Without the Fuel Bank partnership many people would simply go hungry and go cold, it’s been a life changer. There is no other practical, time sensitive help available to those in fuel poverty that is so effective at meeting peoples immediate need.

When clients ask for help with fuel, it opens the door to conversations about their financial situation and then further help that we can provide, either with benefits or with their debts. The short-term support can turn into a long-term solution to improving the lives and well-being of the client.

Fuel Bank makes a massive difference. Having the option to help people in vulnerable situations has given our frontline service more tools to better support their communities. So many people are unable to reach out to the usual channels, especially during the lockdown due to fear or guilt, so when they come to us it’s good to get them the help they need.

Thanks to the Fuel Bank vouchers we’ve been able to save lives, either because clients were able to eat but for some it had an even greater impact on their mental health and therefore they weren’t so inclined to self-harm to stop themselves thinking of how bad their situation was.

Fuel Bank is a key part of our support package, it helps to reduce stress and provides breathing space for a clients’ financial situation to improve and importantly it provides hope that people care. By accessing Fuel Bank services the clients are supported through the process of making positive changes in multiple areas of their lives.

The Fuel Bank allows us to give that much more immediate help. It’s not just topping up clients gas and electric, it’s giving them their dignity back: they’re able to go home and have a hot meal, have a hot shower, as well as heat their homes.

Having a fuel voucher prompts customers to contact us through other organisations we work with, meaning we’re able to support customers with our water social tariff who we probably wouldn’t otherwise find. It’s meant we can help address all utility related issues and help provide some relief whilst customers seek help from other sources.

Fuel Bank helps alleviate Hartlepool residents situation with fuel poverty. Residents are then more likely to continue to access support and services from our other projects which extend beyond fuel to employment, welfare benefits and even electric vehicles!