As part of our support, Doreen also received a Warmer Winter Pack funded by the NFU Mutual Bridgnorth through the Shropshire Community Foundation.

“Yes, and I appreciate that too, the blanket, gloves, scarf, socks, the draught excluder… all of it. The hot water bottle will be in my bed tonight! Those things make a difference.”

For Doreen, staying warm is especially important due to the impact of her disability:

“My prosthetic side gets very cold because the circulation isn’t as good.”

Her story highlights how energy use can be higher for people managing long-term health conditions – something that’s often overlooked.

“People don’t always realise all the knock-on effects.”

Building trust and confidence to ask for help

Doreen shared how important it was to feel comfortable asking for support.

“When I was having a hard time, I spoke to Cheryl at Homes Plus. I didn’t think I’d get anything, I was thinking, ‘I probably won’t get it.’ But I did, and it made a big difference.”

Having approachable, supportive advisers made all the difference in feeling comfortable asking for help. Doreen said of Nikkie:

“She’s lovely. She talks to you like a friend, not a stranger. That makes it easier to ask for help. If people think you’re not approachable, they won’t ask.”

Encouraging others to reach out

Now, Doreen is keen to encourage others not to struggle alone.

“If there’s anyone out there who needs help, I’d encourage them to get a referral. The support is out there. If you need it, they’ll be there for you.”

“It’s important for people to know they don’t have to struggle alone.”

If rising energy costs are causing you worry, or you simply want clear, practical support, please reach out to our energy advice team by calling 01743 360641 or emailing enquiries@community-resource.org.uk

We are here to help you stay warm and feel more in control.

*The Household Support Fund* (HSF) is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions and delivered locally through Shropshire Council’s Household Support Fund 7 and Community Resource.