PEOPLE can get tips and advice on staying warm this winter during an event in Wincanton.

A drop-in session is set to be held at the Balsam Centre on Thursday, November 16, between 10am and noon.

The free session is part of the Centre for Sustainable Energy’s Safe and Warm Somerset project and follows on from the Balsam Centre’s Elements Climate Fair earlier this year, where people shared ideas about how they could reduce their energy consumption.

During the event, the Centre for Sustainable Energy will be available to answer questions about anything energy related including low cost/no cost steps to reduce the cost of bills, as well as supplier or billing issues.

They can also help people to apply for grants and, where necessary, emergency financial support.

“We usually resolve issues with just one discussion,” said Atha Murphy, outreach energy advisor for Safe and Warm Somerset. “But if someone has more complicated problems, such as difficulties with their energy supplier, we can connect them with a specialist caseworker for ongoing support, join in conversations and advocate for them to reach a solution they’re happy with.”

Advisors from Citizens Advice and Abri Employment Support, both of whom hold regular sessions at the Balsam Centre, will also be on-hand during the day.

“Fuel poverty affects millions of people in the UK, sometimes forcing them to make impossible choices between heating and eating, which is bad for both physical and mental health,” said Balsam Centre community development manager, James Remington.

“By having the Safe and Warm Somerset drop-in session on the same day as Citizens Advice and Abri Employment Support, people will be able to ask for help with a whole range of things that contribute to fuel poverty, from poorly insulated housing to high energy costs and low income. It will be a real one-stop shop for advice.”

A second drop-in session is planned for December 14 for anyone who is unable to attend the November event.

For more information on energy efficiency, managing bills and staying warm this winter, visit the Centre for Sustainable Energy’s website at www.cse.org.uk/my-home/advice.