Households in Barnet have just under six weeks to claim support from the Cadent Foundation’s £2 million Winter Support Fund, after it was revealed that West London residents have already been provided with around £400k worth of support.

The Winter Support Fund was launched in October by the Cadent Foundation to support eligible families with immediate financial relief by easing their energy and food bills. Hundreds of households have already received support in London, with over 3,000 energy and food vouchers, as well as essential heating and cooking appliance vouchers, already being claimed.

Cities and towns across London, including Barnet, Barking and Enfield, have received the support via the Cadent Foundation’s charitable partners. These include Groundwork and Citizens Advice, who, in addition to distributing the financial support, are providing energy efficiency advice.

So far, over £1.2m worth of support has been handed out across the UK. With 40 per cent of the support fund still available, the Cadent Foundation is urging those who are struggling this winter to reach out to their local charity partner for support before the end of March.

Winter Support Fund help is still available for eligible households until the end of March.

Ranjit Blythe, managing director of the Cadent Foundation, said: “The freezing temperatures, coupled with the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment allowance, have meant that many households are struggling this winter. Our charity partners are equipped with the knowledge to ensure each household has tailored advice and is offered the most appropriate support. We urge anyone struggling to reach out, as help is still available through to the end of March.”

This is the second year that the Cadent Foundation has launched its £2m Winter Support Fund. With 77 per cent of UK adults now seeing heating as a luxury rather than a basic service for some people, according to Cadent’s latest Energy Diaries research, the Winter Support Fund offers much needed relief for those who are living in the most vulnerable situations.

The Winter Support was set up to support people affected by fuel poverty by providing emergency financial relief which is distributed by the Cadent Foundation’s charity partners. Each eligible household can claim up to two vouchers, while additional support and advice can also be provided by the charity partners.

Ranjit added: “I have seen first-hand the impact our Winter Support Fund is having, and the way communities rally behind each other to offer support to those in need is truly inspirational. However, the UK cannot simply rely on short-term fixes to tackle fuel poverty and must instead look towards long-term strategies. Greater collaboration across public and private sectors is no longer a nice-to-have; it is essential if we are to make a long-term positive impact on the lives of the most vulnerable in society.”

For details on how to access the Winter Support Fund, contact one of the following charity partners:

· Renewal Programme (Newham)

· Groundwork

Barnet residents still have time to get energy bills help