Safe & Warm West Cumbria (SWWC)

This project is a partnership between Groundwork’s Green Doctors, Citizens Advice Allerdale and Copeland, Cumbria CVS, and Cumberland Council. 

The project will support vulnerable households in Cumberland’s most deprived communities, particularly those facing or at risk of fuel poverty and living in energy-inefficient homes (EPC D or below). High fuel poverty levels, older housing stock, and low household incomes create widespread unmet need (Cumberland Council). Many residents fall through the cracks of existing schemes due to digital exclusion, strict eligibility criteria, or lack of awareness.

They will address this gap by offering inclusive, accessible, and tailored support for those otherwise excluded. Over two years, they aim to support 2,400 households through home visits, phone consultations, and community sessions. They will install small-scale measures targeting damp and mould. To ensure lasting impact, they'll also train community-based staff to identify and refer vulnerable residents, building local capacity. This integrated model will boost household resilience, wellbeing, and foster sustainable communities. 

The project will improve health and wellbeing of residents by creating warmer, healthier homes and reducing financial stress, as well as reducing carbon emissions through targeted energy-saving measures.