Dear constituent

I am writing to you to give you details of two local charity appeals this Christmas, which you may like to know about.

The Epsom and Ewell Energy Support Scheme

Firstly, you may remember last year that I worked with Citizens Advice and the Good Company, which runs the local foodbank, to provide extra support for people struggling with high energy bills. The Epsom and Ewell Energy Support Scheme provided help to local families who were struggling with energy bills to make their homes more energy efficient. In total so far the scheme has helped nearly a thousand people with short-term financial help, energy advice and the purchase of low energy appliances. This is what some of those who took part said afterwards:

“I found the workshop very helpful and really enjoyed talking to the other participants, sharing tips on how to save energy. The takeaway tips are also very informative. Thank you so much for your kindness and giving me really useful information about the cost of energy and how to reduce usage and keep warm and safe this winter, which like many people has been scaring the life out of me.” (Denise, group workshop)

“The scheme is very helpful and opened my eyes to certain areas of wasted electricity in my home. I certainly think more about what appliances are on and what we don’t need to use…. Have already used air fryer and not had oven on for a few days. Great help, thank you.” (Tim, 1-to-1 consultation)

“I found the consultation very helpful - definitely more conscious of how you can save money… Because of my mental health, I find phone calls to these big companies very daunting, and they kindly offered to sign me up to a friendlier way of getting through with a specialist team if I need to get in touch… Thank you also for the top up and offer of appliances to help me save on my bill. So grateful for the opportunity.” (Michele, 1-to-1 consultation)

We are relaunching the scheme this winter, and would be very grateful for contributions, however small. Details of the scheme and how to contribute are at www.justgiving.com/campaign/epsomewellenergysupportscheme 

Home Start Appeal

Alongside this, the local branch of Home Start, which provides advice and practical and emotional help to local parents experiencing challenging times, has launched an appeal to help it continue and expand its work. Home Start is a really worthwhile charity. You can read more about their Appeal and donate here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/home-start-epsom-ewell-and-banstead-1156539    

Any contribution to either of these really good local charitable causes would be very welcome.

With best wishes

Chris Grayling