Funding from the government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) means that residents in Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and Herefordshire who face sudden financial hardship can now receive free, confidential support from Severn Wye to help them move from crisis to control of their finances and energy costs.
The appointment of Severn Wye by Gloucestershire County Council, South Gloucestershire Council and Herefordshire Council is part of the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), a three-year programme to support residents facing sudden hardship and help them build longer-term financial stability.
Jacqui Harris, Severn Wye’s community manager, explained:
“There are two parts to the package of measures provided by the CRF: each council is the first point of contact for residents needing emergency support, and then Severn Wye provides practical advice and after care beyond their crisis point.”
In Gloucestershire, the county council has received CRF funding of £6.3 million to support vulnerable residents for 2026-27, with South Gloucestershire Council allocated £2.4 million and Herefordshire Council £2.3 million for the same period.
Through the CRF, each council can provide immediate help including same-day crisis payments, food support through supermarket vouchers or foodbank referrals, energy top-ups for gas, electricity or heating oil, help with essential household items, and housing payment support.
Jacqui Harris commented:
“Getting through a crisis with emergency support from the council is a vital first step. And after this, our community energy advisers are able to provide free, confidential support during a home visit that focuses on debt prevention and longer-term resilience. Our aim is to help people feel more in control of their finances and energy costs, to take them past their crisis point and be much more stable financially for the future.”
“Residents who don’t meet the council’s eligibility criteria for crisis funding may still be able to get support through Severn Wye, and we encourage residents to get in touch with us. We can explore financial assistance that may be available through other routes, such as trust fund applications, liaise directly with energy suppliers on behalf of the resident, and also help connect to other local services.”
To apply for crisis support, contact your council directly:
Gloucestershire Crisis and Resilience Fund
South Gloucestershire Crisis and Resilience Fund
Herefordshire Crisis and Resilience Fund
To ask about Severn Wye’s resilience support:
Email communityadvice@severnwye.org.uk or call our free adviceline 0800 500 3076 (Mon-Fri 9am – 5pm).
For more information on the support we provide, go to our Advice & Support page.
