Severn Wye Energy Agency is launching a new service to provide energy advice and support to people.

The Gloucester-based sustainability charity designed the project to reach those 'slipping through the net' of conventional fuel poverty support.

The service is set to help 'at risk' communities in Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and Powys.

The support will be mainly targeted at rural communities, refugees and asylum seekers, houseboat communities and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.

The two-year project is funded by Wales & West Utilities and Cadent as part of the Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) funding programme.

Rachele Verdini from Wales & West Utilities said: "Fuel poverty and other vulnerabilities can often be hidden in communities who can’t easily access help and advice.

"We’re delighted to be supporting this ambitious scheme which promises to bring much-needed help to people who might otherwise be overlooked."

Kate Ravenscroft from Cadent said: "Fluctuating fuel prices don’t just affect those connected to mains gas and electricity.

"People using alternative forms of fuel may be more at risk of fuel poverty and safety hazards because they are harder to reach with established sources of help.

"By supporting this important scheme we hope to change that."

Severn Wye will work with front-line organisations across the region to identify and reach the target communities.

Their community-based experts will provide support and advice through face-to-face home visits, events, drop-ins, and classroom-style awareness sessions.

Eligible clients will receive help such as debt support through energy suppliers’ trust funds, resolving meter problems, carbon monoxide advice and installing alarms, liaising with suppliers, setting up repayment plans and support with Priority Service Registration.

Victoria Bancroft, Severn Wye communities manager for Wales, said: "For front-line staff and volunteers in the third and public sectors, it is often impossible to help people with fuel poverty and energy use, either because of the complexity of the energy issues, or a lack of time and resources.

"We’re looking forward to working with new and existing partners to identify at-risk communities and groups who will most benefit from support."

Anyone needing help with energy use and bill payments can contact Severn Wye’s community-based energy advisers on 0800 170 1600 (Wales), 0800 170 1432 (England) or email communityadvice@severnwye.org.uk.