Advent Calendar Day 3: Emily’s story
Emily* was living alone in a social housing property and was struggling with depression and arthritis. She was also using a CPAP machine for sleep apnoea and so had increased electricity bills to fund the medical equipment necessary for maintaining her health.
Living in a cold home can exacerbate mental and physical health conditions, so for people like Emily, having a warm and safe home is critical. However, this was becoming increasingly difficult for Emily as, once her rent had been paid, she was struggling to afford her energy and food bills with the little money she had left.
Emily felt like she’d ‘given up’ and didn’t know how to tackle the mounting debt and letters from her supplier.
Once in touch with National Energy Action, one of our advisers sent Emily energy vouchers, a food bank voucher, and a Winter Warmth Support Pack filled with items to keep her warmer at home. She was also referred to our Benefits Entitlement Check Service (BECS) to ensure she was in receipt of all benefits she is entitled to, helping to increase her income.
As Emily was medically dependent on increased electricity, she was eligible for our Warm Home Prescription scheme, which credited £1,000 to her energy account to help with the cost of bills.
Emily shared: ‘The Warm Home Prescription was a fantastic result –I am overwhelmed by the difference it will make to my general mental health and worry.’
The help we provide is only possible because of the incredible support we receive. Your generosity can change lives and mean more people like Emily can feel warm, safe and secure in their home this winter and beyond.
Support Operation Warmth and help spread warmth and hope this Christmas.
DONATE *Pseudonym used to protect client anonymity.