Pembrokeshire FRAME has secured funding to help the increasing number of people across the area experiencing fuel poverty, energy insecurity and poor housing conditions.
The funding will enable Pembrokeshire FRAME to provide trusted, community-based support on energy matters to more than 5,000 local residents. The project will improve awareness of the support services available across the county, helping to overcome the barriers created by rural isolation and digital exclusion so that more people can access the advice and assistance they need, at the right time.
The funding from gas emergency and pipeline service, Wales & West Utilities’ Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA), builds on previous support which saw Pembrokeshire FRAME recruit community fuel champions who worked tirelessly to raise awareness about energy efficiency, whilst tackling fuel poverty across the county.
Frank Farrer, Project Manager at Pembrokeshire FRAME, explains:
“Through our initial work to provide support and access to help, it became apparent that there are increasing numbers of Pembrokeshire residents who are unaware of just how many support services are available to them - for free.
“This funding will now go directly to support some of the county's most vulnerable residents, including older people, carers, disabled and neurodiverse individuals, families in crisis, and people leaving hospital or experiencing homelessness.”
The project, which will run for two years, will provide trusted, community-based support to help residents manage rising energy costs, improve awareness of the Priority Services Register (PSR) and carbon monoxide safety, and access the advice and assistance they need. It also aims to rebuild confidence in local energy support services while addressing the challenges of rural isolation and digital exclusion, helping more people stay safe, warm and resilient in their homes.
Ellen Petts, CEO of Pembrokeshire FRAME, continued:
“Thanks to this funding, we are able to expand our reach and raise awareness of energy efficiency to tackle fuel poverty among vulnerable households across Pembrokeshire.
“Our advisors will be the trusted community point of contact, providing residents with a host of information, practical advice and clear signposting to appropriate support services with the aim of increasing awareness of carbon monoxide dangers and equip vulnerable residents, volunteers and staff with the safety knowledge and guidance needed to reduce risk in the home.”
Sophie Stone, Vulnerability & Carbon Monoxide Manager at Wales & West Utilities, added:
“We’re delighted that the initial success of the partnership with Pembrokeshire FRAME has led to this project growing so that more people across the area can be helped to access the support they need.
“Working in partnership we can support households who are both most in need and least likely to access help without targeted, community‑based services.
“Through our VCMA programme we’re committed to ensuring that everyone, particularly those in vulnerable circumstances, has access to the right advice, support and safety information.”
Between April 2026 and March 2031, Wales & West Utilities has £19.2m to spend on projects which support consumers in vulnerable situations and to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide, keeping people safe and warm in their homes.
Wales & West Utilities is the gas emergency and pipeline service, delivering energy to over 7.5 million people across Wales and the south west of England. We don’t sell gas; we transport it through an extensive underground network of more than 35,000 kilometres of pipes.
If you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide, call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999 immediately. Trained engineers are available 24/7 to respond and keep you safe.