'I was at breaking point - now I can breathe': The hidden energy support that transformed a single mum's life

Among those affected is Stephanie Smith, a 32-year-old single mother, who said high energy bills made it difficult to balance household finances with the need to maintain a warm home.

"My energy bills were high enough to make me worry," she said. "There's always a concern about bills, especially with how expensive everything is nowadays. My biggest concern was making sure my son, Zion, was able to live comfortably while managing his health."

Stephanie and her three-year-old son were living in temporary accommodation affected by significant mould and damp. Zion, who has autism and suffers from eczema and asthma, was impacted by the poor housing conditions.

Cadent’s Energy Diaries research found that 35 per cent of people say rising energy costs are affecting every aspect of their daily lives, while more than a third feel helpless when it comes to cutting their energy use.

Among vulnerable households, 78 per cent believe heating has become a luxury, and nearly three quarters worry their homes could be cold this winter due to high prices.

Ms Smith's housing conditions took a serious toll on Zion's wellbeing.

"The mould and damp in the house really affected him, even though I was cleaning it every day," Ms Smith said. "As a mum it's heartbreaking to sit and watch."

Following an assessment by Groundwork, she qualified for assistance through the Cadent Foundation fund.

The support she received proved transformative for the family. A dehumidifier helped slow the spread of damp in their home, while an electric blanket allowed them to stay warm without running up expensive heating bills.

The results were also remarkable for Zion's health. His inhaler use dropped dramatically from three to just one, and his asthma symptoms became far less severe and easier to manage this winter.

Ms Smith said: "I had no idea that support of this level was available. I met the Green Doctors through their connection with Brandwood Centre and they mentioned the Cadent Foundation fund.

"I was at such a low point of my journey. Zion’s skin and breathing were really bad and it was impacting his nursery development as he couldn’t sit comfortably. When the Green Doctors told me what I was eligible for, I invited them around to my place and they confirmed I could claim a dehumidifier and electric blanket. I’m so grateful.

"As a single mum, you can find you have tunnel vision when it comes to helping your kids. All my attention was on Zion and ensuring he was safe, I didn’t stop to think what was available.

"It wasn’t until the nursery reached out to me and let me know about the support that made me sit back. I cried a lot during that period, as I was so alone, but so thankful that the help was out there for me and my family."

Before receiving help, she had been forced to forgo any luxuries and carefully monitor every bit of heating used in the home. The stress of balancing her son's medical needs with keeping their accommodation warm had been overwhelming.

"The amount of sleep I lost due to worrying about Zion was immense," she said. "Now, I can get a better handle on the mould and have a warmer home for us all to enjoy. The electric blanket has been a game changer here as it ensures we are warm without spending as much on our heating."

The Warm Fund is available to those living in low-income, energy inefficient properties. To qualify for small items and larger appliances, households must have an annual income below £31,000 and be receiving certain benefits.

Eligible benefits include pension credit, universal credit, income-based jobseeker's allowance, income-related employment and support allowance, income support, housing benefit, or tax credits.

Those seeking assistance with larger items or small appliances must first undergo a home visit from one of the charity partners administering the scheme.

Ms Smith herself was unaware such help existed until she encountered the Green Doctors through their connection with the Brandwood Centre. "I would recommend that you reach out as they can help in so many ways," she said.

She continued: "Luckily, the support I received meant I was able to reduce the impact of both the mould and my energy bills. I look back now and see how much happier Zion is. "This winter his asthma has been much easier to manage and the symptoms are less severe."

The fund is being distributed through several charity organisations including Citizens Advice, Groundwork, Act on Energy, Blackpool Coastal Housing, Care Network and Housing Plus Group.

The support packages available through the fund vary in scope depending on household circumstances. An energy efficiency bundle provides practical items such as LED lightbulbs, radiator foils, smart plugs and draught excluders to help reduce consumption.

A winter warmer bundle offers blankets, hats, scarves and electric hot water bottles for those struggling to stay warm. Smaller items available include energy vouchers, food vouchers, dehumidifiers, heated airers and heated blankets.

For those with more significant needs, larger appliances such as washing machines, cookers, fridge-freezers and microwaves can be provided through select partners.

This latest commitment brings the Cadent Foundation's total emergency relief provision to £5million for households in vulnerable situations.

The organisation says the fund reflects its longer-term strategy for tackling fuel poverty through sustainable solutions, providing emergency assistance to vulnerable households for the remainder of the year.