Fuel and energy advice coming to Blackburn and Darwen

As part of Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, special roadshows are coming to Blackburn with Darwen to give people advice and support about fuel and energy costs this winter.

They will take place from November 30th at Darwen and Blackburn Markets and will put the spotlight on fuel and energy costs and give advice, support and help with the rising costs of living.

The advice sessions will be at Darwen Market from 9.30am to 12pm and at Blackburn Market from 1pm to 4pm.

Anyone who needs advice or help with their fuel and energy bills is welcome to drop in and chat to advisors who can give you support and point you in the right direction.

You don’t need to be claiming benefits to be eligible for the advice and support – this is for all people who need some extra help with heating their homes and with any heating and energy supplier issues as well as financial and safety advice.

Fuel Poverty Awareness Day is run by National Energy Action and is supported by Blackburn with Darwen Council and local partner organisations.

The Council is working with Care Network, BwD Healthy Living, Shelter, Cosy Homes in Lancashire, Jubilee Tower Credit Union, BwD Food Resilience Alliance and Blackburn with Darwen Adult Learning to provide support with utility bills and essential items including broken washers, cookers, fridges and freezers, for boiler servicing and repairs.

There is also support still available through the Household Support Fund. This is funding to support people, families and children to access food, support with utility bills and other essentials during the costs of living crisis: www.blackburn.gov.uk/cost-living-support/household-support-fund  

There is also information on a wide range of cost of living support across the borough on the Council website: https://www.blackburn.gov.uk/cost-living-support/cost-living-extra-support

Councillor Damian Talbot, Executive member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: Keeping people warm and healthy during winter is crucial and we are doing everything we can to help people through the winter months.

We know that fuel and energy bills are still high and people are still struggling with the rising costs, meaning more people than ever could need support with affordable heating – and this is what these sessions are about.

I hope anyone who needs any advice or support will come along if they can and have a chat with our advisors to see what help they can get.”