Aim

80% of local carers are worried about finances, Winter Warmer workshops offer practical solutions to support carers financial wellbeing.

One in three carers live in poverty, in the UK (Carers Trust, 2025), that’s over 20,000 carers across East Sussex. The rising energy prices over the winter months, push more and more carers to the brink, with many having to go into debt, just to keep their homes warm and safe. 

 “I’m having to cut down on everything.  It is desperate and it is taking its toll.” 

Imagine being constantly worried about how you will pay your bills over the winter, and choosing between basic needs such as eating or keeping your home warm? But it doesn’t have to be like this. We know there are quick, simple solutions, that can make the difference to local carers who are struggling financially. 

Winter Warmer workshops provide essential support to carers who are struggling financially over the cold winter months. This includes:

• Financial planning to support carers to budget and make long term cost savings
• Supplying home insulation bundles, that make their homes more energy efficient and reduce their costs
• Applying for grants and benefits that reduce financial pressures and enable them to upgrade equipment, reducing their long-term costs
• Connecting them to a community of support, including other carers and partner organisations that can help them

Sarah’s story 

Sarah lives in Eastbourne and has had to cut down her working hours, to care for her mother who has dementia. With less money coming in, she is worried about rising costs and how she is going to be able to afford to heat their home, so they can stay warm and safe over the winter. 

Sarah attended one of these workshops and was able to access vital support. She received a home insulation bundle that included an electric blanket for her mum’s bed, so she didn’t get cold. She was helped to fill out an application for a grant for a smart thermostat, radiator valves, plugs and lightbulbs which will save her £150 a year.  She met Corrine, who was also caring for her mother. They were able to talk about how challenging it was trying to make ends meet, and offer support to one another.  

Sarah says; “I've felt at my lowest ebb.  You have shown me that there is light, that there is help out there.  I can't thank you enough.” 

You can be the warmth behind the care, and help carers like Sarah and her mum

• £15 provides free transport and a hot drink for an isolated carer to attend one of the workshops
• £30 covers the cost of one carer to attend a life changing Winter Warmer workshop and receive a free home insulation bundle
• £80 covers the cost of hot drinks and transport for up to 50 isolated carers to attend a Winter Warmer workshop
• £250 covers the full cost of one Winter Warmer workshop, enabling up to 50 carers in financial need to receive vital support, free resources, and reduce their isolation. 

Every penny you give, up to £250, will be doubled thanks to the generous support of the Aviva Community Fund- meaning your donation will have twice the impact. 

This project successfully funded on 12th December 2025