We were so pleased to be part of the launch of a brand-new Community Advice Hub in Birkenhead, which is already making a difference to local residents!

Located just opposite McDonald’s, on the corner of Oxton Road and Grange Road West, the hub is a lifeline for anyone needing free, face-to-face support on money matters from benefits and debt to energy bills and more.

Location: One Wirral CIC, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH41 2QJ
Open every Thursday: 9:30am – 12:30pm

This welcoming drop-in service brings together trusted local organisations from across the Wirral, including:
• Citizens Advice Wirral
• Energy Projects Plus
• Wirral Change
• Christians Against Poverty

Set up by Wirral Foodbank’s Community Campaigning team, the hub is part of a wider effort to tackle poverty locally. By offering a visible and accessible space for support, it helps residents get advice before financial struggles escalate into crisis.

Fuel poverty remains a significant issue across the UK. In England alone, 3.17 million households are currently in fuel poverty, with many more at risk as energy prices and the overall cost of living continue to rise.

By being at the hub, we’re helping people take control of their energy use, understand their bills, and make their homes more energy efficient. We also provide support in accessing vital funding and grants  whether that’s fuel vouchers, energy debt relief, or insulation schemes. We’re here to make sure no one has to face energy worries alone.

At Energy Projects Plus, we’ve already seen the difference it’s making. On average, we’re supporting six new clients every session, many of whom may not have known about the help available to them.

At a recent session at the hub, Katie supported a local resident who had been signposted by the Job Centre. The gentleman, who is deaf, was struggling to access the support he needed, unable to use the phone or navigate online services.

Katie helped him call United Utilities to request a water meter. Because he lives alone, it’s estimated this could save him up to £540 per year on his water bills. She also explained his communication needs to the supplier, ensuring all future contact, including engineer appointments would be made via text.

The client said he wouldn’t have been able to do this without the hub’s support. It’s a powerful reminder of how small, in-person actions can have a big impact, especially for people facing barriers to accessing services

We’re proud to be part of this collaborative effort to tackle fuel poverty across Wirral, and we look forward to continuing our weekly support for the Birkenhead community.

If you would like one of our friendly Energy Advisors to deliver an advice stall, or community talk, at your event, contact us at events@epplus.org.