Mark* was having a really terrible time when he was referred to National Energy Action. He was living in a local authority property with his adult son, where they had been living in one room because he was unable to heat the whole home. On a safeguarding visit by his local authority, his cooker was deemed to be unsafe and had been capped. Mark wasn’t able to pay for a replacement due to his poor financial situation. 

Mark was also living with lung, bowel and skin cancer, heart disease, COPD, diabetes and had recently undergone eye surgery. This left Mark unable to work and struggling financially. 

Our adviser got to work to provide Mark and his son with some immediate support with energy vouchers and a Winter Warmth Support Pack filled with items to keep them warmer at home. Our adviser also made a referral to our Benefits Entitlement Check Service (BECS) to ensure he was receiving all benefits he is entitled to, helping to increase his household income.  

Because Mark was using a CPAP machine for breathing at night, he also had higher electricity bills to keep the machine going. To support with these costs, our adviser was able to secure £1,000 through our Warm Home Prescription scheme. 

Our adviser also helped with a replacement cooker, a further £300 towards household costs, a clothes airer, and new bedding so that he could stay warmer and more comfortable.  

Mark told our adviser: ‘Thank you so much, I am so grateful for your help. I have been undergoing cancer treatment so your help has taken so much stress off me with my bills. Thanks again, you’ve been an angel.’

The help we provide is only possible because of the incredible support we receive. Your generosity can change lives and mean more people like Mark can feel warm, safe and secure in their home this winter and beyond.  

Support Operation Warmth and help spread warmth and hope this Christmas. 

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*Pseudonym used to protect client anonymity.