For more than 10-years, Community Resource has been supporting households facing fuel poverty throughout Shropshire but we've never experienced demand for our help like we have in the last few months and that's before we've even entered into the busy Winter period.

A household is considered to be fuel poor if they live in a property with low energy efficiency and would be pushed below the poverty line by housing costs and the energy bills needed to live in a warm, well-lit home. With the rising cost of energy, alongside the cost-of-living crisis more households then ever in Shropshire are expected to hit these criteria in the coming months.

Last year alone, more than 23,000 people in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin were living in fuel poverty, higher than the UK average.

At Community Resource we hear from people who are so stressed about their winter fuel bills that they live in a constant state of anxiety; they have no choice but to stay in a cold, damp home. For these people, just turning on the hot tap to wash their hands is a luxury, let alone heating a whole house.

This year even more people will be forced to choose between heating and eating in the coldest months.

Someone like James and his partner Jasmine who both have mental health issues and learning difficulties with James also suffering from anxiety and diabetes.

Recently, their earnings dropped to below £400 a month due and they began to fall behind with their gas payments. James says: What started as a £30 missed Direct Debit then spiraled to over £300 worth of debt, as we couldnt keep up with the payments

I was losing sleep over the amount of money we owed and was feeling very stressed. I didnt know where to turn for help and was using my insulin money to try and pay off our debts, which effected my health, particularly my eyesight.

Thanks to the support of people like you were able to make a grant towards the couples debt to support them to get back on their feet.

James says: It was such a relief when we were able to get help with our fuel bill, without Community Resources supporters wed still be paying it off now and might be in an even worse situation. Im sleeping better now, and my health has improved; I can see a future for us again

This year, more than ever, were asking for your help to turn those facing fuel poverty in our County from cold to cosy this, Winter.

As a very special thank you to people who donate towards our Warmer Winter Appeal, Celebrity chefs and renowned Shropshire eateries have donated warming recipes in support of Community Resource's fundraising campaign.

The campaign has been supported by Rosemary Shrager, Marcus Wareing, Ainsley Harriott, Glynn Purnell and Shropshire Lad Adam Purnell. Local restaurant The Walnut in Wellington and Veg Patch Kitchen Cookery School in Ironbridge have also contributed hearty winter dishes.

Chef and TV presenter Rosemary Shragers recipe for oxtail and buttery mash with chives is part of the collection. She said: I was delighted to donate one of my recipes to Community Resource to help with their Warmer Winter Appeal.

I hope that the people who are warmed by this delicious food think about those who are being helped to keep warm as a result of their support.

The recipes will be available to those who donate £20 or over to the appeal and include a vegetarian red pea soup with spinner dumplings, dirty onion and wild garlic risotto and lentil casserole.