FINANCIAL help is available for Dorset Council residents who aren’t connected to mains gas, or who meet other criteria.

Citizens Advice East Dorset & Purbeck are delivering grants of up to £200 – in the form of supermarket vouchers – to families in need, on behalf of Dorset Council.

People may be eligible for the Alternative Fuel Grant and receive financial support to help with their energy costs if they:

• Have no mains gas and use coal, oil, wood or gas bottles to heat their home
• Live in a park home
• Live in a house with multiple occupation (HMO)
• Are from the traveller community

Judy Herring, service manager at Citizens Advice East Dorset & Purbeck, said: “There is funding available for people who may have not been eligible for the discounts announced by the Government last year to help with energy costs.

“We encourage people who meet the eligibility criteria and live in the Dorset Council area to contact their local Citizens Advice office to apply for the grant.”

To apply for the Alternative Fuel Grant, contact your local Citizens Advice office. Visit www.citizensadvicedorset.org.uk to find your local office or call the Dorset Adviceline on 0800 144 8848.

For general advice and support call the Dorset Adviceline on our freephone line 0800 144 8848 (Textphone: 0800 144 8884), between 10am and 4pm on weekdays.