The Cadent Foundation, the charitable arm of the UK’s largest Gas Distribution Network, launched its 1st ever £2 million Winter Support Fund in December, in a bid to rapidly inject vital financial help into communities across the UK.

So far, more than 12,500 adults and more than 9,000 children across the UK have benefited from the extra help. In the North West, more than 6,000 energy, food and essential heating and cooking appliance vouchers have been given out.  

The extra support is available to people who are living in vulnerable situations and who Cadent Foundations’ current charity partners are providing energy efficiency and money management guidance to.

This includes Groundwork, The Trussell Trust, Citizens Advice, Blackpool Coastal Housing, Care Network (Blackburn with Darwen) and Wallasey-based EPPlus.

Ranjit Blythe, Managing Director of the Cadent Foundation, said:- "We’ve been amazed, but sadly not surprised, by the take up of our first Winter Fund as we know from our charity partners how great the need is across the communities where we operate. With over half of the fund used so far, there is still time for people to apply for additional support to help them through the remaining winter months. We know there are still so many people that could benefit from this initiative, and we’re keen to make is as simple as possible for those most in need to receive help. In the first instance, we would encourage people to contact their local Citizens Advice or Groundwork who can check eligibility and provide help to access support."

Since the fund launched in November, the list of charity partners administering the vouchers has expanded, with the addition of the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) and National Energy Action.

Ranjit continued:- "With the latest government fuel poverty statistics released last month showing that the situation for millions remains tough, we know this fund is not a long-term solution. Therefore, we are continuing to engage with our charity partners to develop initiatives that will help tackle the root causes of high bills, such as introducing energy efficiency measures into homes. However, we also know from the heartbreaking stories we’ve heard over the past few weeks, that people simply need a helping hand right now to get them through this winter."

Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, added:- "Our Green Doctors are working in communities daily helping people reduce their energy bills and stay warm and well. Having access to energy and food vouchers allows us to make an immediate impact and offer rapid relief to those who most need support."

With research by Opinion Matters revealing that almost all (89%) UK adults with a household income of £29,500 or less are finding it challenging to cover their household bills, and with 41 per cent stating they are struggling with energy bills and do not know where to turn, the Winter Support Fund comes at a time of increasing need across the country.

For more information about the Cadent Foundation, please visit:- CadentFoundation.Com.