Across the UK, families who have a child with a disability have previously gone without all the heating they need during due to a parent having to give up work and a dramatic fall in household income.

A grant from the Energy Saving Trust (as part of their Energy Redress Scheme) has been awarded to children’s charity Caudwell Children to help combat fuel poverty amongst families who have a child with a disability.

In partnership with Auriga, an organisation that helps reduce financial hardship through collaboration with some of the largest utility companies across the UK, both organisations will be working together to support families to use energy more efficiently, and help manage household income, bills and debts.

Working closely together, Auriga and Caudwell Children’s expertise will directly help to identify, engage and support families with disabled children, to address their energy efficiency and affordability needs. In addition, families will be given access to a range of family support services to address the specific needs of their child.

Mark Abrams, chief executive of Auriga Services says:

“The grant that we will be facilitating will help to provide 2,000 families with a detailed home survey, energy efficiency guidance and income maximisation advice. Additionally, we shall be advising up to 10,000 families with energy saving tips and information via our dedicated advisers.”

Trudi Beswick, CEO at Caudwell Children comments:

“While there have recently been lots of announcements to help stimulate the economic recovery from COVID-19, it’s disappointing that lots of families with disabled children continue to be excluded from the uplift in universal credit, as announced in the Budget this month.
“Many of the people on so-called ‘legacy benefits’ have a disability and we have seen first-hand that many families we support are struggling to afford essentials during the pandemic.
“Caudwell Children offers support to the families with disabled children. In particular our Warm Homes service helps eligible families to maximise their incomes and manage household bills – but there’s only so much that charities can do.
“Disabled children and their families need long-term support to ensure they feel valued, supported and financially secure.”