AN energy company has awarded grant to Liskeard charities to help with tackling fuel poverty at a time when fuel and power costs are rising rapidly.

The fuel poverty grants have been issued as part of a drive to help local people live more sustainably and stay warm this winter. The awards have come from Western Power Distribution (WPD), the electricity distributor for the region, which hands out £1 million a year to community initiatives and local good causes through its ‘Community Matters’ fund.

Among the beneficiaries announced this week is the Lighthouse Community Centre, which has been awarded £1,100. WPD’s grant will allow the organisation to provide weekly one-to-one tailored support workshops to support people in the community with their energy bills. The funding will save the organisation around £3,350.

Alison Sleightholm, WPD’s Resources & External Affairs Director, said: “It’s great to see the first of our grants being distributed to organisations and charities in the South West which are offering direct help to the people who need it most this winter. Their work will make a vital difference, supporting our most vulnerable customers and making a positive impact in the communities we serve.

“Tackling fuel poverty is a crucial and immediate priority for WPD, as vulnerable customers in the region are expected to experience hardship this year. This winter’s community funding from WPD is an extension of our wide-ranging fuel poverty programme, supporting customers who are struggling to pay their bills.”

Clare Bevan, Managing Director at the Lighthouse Community Centre, said: “This fund will have a big impact on the people we are supporting. ItPower will enable us to provide them with a safe, friendly and confidential place to talk through their situation which will put them at ease and give them some hope and peace.

“We will be able to offer hard-pressed households some helpful advice and breathing space during these difficult winter months.”

For more information please visit www.westernpower.co.uk/community-matters-fund. Follow the fund on social media via #WPDCommunityFund