Here at MEA, we are extremely worried about how the families we work with will cope with such a huge rise in energy bills this October, particularly in the context of further rises to cost of living.

The West Midlands has one of the highest percentages of people living in fuel poverty in the whole of the UK. Shropshire, Telford and Derbyshire see high percentages of fuel poverty. Many householders living in rural parts of the region find it particularly difficult to afford to heat their homes adequately.

We are asking that householders who can afford it, to donate their Winter Fuel Payment to us. Your donation will help local families who are struggling, keep warm this Winter.

Marches Energy Agency are a charity that provide a wide range of support for householders across the Midlands including general help and advice on rising energy bills, help with fuel debt and issues with fuel suppliers, advice on eligibility for grants that provide fully funded insulation and heating improvements, home energy checks and can install free energy saving measures. We are committed to long term change and improvements in regards to fuel poverty in our region.

We want to ensure as many people in the Midlands are as warm and well as possible.

Lucy and Susan are both from Shropshire - they share just how living in cold homes has affected their lives.