A Methodist church in North Cornwall is offering help and support for those struggling to keep warm and afford to eat properly after the church successfully applied for funding to help tackle fuel poverty in the town and the local area.

Launceston Central Methodist Church’s ‘Warm Space Foodshare at Central’ project, which includes the’ Love Your Neighbour, Fareshare Community Larder’, meets regularly each week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in the Dingley Hall at the church.

It has all been made possible thanks to a £7,382 grant from National Grid Electricity Distribution’s Community Matters Fund, which is supporting hundreds of local groups across its network to fight fuel poverty this winter.

David Rogerson, trustee from Launceston Central Methodist Church, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this grant from the Community Matters Fund and the work of installing the new heating system has now been completed and is ready for the winter. 

“This is wonderful news for the local community and will impact so many lives for those struggling with fuel and food poverty over the winter period.”

Chris Hayton, director of corporate affairs at National Grid, added: “Unfortunately, we know that many people will struggle to keep their homes warm this winter. 

“At a time when addressing fuel poverty has never been more critical, our Community Matters Fund will support local groups to deliver help where it’s most needed. 

“We’re looking forward to working with community groups like Launceston Central Methodist Church to create positive change and to seeing the results of their hard work.”