Warmer Homes, Advice & Money (WHAM) model

Procurement reference

WWU1580

Procurement description

The WHAM project is a large, multi-agency initiative designed to support vulnerable and low-income households experiencing fuel poverty. The project brings together local authorities, NHS trusts, community organisations, energy sector partners and national bodies to deliver co-ordinated, in-depth support that improves income, energy efficiency, energy confidence and overall wellbeing.

WHAM operates across Bristol, Bath, Northeast Somerset (B&NES), and North Somerset, delivering personalised energy advice and holistic casework to households living in fuel poverty. Support is provided through a blended delivery model, combining phone and email advice, home visits and community-based outreach such as advice surgeries, events and group sessions. The project also delivers fuel poverty awareness training for frontline practitioners to strengthen referral pathways and early identification of need.

The project is delivered by three part-time WHAM Caseworkers, supported by a Somali-speaking Energy Caseworker who provides targeted and culturally appropriate support to Bristol's Somali community through trusted community venues and flexible engagement methods.

Wales & West Utilities Limited

CENTRE FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

Procedure type

Direct award

Description of how these justifications apply

Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) is a nationally recognised organisation with specialist expertise in delivering fuel poverty and energy advice services to low-income households. Through its established Warmer Homes, Advice & Money (WHAM) model, CSE provides integrated, in-depth casework addressing fuel poverty, energy affordability, health inequalities and carbon monoxide risk.

CSE is uniquely positioned within the West of England, with strong, long-standing partnerships across local authorities, NHS trusts and community organisations. Its coordinated, multi-agency delivery model combines personalised casework, outreach and referral pathways to deliver tailored support to households experiencing multiple vulnerabilities.

This combination of technical expertise and embedded local partnerships cannot be readily replicated without disrupting trusted relationships, referral pathways and effective engagement with vulnerable households. The WHAM model has demonstrated strong outcomes in improving financial resilience, increasing household income, reducing energy costs, and enhancing safety and wellbeing.

The proposed investment represents a continuation and scaling of this proven model, enabling CSE to respond to growing demand while ensuring continuity of support for households with complex needs and avoiding fragmentation across the local support landscape.

Direct award justification

Single suppliers technical reasons

Is this procurement under a special regime?

Light touch

Sustainability

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)