A new partnership between Cadent Gas and Citizens Advice Lincoln and Lindsey, with support from the City of Lincoln Council, is making a powerful difference across local communities.
A new partnership between Cadent Gas and Citizens Advice Lincoln and Lindsey, with support from the City of Lincoln Council, is making a powerful difference across local communities, helping residents manage rising energy costs, debt, and household hardship.
Launched in September 2024, this Community Warm Spaces project has already saved local people over £100,000 by offering tailored energy support, practical tools, and expert advice.
The project is one of only two such initiatives in the UK and is set to continue until March 2026.
By working closely with community hubs, the project is delivering lasting, measurable results for over 1,000 Lincoln residents in total.
Over 575 individuals have received personalised guidance on energy issues, from bill support and energy-saving advice to carbon monoxide awareness, including free alarm distribution. Among them, 130 people required and received deeper assistance with complex energy-related challenges.
The initiative has also helped over 100 residents register for the Priority Services Register, offering added protection to households with vulnerable individuals, including young children and those with medical needs.
Beyond energy issues, Citizens Advice has supported over 100 people with welfare benefits and income maximisation, while 96 residents have received debt support and 33 have been assisted with housing matters.
In a bid to encourage long-term energy savings, the programme provided slow cookers and training to 60 residents, helping them prepare cost-efficient meals while learning practical skills to reduce household energy consumption.
For any household hold who is finding the cost of energy challenging, Citizens Advice and Cadent Gas are encouraging residents to register for help, attend local hubs, and explore energy-saving activities through upcoming community centre summer events, which provide accessible entry points to advice and assistance.
The programme’s local success also highlights the crucial role community hubs play in delivering support. Their trusted presence boosts engagement and helps ensure that services reach those who need them most.
Looking ahead, there are increasing calls to build further partnerships that could extend the life of this initiative beyond 2026, ensuring that even more people can benefit from long-term energy and financial resilience.
Cllr Lucinda Preston, Portfolio Holder for Reducing Inequality, said:
“The outcomes we see from partnerships such as the one between Citizens Advice Lincoln and Lindsey and Cadent Gas show how necessary they are.
“As a council, we strive to ensure our residents know where to turn for practical help, financial advice, and a listening ear. This project is an excellent example of effective collaboration, and we hope to build on its success for the long term.”
A spokesperson from Citizens Advice Lincoln and Lindsey added:
“We are positioned in warm spaces at the heart of our communities, offering trusted energy advice which is a lifeline for many.”
For anyone who is struggling or would like some advice, Citizens Advice Lincoln and Lindsey regularly give advice in many different hubs, churches, charities and community centres across the city. To find out when and where they are each week, you can visit their Facebook page.
Residents can also find out more by contacting Citizens Advice Lincoln and Lindsey directly either through their website’s Get Advice page, or by calling 0808 278 7904.