Support for Those in Fuel Poverty in Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole

Keeping warm shouldn’t be a luxury – it’s essential for health, comfort and wellbeing. As part of Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, Citizens Advice BCP are reminding those struggling to heat their homes of the support available locally.

As the colder months draw in, many households across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole begin to feel the strain of rising energy costs. This affects many people – from families trying to keep their children warm, to older residents living alone. But no one should have to choose between heating and eating, and that’s where local support can make a real difference. From financial grants to warm community spaces – we’re here to tell you how you can find support and keep your home safe and warm.

What is ‘Fuel Poverty’ and how is this affecting our communities?

Fuel poverty happens when a household’s income isn’t enough to cover both living costs and the energy needed to keep the home warm and healthy. It can be caused by a combination of low-income, high-energy prices and homes that are poorly insulated.

Recent figures from the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero reveal that around one in ten households in the South-West are living in fuel poverty, where there is a higher than average fuel poverty gap (the difference between what people can afford and what they need to spend to stay warm) sitting at £576, compared to the national average of £407. It’s a stark reminder of how rising energy costs continue to put pressure on families across our communities.

Living in a cold home can have a serious impact on both your physical and mental health. Being unable to heat your home properly increases the risk of illnesses such as colds, flu and respiratory problems, and can make conditions like asthma, heart disease or arthritis worse.

Fuel poverty doesn’t just make homes colder – it can make lives lonelier. When people can’t afford to heat their homes, they often cut back on social contact to save money and may be too embarrassed to invite others into cold or uncomfortable living spaces.

This isolation, combined with the stress of rising bills and poor living conditions, can have a serious impact on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

Financial hardship forces people to make tough choices between heating, food and other essentials; social contact declines; and mental and physical health suffer as a result. Over time, the combination of cold homes, stress and isolation can take a real toll on wellbeing, showing that fuel poverty is not just a financial issue, but a social and health crisis too.

If you’re struggling to stay warm and worried about the effects of this on your health, it’s important to reach out early. You can speak to your GP or visit the NHS website for guidance on staying well in winter. The NHS also has practical advice on mental health and wellbeing and how to find local support if you’re feeling low or anxious.

Financial Support and Energy Help – Household Support Fund

BCP Council, alongside local organisations such as Citizens Advice Bournemouth Christchurch & Poole (BCP), is helping residents through the Household Support Fund; a government-backed scheme that offers short-term grants to help with essentials like food and fuel.

If you’re over 16 and living independently in the BCP Council area, you may be able to apply for this funding. Applications open at certain times throughout the year; the next starting on the 8^th December; so it’s worth checking the BCP Council or Citizens Advice BCP website regularly to see when you can apply.*

 

Home Improvements and Energy Efficiency

For many people, the biggest savings come from improving how their home retains heat. Under the current Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme, households on lower incomes or with health conditions may qualify for free or heavily discounted home upgrades, such as insulation, better heating systems or draught-proofing (current round available until March 2026).

These improvements not only reduce bills but also help keep homes drier and healthier. If you think you might be eligible, get in touch with your energy provider or Citizens Advice for guidance on how to apply.

Homeowners with a low EPC rating can apply for a package of energy-saving measures and heating improvements through the ECO scheme.

For information on who is eligible and how to apply, visit:

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/energy-company-obligation-eco

If you own a property in England or Wales, you can get recommendations for home improvements that could make your property cheaper to heat and keep warm. You can do this by contacting an Adviser from the Government’s ‘Find Ways to Save Energy in Your Home’ team on 0800 098 7950 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm or Saturday, 9am to 12pm) – https://www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency

 

Warm Hubs: Free, Friendly and Local

 

If your home feels too cold or you’d simply like a warm, welcoming space to spend a few hours, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have a wonderful network of warm hubs, also known as ‘Community Welcome Spaces’ – offering friendly places to stay warm, meet others and get advice. You don’t have to face the cold alone. Support is out there to help you stay safe, healthy and connected this winter.

Across the conurbation, libraries, churches, cafés and community centres open their doors during the winter months to provide warmth, free hot drinks, WiFi, and company. You’ll often find friendly volunteers on hand to offer advice about energy saving and local services, too.

A few examples of Community Welcome Spaces include:

• Hamworthy Library
• Becky’s Community Café at St Joseph’s Church in Christchurch
• Community Living Room at Parkstone United Reformed Church in Poole
• St Paul’s Café at Throop in Bournemouth

You can find an up-to-date list of warm spaces on the BCP Council website under “Find a community welcome space”. Many are open daily throughout the colder months, offering not just warmth but a real sense of community.

https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/communities/cost-of-living-help/find-a-community-welcome-space

National Energy Grants and Charitable Help

In addition to local council support, several national charities and energy funds offer financial help to households struggling with energy costs.

One of the best known is the British Gas Energy Trust – an independent charitable trust funded by British Gas that provides grants to help people clear energy debts. Grants include the Individual and Families Fund and the British Gas Energy Support Fund. You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for some of their funds, though priority is given to those most in need. See their website for details: – https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/grants-available/

Other national schemes, such as the Energy Company Obligation and UK Energy Grants, can help with free insulation, new boilers or even renewable heating options — all designed to reduce bills and keep homes warmer for the long term.

Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund: If you live in social housing and your EPC rating is D to G, speak to your local authority to see if they’re part of this scheme. This scheme is available to local authorities to bring their social housing stock up to EPC rating C.

 

Government Grants:

The Winter Fuel Payment is a support for pensioners who get certain benefits. If you were born before 22 September 1959 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2025 to 2026. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’. Most people get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if eligible, in November or December.

The Cold Weather Payment is available for those on certain benefits when the temperature drops to zero degrees Celsius or below for 7 days in a row.

The Warm Home Discount is a £150 discount on an energy bill if you get Pension Credit or live in a low-income household.

 

Simple Everyday Ways to Stay Warm

While you’re waiting for larger improvements or financial help to come through, there are still simple things you can do at home to stay comfortable. Close doors to unused rooms, use thick curtains at night, and block draughts around windows and doors. Laying rugs on bare floors and using a heated blanket or throw in the evenings can also make a big difference without pushing up your bills.

 

Damp & Mould in Social Housing

If you live in council or housing association accommodation, you now have stronger rights when it comes to damp and mould.

The new legislation, known as Awaab’s Law, came into force on the 27th of October 2025 across England and requires social landlords to act quickly when tenants report dangerous damp, mould or other serious housing hazards. Housing providers must investigate emergency issues (e.g., gas leaks, major electrical faults, no water supply, severe damp/mould causing an imminent health risk) within 24 hours and carry out necessary repairs within a set timeframe. This means tenants in social housing can now expect faster, more accountable responses and safer homes.

If you rent social housing and are worried about damp or mould, report it in writing to your social housing provider straight away. Keep photos and records of your communications, and if you don’t get a timely response, organisations like Citizens Advice can help you take things further.

 

No One Should Have to Face the Cold Alone

Fuel poverty is a serious issue – but help is out there. Whether you need short-term financial support, advice about your energy bills, or simply somewhere warm to spend the day, Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole have a growing network of support designed to help you stay safe and warm.

Reach out early, explore the grants available, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Stay warm, stay safe, and don’t face the cold alone!

 

Useful Contacts & Links

 

BCP Council – Household Support & Warm Welcome Spaces: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk

Citizens Advice Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole: www.citizensadvicebcp.org.uk

British Gas Energy Trust (grants and energy support): www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk

Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Scheme: www.gov.uk/energy-company-obligation

 

(*Next round of the Household Support Fund: 9am on Monday 8 December 2025 to 4:30pm on Friday 30 January 2026)