Supporting Vulnerable Families
Duncan and his family's Journey
Duncan was referred to ALIenergy by a local Development Trust. Staff at the Trust had previously received training to recognise signs of fuel poverty and knew how to refer individuals in need to the our Affordable Warmth Service. Duncan initially approached the Trust because he was struggling to afford coal for heating.
Understanding the Family’s Circumstances
After the referral, an Affordable Warmth Advisor spoke to Duncan over the phone. It became clear that the family faced challenges beyond simply securing a delivery of coal. Duncan’s family had started a business just as the COVID pandemic struck, which ultimately caused the business to fail. They were left with substantial business loans, lost their home and possessions and, while waiting for local authority housing, lived temporarily in a friend’s caravan.
Impact of Fuel Poverty
The property they were eventually allocated suffered from damp and mould, negatively affecting the family’s health. One child endured very severe asthma, resulting in eight hospitalisations within a single year. Duncan’s wife struggled with an auto-immune disease, exacerbated by dust mites, requiring wool duvets that needed washing every three days. Another child was being tested for the same disease and could not eat processed foods, relying on specialist foods not available in local supermarkets, which significantly increased their household shopping costs.
Unable to afford a coal delivery, the family was forced to ration heating, which worsened the damp and mould issues in their home. Living in a cold, damp environment affected the physical and mental health of every family member.
Support Provided by ALIenergy
ALIenergy offered advice on managing damp and mould and supplied a humidity monitor and dehumidifier. To meet the family’s increased laundry needs, a washing machine and heat pump dryer were awarded. A £300 delivery of coal was arranged, and a white goods fund subsequently granted a £300 cash award to the family.