RESIDENTS struggling to gather winter fuel this festive season are being offered support.

As fuel bills increase and householders look for ways to save energy, Dorset Community Action is running free events giving people help and advice.

Evidence suggests that rural households are twice as likely as their urban counterparts to struggle to afford to heat their homes, due to lower than average incomes and houses that are less energy efficient.

The events being organised are run as informal drop-in sessions with people invited to have a cup of tea and find out more information.

DCA has teamed up with Magna Housing Association to organise the sessions. Some have already been held and been successful and three more are being run between January and February throughout Dorset.

The next event will take place on Tuesday, January 14 between 2pm and 6pm at the Woodmead Hall, Hill Road, Lyme Regis. No booking is required – just pop in.

Further events will be held at the West End Club, Sherborne, on January 29 and Willowbed Hall, Chickerell, on February 23.

DCA hopes that people will go along to discuss their individual needs and concerns, get some advice on how to keep warm and save some money. They will find out about how to switch suppliers over a cup of tea and biscuits, provided by the Co-op, and receive a free energy saving appliance, provided by Dorset Energy Advice Centre. Community Action Manager at Dorset Community Action Simon Thompson said: “Dorset Community Action is experienced at working with communities to help them stay warm and use energy more efficiently.

“We have run an event in Beaminster already this year and we hope that people will come along to these informal drop-in sessions, which are designed to give the most relevant information for Dorset residents.

“So please look out for further information and dates on our website dorsetcommunity action.org.uk”