Supporting Residents Facing Fuel Poverty in East Surrey with Loveworks Food Bank

Loveworks Food Bank Charity is supporting individuals and families across East Surrey who are facing financial hardship, providing essential food and fuel to those most in need. As part of this work, the Essential Fuel Poverty Support project focuses on helping people in crisis situations by offering emergency utility top-ups and short-term support.

Running from March 2026 to March 2027, the project is designed to respond quickly to urgent need. Delivered on a referral-only basis, it provides immediate assistance for up to six weeks, ensuring people have access to basic essentials such as heating, electricity and the ability to stay connected. Loveworks works closely with referral agencies to identify those most in need and to ensure support reaches them as quickly as possible.

The Sureserve Foundation has supported this initiative with a grant of £4,800, enabling Loveworks to purchase 80 e‑vouchers for gas and electricity. These vouchers are used to provide immediate relief to individuals who are struggling to afford their energy costs, helping them stay connected and access essential services.

Fuel poverty continues to affect many people in the Reigate and Banstead area, particularly those experiencing unemployment, poor health or sudden changes in circumstance. Without access to utilities, even simple tasks like charging a phone or preparing food can become barriers, leaving individuals isolated and unable to access further help. This project addresses those challenges directly, offering a vital safety net at the point when it’s needed most.

While demand has been lower during the warmer months, six beneficiaries have already received support through utility top-ups. This number is expected to increase significantly as colder weather returns and energy needs rise.

The impact of this support is immediate. It helps individuals stabilise their situation, regain access to essential services and move out of crisis. In many cases, beneficiaries only require support once, demonstrating how timely intervention can prevent longer-term hardship. For those who need additional help, Loveworks offers ongoing guidance through its dedicated support worker, helping individuals navigate their circumstances and build greater resilience.

A recent example highlights the difference this support can make. Loveworks is currently supporting a 60-year-old man who lives alone and has faced ongoing financial and health challenges since being furloughed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Living with diabetes and in poor health, he has relied on the charity intermittently since 2021.

At one point, he was unable to attend the food bank because he had no electricity credit to charge his mobile phone, meaning he didn’t receive his text reminder. This also meant that both Loveworks and his referral agency were unable to reach him. Through the project, a utility top-up allowed him to charge his phone, reconnect with support services and attend the food bank. He has since also received a small fridge, helping him better manage his food at home. He expressed how grateful he was, sharing that the support has made a huge difference to his day-to-day life.

This project closely aligns with the Sureserve Foundation’s mission to create more sustainable communities. By helping to alleviate fuel poverty and supporting people through difficult periods, it not only meets immediate needs but also works towards reducing long-term reliance on emergency provision. As the Sureserve Foundation continues its mission to tackle fuel poverty and support communities across the UK, we are always looking to support new projects making a real difference. Apply for funding today: https://www.thesureservefoundation.org/apply-for-funding/funding-for-communities/

As the project continues, Loveworks is preparing for increased demand in the autumn and winter months. With continued support, the aim is to reach more individuals earlier, preventing crises from escalating and providing meaningful, lasting impact for the communities they serve.