![](https://www.nea.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/041223-NEAConf-Day1-94-1024x683.jpg)
Not coping strategies
We have spoken to households around the UK, who are being forced to adopt dangerous coping strategies. These can be detrimental to people’s health and wellbeing.
![](https://www.nea.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/sleeping.png)
Going to bed early to stay warm
![](https://www.nea.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/central-heat-.png)
Only heating one room or avoiding using central heating at all
![](https://www.nea.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/bath.png)
“Marking” the bath to reduce the amount of water used each time
![](https://www.nea.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/library.png)
Spending the day in heated spaces such as a library, cafe or even A&E
![](https://www.nea.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/candle-burning.png)
Cutting back on electricity and using candles instead of lights
![](https://www.nea.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/shower.png)
Showering away from the home in workplaces or leisure centres
![](https://www.nea.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/food.png)
Cutting back on buying essential personal items, food, eating only cold meals or reliance on food banks
![](https://www.nea.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/money.png)
Formal borrowing (credit cards and loans) or informal borrowing from
friends and family
![](https://www.nea.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/oven.png)
Using unsafe, unserviced heating appliances or inappropriate devices
like ovens to stay warm
![](https://www.nea.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/grill.png)
Cooking using alternative sources such as a barbeque or portable stove
![](https://www.nea.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/soap.png)
Cutting back on personal hygiene products
![](https://www.nea.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/wash-basin.png)
Bathing less often, or resorting to a “sink wash
![](https://www.nea.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/family.png)
Not inviting friends or family
in to the home
![](https://www.nea.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/curtains-1.png)
Leaving curtains closed all day or putting newspaper over windows
![](https://www.nea.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/bill.png)
Deciding not to pay the water bill in order to pay a higher priority bill (such as energy or council tax)