Shropshire charity urges struggling households to check support fund
Community Resource says its Essential Support Fund has helped more than 100 households since launching this summer, and is urging others facing hardship to check whether they qualify
More than 100 households across Shropshire have received help from a fund supporting people struggling with essential living costs, as a charity urges others to check whether they qualify for assistance.
Community Resource launched its Essential Support Fund in summer 2026 to provide practical financial help to people facing hardship.
The charity is raising awareness of the fund as colder weather approaches and households face potentially higher energy and heating bills.
The pressures can be particularly challenging for people in rural areas, where some households are not connected to the mains gas network and rely on alternatives such as heating oil.
Figures referenced by Shropshire Council show that around 17.7 per cent of households in the county were living in fuel poverty in 2023.
Bev Baxter, chief executive of Community Resource, said: “We know that many people across Shropshire are continuing to feel the impact of rising living costs, and those pressures can become even greater as the weather gets colder.
“The Essential Support Fund exists to provide practical support for people who may be struggling to afford the essentials and need some extra help.”
She said the fund had already supported more than 100 households since its launch and encouraged anyone who thought they might be eligible to find out more.
“Reaching out for support early can make a real difference,” she added.
The Essential Support Fund is delivered by Community Resource in partnership with Shropshire Council, with funding provided through the UK Government’s Crisis Resilience Fund.
Information about eligibility and how to apply is available at community-resource.org.uk/essential-support-fund.