Our client was referred to our service for energy advice via the Harlow Community Hub.

Client profile:  

The client approached the Harlow Community Hub for support and spoke to the Citizens Advice Community Hub Adviser.  

Why client needs advice: The client was struggling financially due to the cost-of-living increase and was unable to top up her electric pre-payment meter, her washing machine had also recently stopped working. This caused the client a lot of stress as she had no way of washing her clothes, cooking etc.

What we have done to help the client: Our energy adviser completed a benefit check to ensure the client was in receipt of the correct benefits and the correct amounts. We completed an income and expenditure budget to help the client consider ways of reducing any non-essential costs and reduce household costs. An emergency fuel voucher was issued to help with her top up her electric.  

Our adviser completed and application to the ‘Essential Living Fund’ for help with a replacement washing machine.  Unfortunately, this was refused, therefore another application to the ‘Harlow Community Fund’ was made which was successful and a new washing machine was delivered within a few days. 

Outcome:

• Our client received a new washing machine to the value of £310. 

• Emergency fuel vouchers were issued to the value of £147.00 

• The client was able to reduce her household expenditure by £24 a month by changing her mobile phone provider.