‘I was struggling with my energy bills – this life-saving scheme granted me £150’

A woman struggling with her bills explained how she received “life-saving” support from a new winter scheme.

Kathy, from Lymington, has faced financial struggles since losing her husband in 2016. She lives alone in a park home with high heating costs and limited .

Navigating the digital world was initially a barrier but with support through the Winter Warm Network – a portal launched by Lightning Reach in partnership with TSB Bank – Kathy successfully applied for financial help.

She received £150 towards her heating bills and a new fridge-freezer and air fryer, easing her winter worries.

Kathy said: “The support has been a lifesaver. I was so desperate before, and when I heard the money was coming, I cried for about an hour. It’s such a relief to know I can shop and keep my home warm without worry.”

The portal matched Kathy with the grant distributer Charis, who currently administers in its bank of support.

Kathy added: “I had never heard of [Charis] before initially applying. I find it incredible that there is something like that to help people. You think it’s too good to be true, but it’s not.”

Since its launch in September 2024, the has provided almost £1million worth of grants to struggling households.

The support has included help with and utility bills, debt write-offs, fuel vouchers, energy advice, and home efficiency upgrades.

Ren Yi Hooi, CEO and founder of Lightning Reach, said: “Kathy’s story highlights the struggles faced by so many people across the UK who are living in fuel poverty.

“Our Winter Warmth Network ensures that individuals like Kathy can access crucial financial support quickly and easily, helping them stay warm and secure during the coldest months. We urge individuals to sign up to Lightning Reach today to find and apply for the support that they are entitled to.”

Nicola Bannister, director of enterprise services at TSB, added: “Our partnership with Lightning Reach continues to support struggling households by connecting them to grants that can be game-changing to their finances – and we are proud to support the Winter Warmth campaign.

“We would urge households to check their eligibility for grants via Lightning Reach – as you could receive vital financial support.”

Energy bills remain approximately 50% higher than pre- levels, and analysts predict a further 3% increase in April.

As part of Energy Savings Week, billpayers are being urged to take advantage of the ample support available to help ease the burden.

How to apply

To apply for help through Lightning Reach’s Winter Warm Network, you can sign up to access the portal .

You can then use the portal to check eligibility for the vast range of energy support on offer, after which you can submit applications for help.

There are currently more than 2,500 support schemes featured on the portal, which Lightning Reach says is continuously expanding.