Free support services for vulnerable residents at risk of fuel poverty

The council has awarded a new, enhanced three-year contract to Thinking Works, a not-for-profit company which works to tackle fuel poverty, supplementing a range of services on offer in Wandsworth to help residents this winter.

This means that for another three years, Thinking Works will run the Wandsworth and Richmond Assessment Point (WRAP) scheme visiting homes to offer:

• Impartial advice on how to understand fuel bills, access tariff discounts, and how to use heating systems efficiently

• Support for households in applying for heating and insulation grants and helping them access discounts on water rates where eligible

• Installation of free energy and water saving measures to save money and help residents stay safe and warm, including a carbon monoxide detector, LED bulbs and radiator reflector panels

• Signposting and referrals to helpful local support services including health and wellbeing services such as talking therapies, lunch clubs and free smoke alarms and advice from the London Fire Brigade.

Wandsworth’s cabinet member for health Graeme Henderson said: “With steadily increasing energy costs and all other household bills going up, some of our vulnerable residents are having to choose between heating or eating.

“Our WRAP Winter Warmth and Fuel Poverty Service initiative is designed to ease the pressure on these households and reduce the risk of illness and cold weather associated health problems. Staff employed by WRAP can visit homes to carry out small energy efficiency measures such as draft-proofing to help keep homes warm and reduce fuel bills.

“They can also offer ongoing support to help with grant applications to improve heating, insulation, and ventilation and also provide emergency fuel top-up vouchers to residents who qualify for additional levels of support.”

• Wandsworth Council has unveiled a far-reaching package of measures this winter to help residents.

Its Cost-of-Living hub offers a wide range of help, advice and support services to help residents struggling in the economic downturn.

And its Wandsworth Warm Spaces initiative is offering residents struggling to pay their fuel bills additional help this winter. Libraries, children’s centres, community centres and spaces managed by the borough’s voluntary sector, are throwing open their doors to offer residents a warm place to stay.

For more information about the free WRAP service visit our not-for-profit partners Thinking Works website or to check if you’re eligible please contact them:
• Telephone: 0800 118 2327
• Text: 07928 394 482
• Email: enquiries@thinkingworks.co.uk