Community Resource

23/10/2026

For many households across rural Shropshire, heating oil and LPG aren’t a choice, they’re essential for keeping their homes warm.

As a member of Action with Communities in Rural England - ACRE, we’re supporting this important call for fairer help for people living off the gas grid.

Rural households shouldn’t be disadvantaged simply because of where they live.

✉️ Dear Prime Minister, rural families need your support.

Heating oil prices have risen by around 85 per cent since February, with a typical 1,000-litre delivery now costing more than £1,100.

For off-grid families living in rural communities who rely on heating oil to keep their homes warm, that's a huge additional expense at an already difficult time of year.

Unlike households using mains gas and electricity, which are protected by the energy price cap, heating oil customers have no protection against further price rises.

That's why we've joined forces with other leading rural organisations to write to the Prime Minister, calling for urgent action in next week’s Autumn Budget.

We're asking the government to cut VAT on heating oil and LPG, to end the postcode lottery of support and provide more help to lower-income families.

🏡 No family should struggle to keep their home warm simply because of where they live.

📢 Help us make our voices heard. Read and share our open letter to show your support for rural families and call on the government to act.

🔗 www.acre.org.uk

23/10/2026

💚 A little encouragement can make a big difference.

Our Buddy System pairs people who are feeling isolated with a volunteer Buddy who can support them to take those first steps towards getting out, trying new activities and meeting new people.

It’s all about building confidence, making connections and helping people become more involved in their local community.

Could you offer someone the encouragement they need to try something new? We’d love to hear from potential volunteer Buddies too.

We’re delivering the Buddy System with support from MHS Shropshire

👉 Find out more about referrals and volunteering: https://community-resource.org.uk/services-health-wellbeing/ -system

21/10/2026

The right opportunity can make all the difference.

After joining Community Resource's Employability and Enterprise Programme, Taylor was matched with a volunteering opportunity at the British Heart Foundation in Telford. More than six months later, he has developed valuable retail skills, grown in confidence and feels better prepared for future employment opportunities.

His story shows how personalised support can help young people take positive steps towards their goals.

This is Taylor’s story: https://community-resource.org.uk/finding-confidence-and-feeling-heard-taylors-story/

20/10/2026

support is available if an unexpected cost has put you under financial pressure.

We’re working with Shropshire Council and local partners to help people access the Crisis and Resilience Fund, including support with heating oil.

Find out more in the post below, and please share to help us reach people who may need support ⬇️⬇️⬇️

The Crisis and Resilience Fund is funded by the UK Government and managed by Shropshire Council with our partners. It can help people who’ve had a sudden, unexpected shock to their finances, or who need support with rent or housing costs, or paying for heating oil.

If that sounds like you, please don’t go it alone. Shropshire Council and our partners can help you find the right support, including advice on money, energy bills, housing, Council Tax, benefits and more.

You don’t need to be on benefits to apply, though eligibility criteria may apply.

Wider support is provided by Shropshire Council and partners, including Community Resource, Marches Energy Advice, Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, Citizens Advice Shropshire, and other local organisations.

You don’t need to be on benefits to apply for support, though eligibility criteria may apply.

IMPORTANT: When you get in touch, please have your most recent bank statements ready (we need them for all accounts you hold).

To find out more and to apply, search for 'Shropshire Council cost of living' or see link in comments. 👇

Or search for ‘Shropshire Council cost of living help’.

17/10/2026

Could you donate to help someone living with hearing loss in Shropshire? 💙

Our Hearing Loss Support Service helps local people get practical hearing aid support, batteries, tubing and advice closer to home.

For the people who use the service, it can mean more than solving a problem with a hearing aid. It can help them stay connected, confident and independent.

We need donations to help us continue providing this support. If you can, please give today 👉 https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/hearing-loss-support

Even a small donation, or simply sharing our appeal, can help us reach more people who want to support this service.

15/10/2026

What Legacy Giving Means

Have you heard of Legacy Giving? It simply means leaving a gift to a charity in your Will, whether that's a specific amount or a share of your estate.

Community Resource has partnered with Thomson Legal Ltd to provide access to professional Will writing and Lasting Power of Attorney services, helping you plan for the future and make informed decisions.

Find out more about Legacy Giving and the difference it can make:
community-resource.org.uk/legacy-giving-supporting-community/ 💜

14/10/2026

⏰ Not long to go, but there’s still time to apply!

Got a business idea you’d love to turn into reality? 💡

Our next Business Start-Up Bootcamp takes place in Shrewsbury on 26 October 2026.

If you’re aged 18 to 30 and interested in exploring self-employment, we’ll help you build the skills, knowledge and confidence to get started with this fully funded bootcamp.

Find out more and apply today 👇

🔗 https://community-resource.org.uk/from-business-ideas-to-brighter-futures/

13/10/2026

Working together to support rural housing across Shropshire 🏡

Last week, our Rural Housing Enabler, Craig, met with members of the RHE Advisory Group to share an update on his recent work, discuss future plans and hear feedback and insight from partners.

Our Rural Housing Enabler works directly with parishes of fewer than 3,000 residents to identify their housing needs and help ensure local communities have a voice as developments progress.

Thank you to Housing Plus Group , Connexus , Shropshire Rural Housing Association and Shropshire Council for joining us and contributing to the conversation.

Find out more about our Rural Housing Enabler project and how we can support your rural communities 👉 https://community-resource.org.uk/rhehub/

12/10/2026

💙 Struggling with rising costs or facing financial hardship?

The Essential Support Fund may be able to help eligible households in Shropshire with essential living costs and emergency support.

Find out more about the support available and how to apply: 🔗https://community-resource.org.uk/essential-support-in-shropshire/

Please share this post to help make sure support reaches those who need it.

The Essential Support Fund is delivered by Community Resource in partnership with Shropshire Council . Funding is provided through the UK Government’s Crisis Resilience Fund

09/10/2026

Could you help us tell the story of Community Resource?

We're looking for a Marketing and Communications Officer to create engaging content, share the impact of our work and help more people understand the difference local support can make.

From promoting services and events to capturing stories from the people and communities we work alongside, you'll play a key role in helping us reach more people and strengthen support across Shropshire.

To find our more or apply follow 🔗 https://community-resource.org.uk/join-our-team/