Demand for services has risen due to recent cold weather, says West Midlands energy advice charity
Act on Energy's CEO Rachel Jones says since December call numbers have increased and their outreach team are visiting more people in their homes
The recent cold snap has led to a surge in people needing their support, a West Midlands energy advice charity has said.
An extended amber cold health alert from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) remains in force across the region.
The alert warns that the current freezing temperatures and forecast is expected to have significant impacts across health and social care services and are likely to affect people's health and wellbeing.
Chief executive (CEO) of Act on Energy Rachel Jones said the charity has seen a rise in people reaching out to their services since the colder weather arrived.
"Really from sort of that December time when it started, so just before Christmas, our call numbers have certainly increased," she said.
"Our outreach team are visiting more people in their homes to provide that support and see what their needs and concerns are."
The government said previously nine million pensioners would benefit from Winter Fuel Payments made through November and December.
CEO Jones is also reminding people to keep an eye on those who might be more likely to feel the impact of the cold.
"It's really important that we are looking after our communities and neighbours, particularly those that are more vulnerable," she said.
"So really making sure they've got the food that they need, that if they have got their electricity or gas that's through a top-up meter that it is topped up."