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The recent extreme weather has highlighted how vulnerable many households can be when heating systems fail or homes are poorly insulated. WHAM offers free, specialist support and advice, as well as practical help and access to funding for heating repairs and energy saving improvements.
Since 2019, WHAM has supported 1,822 households in North Somerset, securing over £1.16 million in positive outcomes for local residents, including heating upgrades, insulation, debt and benefits advice, according to a recent impact report.
The scheme prioritises people living without heating or in unsafe, unhealthy conditions. During the winter of 2024/25, 20 households with no heating accessed £43,092 in emergency funding, with most standard heating installations completed within seven days of referral.
The scheme has helped residents living in homes affected by:
- Broken or outdated boilers
- Damp, mould and poor insulation
- High energy bills and energy debt
One North Somerset resident, “Jilly” from Weston-super-Mare, was living with no heating, damp and black mould after her boiler failed. With WHAM’s support, she received a new boiler, insulation upgrades and numerous home repairs, transforming her comfort, safety and wellbeing.
Cllr Annemieke Waite, Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment at North Somerset Council said: “The WHAM scheme shows what can be achieved when we put people, health and climate at the front and centre of our approach. By helping residents stay warm, safe and well in their own homes, WHAM is tackling fuel poverty and the impacts of cold and damp housing as well as supporting our wider ambition to cut carbon and reduce energy use across North Somerset. This kind of joined‑up, practical support makes a real difference to people’s lives, especially during challenging winter months.”
Over one third of WHAM clients in North Somerset have significant physical or mental health needs, underlining the importance of fast, compassionate support for the most vulnerable residents and the scheme is helping to play a role in reducing household energy use and carbon emissions, part of North Somerset Council’s wider climate ambitions.
How to access WHAM
WHAM is available to North Somerset residents on low incomes or those struggling to heat their homes. Referrals can be made by professionals, community organisations, or by residents themselves.
Residents who need help are encouraged to get in touch and find out what support may be available to them.
WHAM (Warmer Homes Advice and Money, Centre for Sustainable Energy)