A LIFELINE is being offered to help vulnerable residents struggling to pay for heating their homes and cooking hot food.

Citizens Advice Cheshire West has launched its second Fuel Bank campaign and this time it is working in partnership with the Fuel Bank Foundation.

This year, more than any, has left many residents of Chester and Ellesmere Port struggling to pay for fuel and they will be eligible to receive payments towards their energy bills.

To work within Covid regulations, money donated to the fuel bank will be credited directly to the prepayment meter or utility account of those who need it most using a code.

In 2019 Citizens Advice Cheshire West were able to help Sarah, who had been rehoused with her two-year-old daughter following domestic abuse.

Electricity for the property had cost £115 over two weeks, which left her with only £2 for food and heating. Through the scheme, £25 was added to her key meter account.

In total, the charity provided a lifeline to 32 people last year, including 24 families.

The most common reason for using the Fuel Bank was a delay in receiving benefits payments.

Donations are welcome from senior citizens who receive the winter fuel allowance and can afford to donate some or even all of it, or from other individuals and businesses who can make a contribution.

All donations, no matter how big or small, will be much appreciated by Citizens Advice and residents, who will enjoy a warmer home for the winter than they would have done without it.