Community Disability Energy Advice
If you or a loved one are disabled and worried about energy costs, our team are here to offer face to face advice and support. You can find us at community events in Greater Manchester, Stoke, North London and East Anglia. Find one below:
Find an event near you
This service is free and there is no need to register. Just make a note of the date, time and location and we’ll see you there.
Greater Manchester
6 February 2025 Bridge Coffee drop in advice session 9:30am to 1pm
13 February 2025 Bridge Coffee drop in advice session 9:30am to 1pm
13 February 2025 The Wellbeing Cafe at Hattersley Hub drop in advice session 10am to 12:30pm
18 February 2025 Stretford Public Hall drop in advice session 9:30am to 1pm
28 February 2025 Share to Care event 10am to 3pm
Stockport
Sheffield
6 February 2025 Private event with Disability Sheffield 11am to 12pm. Please contact them for more information.
North and East London
03 February 2025 East Ham Library drop in advice session 11am to 2pm
03 February 2025 Barking Learning Centre drop in advice session 3pm to 4pm
04 February 2025 Homerton Library drop in advice session 1pm to 5:30pm
05 February 2025 Green Street Library drop in advice session 12pm to 2pm
05 February 2025 Rights and Equalites in Newham drop in advice session 10am to 12pm
05 February 2025 Stamford Hill Library drop in advice session 1pm to 5:30pm
06 February 2025 Dalston Library drop in advice session 1pm to 5:30pm
East Anglia
01 February 2025 Fairbite Food Club drop in advice session 10:30am to 12pm
7 February 2025 That Bread and Butter Thing drop in advice session 12:30pm to 1:30pm
1 March 2025 Fairbite Food Club drop in advice session 10:30am to 12pm
5 April 2025 Fairbite Food Club drop in advice session 10:30am to 12pm
Norwich
30 January 2025 St Saviours Church drop in advice session 11am to 3pm
12 February 2025 St Saviours Church drop in advice session 11am to 3pm
Book a talk for your group
Our energy advisors can give talks to disabled people at local events, faith groups, or coffee mornings. To arrange this, please email us.
Useful tips
We know life costs more for disabled people, and you may feel you’ve done all you can to cut back on costs. We want to make sure you have all the facts and know what support is available:
Scope has
- practical information and advice
- our helpline team can help you with benefits, manage your energy bills and claim the financial support you’re entitled to. You can also share your experiences and talk to people in similar situations to you on our online community.
Help from your energy and water companies
It’s important that your energy and water companies know that you need extra support.
Join the Priority Services Register
Get free, extra support from your energy and water companies such as:
- bills in accessible formats
- help with meter readings
- free gas safety checks
- access to the nominee and password scheme
You’ll also get extra support and priority help if there is a power cut, gas leak or interruption to your water supply.
Register once for your PSR request to go to your energy supplier (the company you pay your bills to) and your regional network companies including electricity, gas and water.
Join the Priority Services Register
Carbon monoxide: staying safe
Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning and stay safe at home.
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas which is produced when fossil fuels burn inefficiently. The most common sources are faulty boilers, gas fires and cookers. Also using BBQs in an enclosed area and portable heaters
We know that due to rising living costs, many disabled people cannot afford to buy new appliances or pay to have their appliances serviced. Faulty appliances may not be identified and that is why CO alarms are so important.
Carbon monoxide is invisible to our senses due its lack of colour, taste and smell.
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are not always obvious. They are often mistaken for flu-like illnesses.
People with coronary heart disease, angina, asthma or anaemia are particularly at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Find out more:
- Carbon Monoxide safety at home
- For free support contact your Local Fire and Rescue Service
- Visit HSFC (safelincs.co.uk) for an online assessment and a free home fire and safety check.
If you are a tenant, be aware of your Landlord’s duty of care to protect your safety.
Carbon Monoxide: Alarms Save Lives (coalarmssavelives.com)
And if you do suspect a leak, call the National Gas Emergency Service number on 0800 111 999 to report the incident.
Manage your finances with IE Hub
Scope has partnered with the IE hub, a free online budgeting tool that helps you to create and manage your household budget. It can help you take control of your finances and any debts you may have.
The IE hub benefits checker can help you see if you are missing out on any payments you are entitled to.
Money saving tips
There may be some small changes that you can make in your home to reduce your bills. We know that not everyone can, but choose the ones that work for you.
Savings on your energy bills
You might be able to make some changes in your home and reduce your energy costs. Take a look at our energy saving tips.
Smart meters
A smart meter lets you see how much energy you are using. It sends readings to your supplier automatically, making sure your bills are up to date and accurate.
Contact your energy supplier to get a smart meter.
Savings on your water bills
Your water company has schemes and tariffs to help you. Contact your water company to find out what support they can offer. You might be able to make some changes in your home and reduce your water bills.
Tips to save money on your water bills
About this service
Scope’s Community Disability Energy Advice service is in partnership with Cadent.