A charity in Bromsgrove has received a huge funding boost after being awarded a £10,000 grant. 

The Basement Project, which supports and offers advice to young people who are in crisis, homeless or facing homelessness, successfully applied for funding from the National Grid to help tackle fuel poverty in the local area. 

The Warmer Winter Advice and Support Project hopes to help existing clients of The Basement Project to manage their energy bills by providing support with budgeting, ensuring residents are on the correct tariffs and negotiating with energy companies to reduce any debts. 

Community fundraiser at The Basement Project, Kelly Turner, said: "We are delighted to have been awarded the Community Matters Grant from the National Grid as it will enable us to support vulnerable young people at risk of homelessness through the coldest months of the year. 

"Basement Project support workers will be able to provide energy advice and winter warmer packs to their clients as they help them to set up and maintain a tenancy. 

"Thank you to the National Grid for helping us to ensure young people are safe and secure in their homes this winter." 

The Community Matters Fund is helping support hundreds of local groups across its network to fight fuel poverty. 

The money from the scheme will also be used by The Basement Project to help young people keep warm in their homes by providing thermal curtains and radiator foil. 

Director of Corporate Affairs at National Grid, Chris Hayton, said: "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 The Basement Project to create positive change and to seeing the results of their hard work.”

To find out more about The Basement Project visit www.basementproject.org