Warm spaces event giving out advice and goods

Free heated blankets, smart plugs, shower timers and energy saving light bulbs have been handed out to communities

A community event is helping to provide vulnerable households with advice on staying warm and reducing their energy bills this winter.

Lockleaze Community Hub in Bristol is taking part in Warm Welcome Week this week - to provide free energy-efficient products and "crucial" money-saving advice to those who need it most.

The event comes after new research from OVO Energy found 51% of people were more worried about paying their bills this year, compared to 2024.

Products being given away include free heated electric blankets, smart plugs, and LED energy-efficient light bulbs, which could save households up to £360 per year.

Campaign director David Barclay says people describe the scheme as a "lifeline"

With the recent cold January temperatures, more than 5,000 shared spaces across the UK have registered with the scheme.

David Barclay, campaign director, said too many people were being "faced with the choice between heating and eating".

"Staying warm in your home is such a fundamental thing, but for so many people it's a real challenge," he said.

"We know, sadly, from stories that we've heard, that this kind of support can be the difference between life and death for some people."

Glynis and Matthew Morgan, who no longer get the winter heating allowance, say they often bundle up in layers of clothing to keep warm inside their home

Last winter, more than 120,000 people used a warm welcome space every week.

Lockleaze residents Glynis and Matthew Morgan attended the event on Tuesday to seek advice on reducing their energy costs.

"We used to get the winter heating allowance but we don't get that now," said Mr Morgan.

Residents were informed on how to stay warm while keeping their energy costs low

"So we've got to cut back on other things to make sure the heating is on, because you don't know what the weather is going to do."

Ms Morgan added: "I don't like the cold weather now because I'm getting a bit older. I get stressed out with it.

"It just helps to know there are people you can go to for more advice or if you want to change anything."