Keeping Norfolk Warm: our new campaign to help people stay safe, warm and well this winter.
Norfolk Citizens Advice has launched a new campaign to help people who are struggling with the rising cost of heating, lighting and powering their homes. Keeping Norfolk Warm is a 6‑week outreach campaign designed to reach residents early, offer fast support and make sure no one in our county feels they have to cope alone.
This winter, many households are dealing with high energy bills, rising standing charges and the cost of expensive heating fuels. For people on low incomes, older residents and those living in rural homes that rely on heating oil, these pressures are being felt even more sharply. We’re seeing more people who are at risk of going without the basics they need to stay safe and well.
Why this campaign matters
Across Norfolk, our advisers are hearing from people who are facing impossible choices. Some are rationing power, living in cold homes or unable to keep vital medication chilled. Others are struggling to cook food or keep children warm before school.
Mark Hitchcock, Chief Executive of Norfolk Citizens Advice, shares what our teams are seeing every day:
“Our advisers are seeing more people who are having to make impossible choices — whether to heat their home, cook a meal, or keep themselves clean. The Keeping Norfolk Warm campaign is about making sure no one in our county feels they have to cope alone.”
Behind every statistic is a real person. Here are some of the situations we’re hearing about more often:
Households living without electricity because they cannot afford to top up
People not eating regular, balanced, hot meals as they can’t afford to cook
Families struggling to keep children warm, fed and able to attend school
These stories reflect a wider picture across Norfolk — especially in rural homes, older properties and places where incomes are already stretched.
Quick, simple support through our fast‑track form
As part of the campaign, we’ve created a new fast‑track Request Energy Advice form on the Norfolk Citizens Advice website. It’s designed to make it as easy as possible for people to tell us they need help.
Once a form is submitted, someone from our Energy Team will call back within four working days.
Our support is always free, confidential, non‑judgemental and open to everyone
Our advisers can help with things like:
Understanding bills and tariffs
Managing arrears or problems with a supplier
Emergency support when someone cannot afford to heat their home
Accessing grants or financial help
Reducing energy use and household costs
Practical help when someone has health‑related energy needs
A short conversation can be enough to turn things around — and getting help early can prevent issues from becoming unsafe.
