People facing fuel poverty in Cornwall are to benefit from grants worth £28,000 to charities and community groups by National Grid’s Community Matters Fund.

The latest round of Community Matters funding will see a record £2.5 million shared among grassroots organisations committed to tackling fuel poverty.

St Austell-based Harbour Housing has been awarded £10,000 to train staff to identify people at risk or experiencing fuel poverty, and to offer warm banks to the community of mid-Cornwall.

Malcolm Putko, operations director at Harbour Housing, said: “We are delighted to receive this grant from the Community Matters Fund.

“It will help individuals at risk of homelessness in our local community to combat the cost of living crisis this winter.

“By taking pro-active measures, we hope to help alleviate not only the financial burden, but also some of the associated stresses.

“The legacy of this grant will outlast this winter, as we will train our staff in recognising symptoms of fuel poverty and equipping them with knowledge to pass on for how to overcome it for future winters as well.

“Thank you so much to National Grid Electricity Distribution for their support on this project.”

Another group to benefit is the Par Bay Community Trust, which will receive £10,000 to deliver a warm space, hot meals and warm packs to people in need in St Blazey, Par and Tywardreath.

Sonia Clyne, trustee at the Par Bay Community Trust, said: “The grant from the Community Matters Fund will enable us to provide a warm environment, free refreshments, an affordable warm meal and activities three days per week.

“We’ll be offering advice on healthy eating, cooking, budgeting etc. and group activities allowing people to socialise and interact with others.

“A big thank you to National Grid Electricity Distribution for this timely support.”

Liskeard-based Lighthouse Community Centre has been awarded £8,338 to provide warm boxes and energy advice for the local community, for three days a week.

Clare Bevan, CEO of the Lighthouse Community Centre, said: “The grant from the Community Matters Fund will make a big difference to the help we can offer to the community.

“Many of our service users are already experiencing fuel poverty, struggling to pay their bills and many have expressed how anxious they are about not being able to turn on the heating this winter.

“Lighthouse Community Centre will be able to provide immediate help and support, giving people someone to talk to and some much-needed support, advice, signposting and products.

“This will also help to improve their health and well-being over the coming months.”

The latest round of Community Matters funding was launched by National Grid’s electricity distribution business as a response to the national cost of living crisis, which is putting millions of households at risk of fuel poverty.

Alison Sleightholm, regulation and corporate director at National Grid, said: “Tackling fuel poverty is an immediate and pressing priority for us.

“This year, we’re giving away a record amount to support our most vulnerable.

“We’re pleased to see the first community organisations, charities and local authorities being awarded their grants.

“Our multi-million-pound fund is supporting a wide range of worthwhile and ambitious projects which will benefit communities this winter and help families keep homes warm.”

In all, around 300 grassroots organisations will benefit from the latest round of funding across the Midlands, South West and South Wales.

Earlier this year, more than 100 local groups received crucial fuel poverty grants after making successful applications to the fund.

This time, applicants will also have access to a range of free training and energy efficiency advice materials which they can customise and share with their communities, to support planned or existing projects.