High Green Development Trust is offering vouchers to people living across North Sheffield who are living in fuel poverty.
Those seeking a voucher will need to be referred by a professional such as social worker, GP, or teacher. Self-referrals can be discussed if you call into the Food Share or email referrals@hgdt.org.
Once referred, people can access one £20 voucher per month.
The Trust manages the campus, where people come to meet others, play sport, and access supportive services such as the Food Share and Community Fridge.
Lauren Sanderson, the Community Engagement Manager of HGDT, said: “Thanks to funding from South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation and the North LAC we can offer an energy voucher scheme this winter to residents on a pre-payment meter living in High Green, Chapeltown, Burncross, Ecclesfield, or Grenoside who are struggling with the cost of living.
“The scheme began at the end of November as the cold weather hit and will continue whilst funds last.”
According to Sanderson, in the first seven days of the service being available, energy vouchers have been distributed to six households.
In total, the scheme has helped 16 people, including 10 children.
HGDT also provides food and hygiene products through the campus food share located in the High Green community shop.
In the first half of 2023, HGDT supported 399 people with food and hygiene products who were struggling with the cost of living.
One anonymous service user said: “I’ve used the food share a few times this year as I have been struggling.”
“All my bills are very expensive, and my food shop costs a lot more than it ever has. I work but I don’t earn much. It just doesn’t cover everything I have going out.
“Once the rent is paid, I don’t have much left. The food share has been a real lifeline when it’s been really hard to get from one week to the next.
“I was given some shower gel and things like that too which was good because they can be really expensive. The help has meant I had a bit less to worry about. I’m really grateful for the kind people here helping.”
Find out how to make a referral for the food share, hygiene, and fuel support here.
