Herefordshire Community Foundation (HCF)  is giving grants of up to £500 to help struggling households cope with rising energy costs. 

Designed to support those most in need, including disadvantaged families with young children, the elderly and the disabled, the grants will go towards energy bills, water bills and essentials such as cookers and washing machines.

Herefordshire Community Foundation CEO Bridie Sullivan explained: “Rising energy costs are a real worry for many of us but certain households are facing unbelievable hardship. We hope to alleviate some of the stress by opening applications now. We plan to have committed significant funds by the end of September and urge applications to be made as soon as possible.”

To access a grant, an online application will need to be made on your behalf by a referral organisation or care professional such as Citizens Advice Bureau, local food bank, social worker, debt advisor or employment coach. 

Payments are then made direct to the utility company or via your pre-paid meter.

Applications can now be made by referral agencies via the fuel poverty form on HCF’s website: sforce.co/3Qddvdh 

Funding for the grants comes from the Household Support Fund, which HCF is administering on behalf of Herefordshire Council and which  is provided by the UK Government’s Department for Work & Pensions.