Community Resource is encouraging people across Shropshire who are struggling with rising living costs to come forward and access support through its Essential Support Fund.

The fund forms part of the UK Government and Shropshire Council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund, providing practical help to households facing financial hardship, including those struggling to afford heating and other essential costs.

Support available for essential living costs

The Essential Support Fund offers support with a range of urgent needs, including:

  • heating oil and LPG costs
  • energy costs and arrears
  • essential household items
  • measures to help keep homes warm and safe

All support provided through the fund does not need to be repaid, helping ease immediate financial pressure for those most in need.

Targeted support for those most in need

The fund is aimed at low-income households in Shropshire experiencing immediate financial hardship, with priority given to those at risk of crisis or unable to meet essential living costs.

This is particularly important in a rural county like Shropshire, where many homes are not connected to the mains gas grid and rely on heating oil or LPG, which can be costly and difficult to budget for.

While we are currently experiencing warmer weather, this funding also gives households an opportunity to plan ahead and prepare for the colder months, when heating costs can place significant pressure on budgets.

A holistic approach to support

In addition to financial assistance, Community Resource provides wider support to help people manage costs over the longer term.

This includes:

  • advice on managing energy costs
  • access to community energy groups, enabling collective buying and savings
  • support to improve energy efficiency in the home

Bev Baxter, Chief Executive at Community Resource said:

“We know many households are still facing real pressure from the rising cost of living, particularly when it comes to heating their homes. This funding is there to help people who are struggling most, with those in urgent need prioritised for support.”

“For those who may not be in immediate crisis, we can also offer wider range of support through Community Resource, including advice, access to our community energy groups, and support with energy efficiency measures. These approaches can help people reduce their costs longer term, including through collective buying and making homes more energy efficient.”

How to access support

Support is accessed through a referral process, ensuring people receive the most appropriate help for their circumstances.

  • referrals must be made by a professional, support service or community organisation
  • this includes organisations such as support workers, food banks, family hubs and local services
  • residents are encouraged to speak to a local organisation they are already in contact with

Referrals can be supported through:

  • Shropshire Council website
  • Telephone: 0345 678 9012 (Option 0) (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm)
  • Shropshire Local hubs and mobile services

Residents and professionals can also find more information about the fund on the Community Resource website:

https://community-resource.org.uk/essential-support-fund/

Encouraging residents to come forward

Community Resource is urging anyone struggling with rising costs not to wait before seeking help.

Support is available, and accessing it can make a real difference in helping households stay financially stable and more resilient for the months ahead.

Further cost-of-living support from Shropshire Council

As well as support with heating oil with Community Resource, Shropshire residents can also find a wide range of cost-of-living help from Shropshire Council. There’s advice on benefits, budgeting, debt, energy and other practical support to help households manage ongoing pressures. 

To find out about all the support available, visit: Cost of living help | Shropshire Council