News / energy bills
Emergency fundraiser launched to help people pay energy bills this winter
An emergency JustGiving page has been set up in a bid to relieve some financial stress from those struggling to pay their energy bills.
A combination of an increase in energy bill prices and the cold weather, has left many people in the city feeling worried about staying warm this winter.
Bristol Energy Network has launched an online fundraising page to financially support Bristolians through the colder months.
is needed now More than ever
A combination of an increase in energy bill prices and the cold weather, has left many people feeling worried about staying warm this winter – photo: Rachel Sutherland
The Bristol emergency winter fuel fund, which to this date has raised almost £500, will be distributed through an established referral system and through five community partners.
One of those is Ambition Lawrence Weston, a resident-driven organisation, which is acting as the holder of the pot of money.
Eastside Community Trust, Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust, Re:work, and Heart of BS13 are all backing the fundraiser by taking referrals for residents living near their organisation.
The community partners have been carefully chosen so that each part of the city is covered.
All money raised from the fundraiser will go towards people’s energy bills across Bristol.
To be eligible for help, you must be referred directly by one of the community partners listed above, or through a GP or district nurse, another community or religious organisation, a councillor or MP, or a foodbank.
These fundraising efforts follow on from the success of the Bristol emergency Covid fund which was set up by Bristol Energy Network in 2021.
The organisation joined forces with the people of Bristol to raise £20,000 for vulnerable people in the city during the pandemic.
This year’s emergency winter fuel fund, which has a target of £100,000, was launched on December 1 and will be open to donations until March 2023.
You can access a referral form for help with your bills here.
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
- Warm spaces scheme welcomes first residents in time for winter
- ‘Don’t Pay’ bills storm reaches Bristol
- Survey: how do Bristolians use electricity?
Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
