East Durham Connected

This project will deliver targeted, face-to-face energy advice and support for households in vulnerable situations in East Durham. Led by East Durham Connected alongside Energising East Durham and key community hubs. 

Beneficiaries will be households at higher risk of harm from fuel poverty, disconnection, and cold homes due to multiple challenges, including substance misuse, complex mental health, and generational poverty.

The project will support private rental sector tenants with high utility debts, many in ex-colliery housing which is often poorly maintained, inefficient, and subject to rapid changes in ownership, with little accountability or investment.  

The funding will support specialist staff capacity to work intensively with 120 households with the most complex cases. Alongside this, 24 community-based sessions will widen access to advice, strengthen community links, and create lasting peer networks.