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  Citizens Advice Energy Team

  12 months ago
  

  
  We’re here to help you make your home more energy-efficient, reduce your energy bills, and take control of your energy use. Whether you own or rent, our team offers expert advice, guidance, and resources to help you save energy and money.

  Energy Advice – Free & Confidential

  Our trained advisors provide tailored advice to help you reduce your energy usage, save on bills, and make your home more energy efficient. We offer advice through the following channels:

  • Home visits
  • Telephone appointments
  • In-office appointments

  We’ll help you understand your energy bills, explain tariffs, and ensure you’re on the best energy plan... Continue reading

  
  We’re here to help you make your home more energy-efficient, reduce your energy bills, and take control of your energy use. Whether you own or rent, our team offers expert advice, guidance, and resources to help you save energy and money.

  Energy Advice – Free & Confidential

  Our trained advisors provide tailored advice to help you reduce your energy usage, save on bills, and make your home more energy efficient. We offer advice through the following channels:

  • Home visits
  • Telephone appointments
  • In-office appointments

  We’ll help you understand your energy bills, explain tariffs, and ensure you’re on the best energy plan for your needs. If you’re struggling to pay your bills, we’ll help you access financial support options appropriate for you.

  Advice and information is also available on current energy grants and schemes, and referral pathways for council grants (which can include, subject to eligibility, the installation of new first time central heating systems, boiler upgrades and insulation); how to make and support applications to trust funds and help to sign up to the priority service register.

  • How we helped in 2024
  • 200 home visits
  • 3,000 households provided with in-depth energy advice through appointments, phone, email and drop-in events
  • Over 4,000 households helped with light touch energy saving information at community events
  • 1132 households helped with heating costs through our Heating Bank
    
    

  To request a telephone assessment and for more information visit our website at
  www.citizensadvicecw.org.uk/our-projects/energy-advice-service/
  
  

  Sara	Kay	Richard	Lisa

  
  

  Case Study

  Bernard lives alone, is self-employed and in receipt of Universal Credit. Worsening physical and mental health made it harder for Bernard to work, reducing his income significantly. Bernard’s home had no central heating, relying on a coal fire for heat and back boiler for hot water. Bernard was struggling to afford to buy coal and living in cold conditions. Our Energy Adviser was able to provide crisis support, supplying coal, logs, duvets and blankets through the Household Support Fund and identified that Bernard was eligible for the government ECO4 grant. Bernard’s grant application was successful, and he had first time central heating installed into his home, resulting in better energy efficiency, more affordable energy bills and a warm home with hot water, having a positive impact on his wellbeing.
• Share Buy safe and stay safe on Facebook Share Buy safe and stay safe on Twitter Share Buy safe and stay safe on Linkedin Email Buy safe and stay safe link

  Buy safe and stay safe

  12 months ago
  

  
  Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service understands that buying electrical items can be costly. With the added expense of everyday life, it might be tempting to cut costs when shopping for electrical products. However, doing so can pose serious fire safety risks.

  To keep your home and loved ones safe, follow these simple tips:

  Shop smart, shop safe: Always buy electrical products from trusted, reputable retailers. Check for the British or European safety mark.

  Charge with care: Use the correct charger for your device and avoid charging devices overnight or unattended. Don’t overload extension leads and never mix incompatible chargers or... Continue reading

  
  Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service understands that buying electrical items can be costly. With the added expense of everyday life, it might be tempting to cut costs when shopping for electrical products. However, doing so can pose serious fire safety risks.

  To keep your home and loved ones safe, follow these simple tips:

  Shop smart, shop safe: Always buy electrical products from trusted, reputable retailers. Check for the British or European safety mark.

  Charge with care: Use the correct charger for your device and avoid charging devices overnight or unattended. Don’t overload extension leads and never mix incompatible chargers or batteries. Do not charge products in hallways or escape routes in case a fire starts.

  Follow the manual: Check that the product comes with the correct instructions or registration card. Read the manual to ensure you're using the item safely and correctly.

  Check for wear and tear: Regularly check for frayed or worn cables and wires. Scorch marks on sockets and plugs indicate overheating. Keep your electricals clean and in good working order.

  Have a concern? If you suspect a product is unsafe, stop using it immediately. Contact the manufacturer or Citizens Advice to report unsafe items and help protect others.

  Remember, in case of a fire, Get Out, Stay Out, and Call 999.

  Find more electrical safety tips on our website and learn about safer purchasing of e-bikes and e-scooters on the gov.uk website.
• Share Cheshire age UK - Scams Awareness and Home Hazzard Assessments on Facebook Share Cheshire age UK - Scams Awareness and Home Hazzard Assessments on Twitter Share Cheshire age UK - Scams Awareness and Home Hazzard Assessments on Linkedin Email Cheshire age UK - Scams Awareness and Home Hazzard Assessments link

  Cheshire age UK - Scams Awareness and Home Hazzard Assessments

  about 1 year ago
  

  Older Persons Scams Awareness and Aftercare

  Each year in Cheshire, more than 5,000 people report being victims of scams and fraud, costing them over £20 million. Scammers are criminals who commit fraud. They target older people more than any other group.

  Age UK Cheshire are partnering with Cheshire West & Chester Council's Trading Standards Team to raise awareness of scams and doorstep crime amongst local older people, and support those who have been scammed to not become a repeat victim.

  This project helps older people, across the whole of Cheshire, to be resilient against scams and provides advice and support... Continue reading

  Older Persons Scams Awareness and Aftercare

  Each year in Cheshire, more than 5,000 people report being victims of scams and fraud, costing them over £20 million. Scammers are criminals who commit fraud. They target older people more than any other group.

  Age UK Cheshire are partnering with Cheshire West & Chester Council's Trading Standards Team to raise awareness of scams and doorstep crime amongst local older people, and support those who have been scammed to not become a repeat victim.

  This project helps older people, across the whole of Cheshire, to be resilient against scams and provides advice and support to victims of fraud.

  We offer a range of services to groups and individuals.

  • Personal scams advice sessions for anyone over the age of 50
  • Support for people who have been a victim of scams and frauds
  • Awareness-raising sessions about fraud to groups of older people or volunteers and people who work with older people
  • Scams awareness update bulletin

  To book any of the above services or for more information, telephone: 01625 612958 or email scams@ageukcheshire.org.uk
  
  Sponsored by:

  Home Hazard Assessment and Advice

  Age UK Cheshire’s Home Hazard team provide free, impartial and confidential advice about home hazards. The service aims to reduce falls at home by assessing an individual’s home and providing guidance on how to keep safe and well.
  
  This is a free service open to people aged 55 and over, which includes:

  • home assessments to residents in Cheshire West and Chester
  • advice on how to keep safe at home
  • advice on how to reduce the risk of falls at home
  • signposting to services which may be able to offer additional support
  • onward referral (with consent) to other services which may offer additional support.

  To discuss the service, make a referral or book a home visit, contact the team on:
  Telephone: 01244 408162
  Email: CHF@ageukcheshire.org,uk
  Opening times: Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm

  For more information on Cheshire age UK services, visit: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/cheshire/our-services/
• Share Safe tyres save lives – and money on Facebook Share Safe tyres save lives – and money on Twitter Share Safe tyres save lives – and money on Linkedin Email Safe tyres save lives – and money link

  Safe tyres save lives – and money

  over 1 year ago
  

  Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service offers practical advice to keep your vehicle safe. Well-maintained tyres don’t just enhance safety - they last longer, save money, and boost fuel efficiency.

  Check your tyres monthly – Inspect the pressure, tread depth, and look for any signs of wear or damage. Find safety guidance at: cheshirefire.gov.uk/your-safety/car-safety.

  Keep your wheels aligned – Misaligned tyres can lead to uneven or rapid wear, cause the car to pull to one side, vibrate the steering wheel, or create noise at low speeds.

  Use the right tyres – Choose tyres designed for reduced rolling resistance and better... Continue reading

  Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service offers practical advice to keep your vehicle safe. Well-maintained tyres don’t just enhance safety - they last longer, save money, and boost fuel efficiency.

  Check your tyres monthly – Inspect the pressure, tread depth, and look for any signs of wear or damage. Find safety guidance at: cheshirefire.gov.uk/your-safety/car-safety.

  Keep your wheels aligned – Misaligned tyres can lead to uneven or rapid wear, cause the car to pull to one side, vibrate the steering wheel, or create noise at low speeds.

  Use the right tyres – Choose tyres designed for reduced rolling resistance and better fuel efficiency for longer-lasting performance.

  Drive with care – Avoid sudden acceleration, sharp braking, fast cornering, or hitting kerbs, as these can damage your tyres.

  Lighten your load – Clear unnecessary weight from your car to reduce strain on your tyres.

  For more road safety tips, visit: cheshirefire.gov.uk/your-safety/road-safety.
• Share Free impartial advice to help you take control of your bills, save energy at home and access additional support. on Facebook Share Free impartial advice to help you take control of your bills, save energy at home and access additional support. on Twitter Share Free impartial advice to help you take control of your bills, save energy at home and access additional support. on Linkedin Email Free impartial advice to help you take control of your bills, save energy at home and access additional support. link

  Free impartial advice to help you take control of your bills, save energy at home and access additional support.

  over 1 year ago
  

  
  Green Doctors work with public and private partners to ensure support reaches those who need it most in local communities.

  Support is available to a wide range of people so if you’re finding it hard to heat your home, worried about how you’re going to manage your energy or water bill, have a health condition affected by the cold then we might be able to help.

  Our support includes:

  • the installation of small energy saving measures such as draughtproofing and radiator foils
  • help with boiler and heating controls
  • smart meters / water meters
  • fuel and water debt
  • registration on suppliers’... Continue reading

  
  Green Doctors work with public and private partners to ensure support reaches those who need it most in local communities.

  Support is available to a wide range of people so if you’re finding it hard to heat your home, worried about how you’re going to manage your energy or water bill, have a health condition affected by the cold then we might be able to help.

  Our support includes:

  • the installation of small energy saving measures such as draughtproofing and radiator foils
  • help with boiler and heating controls
  • smart meters / water meters
  • fuel and water debt
  • registration on suppliers’ Priority Services Register
  • grants
  • behavioural change advice
  • referrals for free gas safety checks
  • financial assistance where available.

  The scheme is open to residents across Cheshire West and Chester with a focus on families and individuals who:

  • have a low household income
  • are living with debt
  • are aged over 65
  • are living with a health condition affected by the cold
  • are living with mental illness
  • are living with dementia
  • have a disability
  • are young people and families containing children under the age of 5
  • are pregnant
  • are in emergency accommodation
  • are living in poor housing conditions.

  As we head towards winter it’s important to reach out for help if you need it. For more information, visit: www.groundwork.org.uk/greendoctor

  Email: greendoctor.CLM@groundwork.org.uk or

  Phone: 0330 1740 863
• Share New Community Café at Road Two, Winsford on Facebook Share New Community Café at Road Two, Winsford on Twitter Share New Community Café at Road Two, Winsford on Linkedin Email New Community Café at Road Two, Winsford link

  New Community Café at Road Two, Winsford

  over 1 year ago

  The new community café, which is more than just a café, opened to the public earlier this year. As well as being a fabulous place to meet new people and enjoy a coffee or a bite to eat, it also showcases a range of beautiful furniture that is available to buy through the ReUse Warehouse next door.

  Located on Road Two, Winsford Industrial Estate, the café is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 3pm.
  
  
  
  You don’t have to be from the local area to enjoy what’s on offer. So, why not pop along for some great value food and... Continue reading

  The new community café, which is more than just a café, opened to the public earlier this year. As well as being a fabulous place to meet new people and enjoy a coffee or a bite to eat, it also showcases a range of beautiful furniture that is available to buy through the ReUse Warehouse next door.

  Located on Road Two, Winsford Industrial Estate, the café is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 3pm.
  
  
  
  You don’t have to be from the local area to enjoy what’s on offer. So, why not pop along for some great value food and drink and find out what other services are available.

  The café and additional services have been made possible by Changing Lives Together, a charity whose mission is to find innovative solutions for environmental and social challenges that benefit local communities.
• Share Walking Further Together - On Tour on Facebook Share Walking Further Together - On Tour on Twitter Share Walking Further Together - On Tour on Linkedin Email Walking Further Together - On Tour link

  Walking Further Together - On Tour

  over 1 year ago
  

  Walking Further Together is an interactive exhibition of the lived experience of poverty, designed to challenge stigma and shape how we respond to the increased cost of living. The exhibition promotes a greater understanding of the struggle against poverty and how co-production can reinforce the ethos of 'Nothing about us without us is for us'.

  Residents across the borough will now have the opportunity to drop in and see parts of the exhibition within west Cheshire's libraries. The exhibition on tour will include pieces of art, audio and visual displays. The session aims to be interactive and thought... Continue reading

  Walking Further Together is an interactive exhibition of the lived experience of poverty, designed to challenge stigma and shape how we respond to the increased cost of living. The exhibition promotes a greater understanding of the struggle against poverty and how co-production can reinforce the ethos of 'Nothing about us without us is for us'.

  Residents across the borough will now have the opportunity to drop in and see parts of the exhibition within west Cheshire's libraries. The exhibition on tour will include pieces of art, audio and visual displays. The session aims to be interactive and thought provoking, highlighting how we can walk further by doing things together.

  The exhibition is aimed at anyone who is interested in the value of life experience, coproduction and working together with communities and individuals.

  There will also be support and information available about local support services.

  Exhibition dates

  14 - 18 Oct - Winsford Library, High Street, Winsford CW7 2AS

  18 - 22 Nov - Blacon Library, The Parade Enterprise Centre, 14 The Parade, Blacon CH1 5HN

  16 - 20 Dec - Ellesmere Port Library, Civic Way, Ellesmere Port CH65 0BG

  20 - 24 Jan - Neston Library, Parkgate Road, Neston CH64 6QE
  
  Comments from visitors to the exhibition

  'No one should be deprived of their basic human rights. We should work collectively to end poverty and make people feel heard'
  
  'Today's experience at the exhibition made me more empathetic, enlightened and privileged. I am inspired to give back to society and help people in need'

  
  The exhibition has been developed as part of a recent collaboration between the Social Justice research team and Community Inspirers from the West Cheshire Poverty Truth Commission.
• Share Edna's Laundrette on Facebook Share Edna's Laundrette on Twitter Share Edna's Laundrette on Linkedin Email Edna's Laundrette link

  Edna's Laundrette

  almost 2 years ago

  Edna’s Laundrette is named after 87-year-old local volunteer, Edna.

  This new facility based in the New Images Youth and Community Centre on Nixon Drive, Winsford is free to use.

  Watch the video and give it a whirl soon!
  
  
  You can book a two-hour slot to wash and dry your clothes, bedding and other items on a Tuesday between 9.30am and 3pm or a Wednesday between 12 noon and 3pm. Alternatively, on a Saturday you can walk in and use the facilities anytime between 10am and 4pm.

  It’s more than just a space to do your laundry it’s a community... Continue reading

  Edna’s Laundrette is named after 87-year-old local volunteer, Edna.

  This new facility based in the New Images Youth and Community Centre on Nixon Drive, Winsford is free to use.

  Watch the video and give it a whirl soon!
  
  
  You can book a two-hour slot to wash and dry your clothes, bedding and other items on a Tuesday between 9.30am and 3pm or a Wednesday between 12 noon and 3pm. Alternatively, on a Saturday you can walk in and use the facilities anytime between 10am and 4pm.

  It’s more than just a space to do your laundry it’s a community space that also hosts training courses and drop-in sessions on a range of topics.

  Edna’s Laundrette has been funded by the People’s Health Trust Lottery.
  
  
  
• Share Green Uniform and Baby Bank (GUBB) on Facebook Share Green Uniform and Baby Bank (GUBB) on Twitter Share Green Uniform and Baby Bank (GUBB) on Linkedin Email Green Uniform and Baby Bank (GUBB) link

  Green Uniform and Baby Bank (GUBB)

  almost 2 years ago
  

  
  Hello there!

  We are the Green Uniform and Baby Bank, but you can call us GUBB. We are a non-profit, volunteer led organisation, based in Winsford, who help people with the living costs associated with their young families. Emma Ball is our Founder and Director, and is supported by co-Directors Vanessa Tobin and Michelle Hawthorne, along with our team of volunteers.

  We started life over 5 years ago in a cupboard in a Dinner Lady’s home in Winsford. Our Emma, as a mother to four, realised that when her growing children needed the next size school uniform, there was nowhere... Continue reading

  
  Hello there!

  We are the Green Uniform and Baby Bank, but you can call us GUBB. We are a non-profit, volunteer led organisation, based in Winsford, who help people with the living costs associated with their young families. Emma Ball is our Founder and Director, and is supported by co-Directors Vanessa Tobin and Michelle Hawthorne, along with our team of volunteers.

  We started life over 5 years ago in a cupboard in a Dinner Lady’s home in Winsford. Our Emma, as a mother to four, realised that when her growing children needed the next size school uniform, there was nowhere to readily exchange second-hand items to keep financial and environmental costs low and that’s how the Winsford Uniform Exchange was born. It soon became clear that pre-school needs were also creating financial pressures for families. So, three years later, when the opportunity to continue the ‘Pass It On Baby Bank’ community project was presented to Emma, she couldn’t say no.

  Together, the GUBB aim to help young families to save money whilst reducing waste and inequality to improve their futures. We do this largely by selling uniform and baby items generously donated by the community. All funds, after paying our running costs, are put back into mid-Cheshire communities through local events and initiatives. We offer good quality, used, logo and generic primary and secondary uniform items.

  At GUBB, a full uniform costs less than £25.00, which is a huge and important saving for families at a time when money is expected to go further. We also offer pre-loved baby equipment, all in good condition.

  It is estimated that families can expect to pay over £9,000 in a baby’s first year and so we provide families with an opportunity to save money here too. Our baby items are typically priced between 10p for baby clothing to £60.00 for a pram.

  GUBB is more than a way of diverting items away from landfill. Our community, who donate and shop with us, are not only recycling used goods into our Community Shop but enable us to provide more support to people who really need it.

  Just imagine for a moment you are 19, and pregnant for the first time.

  You and your young partner have no family networks to support you. It will take 6 weeks for your Universal Credit to come through, and there is so much to buy and sort. You feel lost and don’t have a clue where to start. This was the situation of a young girl that came into us.

  Our volunteers, most of whom are mum’s themselves, rallied around. We agreed for her and her partner to come in each week to talk through the items they would need. We were able to get all the essentials for the baby’s arrival and agreed they only needed to pay a small contribution, £20.00, for everything.

  For this young person, it provided a safe place to access support, and gave them the relief of knowing that they would have everything that was needed at an extremely sensitive time, but without putting financial pressure on an already very stretched budget.

  Location and opening times
  Our Community Shop is open to everyone, you do not need a referral. You can find us on the First Floor of the Community Hub, High Street, CW7 2AS.
  
  We are open every Tuesday 9.30am until 12.00 noon, and Thursday 5.00pm to 7.00pm every week, and the first Saturday of the month.

  If you want to find out more or have any questions, you can contact us via our Webpage

  https://greenuniformandbabybankltd.org/, on Facebook, call us on 07835851908 or email us at info@greenuniformandbabybankltd.org.

  If you prefer in person, you can pop into our Community Shop during our opening hours, and we are always happy to have a chat!
• Share Period Dignity on Facebook Share Period Dignity on Twitter Share Period Dignity on Linkedin Email Period Dignity link

  Period Dignity

  almost 2 years ago
  

  
  At Motherwell Cheshire, we’ve always believed that no girl or woman should have to worry about their period or not be able to afford the essential items they need. So, we have recently launched our Period Dignity campaign.
  
  Since the campaign began in 2023, we’ve received a constant stream of requests for items, from sports clubs or local groups wanting supplies.
  
  We provide several different supply options - we have period bags, these in the main go to local sports clubs. The bags include period items, hygiene wipes, hair bobbles, a hairbrush, deodorant etc. We can also provide our grab... Continue reading

  
  At Motherwell Cheshire, we’ve always believed that no girl or woman should have to worry about their period or not be able to afford the essential items they need. So, we have recently launched our Period Dignity campaign.
  
  Since the campaign began in 2023, we’ve received a constant stream of requests for items, from sports clubs or local groups wanting supplies.
  
  We provide several different supply options - we have period bags, these in the main go to local sports clubs. The bags include period items, hygiene wipes, hair bobbles, a hairbrush, deodorant etc. We can also provide our grab bags tray, these are bags of either tampons, pads or mixed. And finally, we can provide a desk tray, these are a tray of sanitary items, similar to a period bag but these fit in a work’s drawer and contain toothpaste, a toothbrush, lip balm etc.

  Anyone and everyone can access our period dignity supplies. All they need to do is contact Motherwell Cheshire by either calling the office or emailing the hub with their request.

  Telephone: 01606 557666, Text: 07496 160930

  Email:motherwellhub@motherwellcheshirecio.com