Last Thursday was National Energy Action’s Fuel Poverty Awareness Day. Slough CVS is working in partnership with Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, to run a service help residents to lower fuel costs and be safe in their homes.

   

The English Housing Survey (EHS) shows that 5,180 Slough households lived in fuel poverty which is 9.4% of all households in Slough (information taken from Slough Observatory – data on Slough Borough Council by topic and geographical areas, with a comparison to national data, to give an insight into the borough).

Wellbeing Co-ordinator, Shahid Qazi works with over 50 multi-bilingual volunteers providing energy saving awareness sessions, ensuring that whole extended families understand what the purpose of this alarm is and what to do in an emergency. Information is also explained at community events, faith and cultural organisations and directly to clients.

One volunteer recently visited Sydney, a visually impaired 86-year-old, to present him with the food voucher gift, Carbon Monoxide Alarm and a Winter Advice Pack, all courtesy of Cadent. Sydney has not been able to go out for a meal for a few years and lives mainly on bread, soup, and perishable items he can cook in a microwave.

The team work with a network of local charities and groups, to provide slow cookers for clients, reducing the need to cook for hours on a conventional hob and oven, helping to reduce fuel costs.

Shahid said: “The collaboration with Cadent aims to make a positive and long-lasting impact in Slough at a time when the cost-of-living crisis is being felt by our many diverse communities. Not only are our Wellbeing Friends volunteers able to speak directly to those most in need, but they will be able to share vital information about how to stay warm and safe over winter.”

For more information about the service, please e-mail shahid@sloughcvs.org.uk