Fuel and energy help roadshows coming to Blackburn and Darwen

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 28 to December 2 as part of Fuel Poverty Awareness Day and will put the spotlight on fuel and energy costs and give advice, support and help with the rising costs of living.

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, Blackburn with Darwen Food Alliance, The Oaks Money Advice Centre 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.

The roadshows are as follows:

• Monday, November 28 from 9.30am to 11.30am – Darwen Health Centre
• Monday, November 28 from 12.30pm to 2.30pm – Roman Road Library
• Wednesday, November 30 from 9.30am to 11.30am – Banktop Learning Centre
• Wednesday, November 30 from 12.30am to 2.30pm – Mill Hill Community Centre
• Thursday, December 1 from 9.30am to 11.30am – Livesey Community Centre
• Thursday, December 1 from 12.30pm to 2.30pm – Bangor Street Community Centre
• Friday, December 2 from 9.30am to 11.30am – Blackburn Central Library
• Friday, December 2 from 12.30pm to 2.30pm – Darwen Market Hall

There is also support still available through the Household Support Scheme. 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: https://www.blackburn.gov.uk/cost-living-support/household-support-scheme

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 vitally important and a key priority for us, now more than ever as we face the cost of living crisis this winter. We know many people are worried about their energy bills and are already struggling with the rising costs, and the Council and our partners want to do everything we can to help with this.

More people than ever will need support with fuel costs and affordable heating now and that is what these sessions are about. I hope anyone who needs any advice or support will come along to a convenient session and have a chat with our expert advisors and see what help they can get.”