Don’t be fooled by the heatwave – the best time to cut your winter heating bills is right now

Whether you live in Preston, Blackburn or the surrounding area, now is the perfect time to get ahead. Summer gives you the opportunity to check you're on the right energy tariff, make your home more energy efficient and find out whether you're entitled to financial support before the temperatures begin to fall again.

That's exactly what the free Heat and Be Warm service is here to help with.

Delivered by The Wise Group, Heat and Be Warm offers free, confidential advice to eligible households across Preston, Greater Preston, Blackburn, Darwen and neighbouring areas. The service is completely impartial and isn't tied to any energy supplier.

Many people think the service is only for those already in crisis, but that's far from the truth. In reality, it's about helping people avoid getting into difficulty in the first place.

Friendly advisers can help you:

• Check whether you're paying more than you need to for your energy.
• Understand confusing energy bills.
• Access grants and financial support you may not know exists.
• Improve the energy efficiency of your home.
• Reduce your energy use without compromising on comfort.
• Get help with debt, benefits and wider money worries where appropriate.

Colin Walker, Operations Manager for Heat and Be Warm, says many families are still feeling the financial impact of last winter.

"Every summer we speak to people who wish they'd asked for help earlier. By taking action now, households have more time to explore their options and put support in place before winter arrives.

"Our mentors help people every day to reduce energy costs, increase their income and make their homes warmer and more affordable to run. It's free, confidential and there's absolutely no obligation."

One Lancashire resident who used the service said it made a huge difference.

The mother-of-two said: "When my bills from last winter came in, I didn't know what I was going to do. My mentor helped negotiate an affordable repayment plan with my supplier and gave me practical advice that means I'll be much better prepared for this winter."

No one knows exactly what energy prices will do over the coming months, but one thing is certain: planning ahead almost always gives you more choices than reacting when the first cold snap arrives.

So, while everyone else is enjoying the sunshine, why not spend a few minutes making sure this winter won't bring any nasty surprises?

Heat and Be Warm is available to eligible households across Preston, Greater Preston, Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.

For free advice and support, call 0800 092 9002, email [email protected] or visit www.heat-thewisegroup.co.uk.