Nora from Stockton on Tees was referred to Five Lamps by the Tees Credit Union, when she informed them that she was finding it difficult to afford her utility costs
Gill Robinson, from Tees Credit Union explained that Five Lamps might be able to help as they were working with Stockton Council on the Warm Homes Healthy People project to help people who may be at risk of cold related illnesses.
Amy Baker, Executive Support Assistant at Five Lamps arranged an appointment to meet with Nora the same week.
Nora explained that she had been managing to live on the bare minimum income as her DLA (Disability Living Allowance) had been stopped a few months before and she was currently in the process of appealing this decision. However, now that the weather was getting colder she was finding it difficult to heat her home and once the credit on her meter had ran out she had no other option then to self-disconnect her supply.
Suffering from numerous health conditions which are impacted by the cold weather it is important that Nora keeps her home heated and that she is not exposed to the cold.
Amy provided Nora with some energy efficiency advice and also informed her of a scheme called the Teesside Emergency Relief fund who also works in partnership on the Warm Homes Healthy People project.
Amy’s application to the Teesside Emergency Relief was a success and Nora was awarded £200.00. £150.00 was to be spent on gas and electricity and £50.00 for a month’s supply of food.
Amy also referred Nora to Citizens Advice, who are supporting Nora with her appeal; Broadacres who provided a draft proof check on Nora’s property and Cleveland Fire Brigade who completed a home fire safety visit and provided Nora with a thermal blanket and mattress topper.
Nora said:
“Don’t sit alone and vulnerable, go to the Five Lamps and if they can help they will, I received help from them which made a big impact to me I was able to enjoy Christmas knowing I would be warm. Thank you again for all of your help”
Five Lamps are currently working with Stockton Council on the Warm Homes Healthy People project helping people in Stockton on Tees who are suffering from fuel poverty.