Keep Warm, Keep Well (KWKW) is a partnership tackling fuel poverty across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. Coordinated and part-funded by Staffordshire Community Energy (SCE) with support from University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) and delivery by Beat the Cold, the project helps vulnerable households stay warm, reduce costs and improve health.

Surplus income from SCE’s community-owned solar panels on UHNM buildings is ringfenced to fund local fuel poverty support, with additional funding provided through the Energy Redress Scheme.

How it works

Residents are referred into the programme through health and community professionals such as GPs, social prescribers and local charities. Once referred, Beat the Cold provides tailored energy advice, practical support and advocacy with energy suppliers. Help can include fuel vouchers, energy debt management, water bill reductions, and small home improvements such as draught proofing or radiator foils.

“It took me from despair to content.” – Participant P29
“Beat the Cold probably saved my life twice over the past year.” – Participant P31

The impact

Independent research by Staffordshire University’s Centre for Health and Development analysed data from over 400 households and found the programme to be life-changing for many.

• 86% said support helped them stay warm in winter

• 64% saw reduced energy costs

• 62% reported improved wellbeing

• 87% would recommend the service

• Over £550,000 worth of direct support delivered across 1,132 interventions

“If somebody came out of hospital to a cold, damp home… that can exacerbate their health conditions to the point where they’ll be readmitted.” – Stakeholder S45

Why it matters

Fuel poverty remains a major issue in Staffordshire, particularly in Stoke-on-Trent, where more than half of residents live in the most deprived areas nationally. Many of the households supported through KWKW were older, on low incomes, or living with disability or long-term illness.

The evaluation found that participants especially valued the compassion and dignity shown by Beat the Cold staff. The service was described as quick, simple and respectful — restoring confidence and wellbeing for those unused to asking for help.

“They don’t make you feel like you’re begging… they speak to you and not down to you.” – Participant P28

Powering community change

Keep Warm, Keep Well demonstrates how locally generated renewable energy can deliver real social impact. By reinvesting surplus income from solar panels on NHS buildings, SCE ensures that clean energy not only reduces carbon emissions but also helps local people stay healthy, safe and warm.

The partnership shows what’s possible when community energy, health services and local charities work together. By using local renewable energy to fund frontline support, it helps people heat their homes and improve their wellbeing. As the research confirms, this is community energy at its best — powering change and transforming lives across Staffordshire.

If you’d like to learn more, support the programme, or explore partnership opportunities, get in touch at info@staffscommunityenergy.co.uk.