Rachel Mason, our Community Wellbeing Manager, writes about how the rising price of oil is impacting Cambridgeshire’s rural households and how the organisation can lend its support to those who need it.

 

Rising oil prices are causing real concern for many households across rural Cambridgeshire. In my role at Cambridgeshire ACRE, I speak regularly with people who rely on heating oil or other off‑grid fuels and who are finding sudden price increases difficult to plan for. For households already under pressure from the cost‑of‑living crisis, this can feel overwhelming.

Living in a rural area often means fewer fuel choices and less protection from price volatility than mains gas or electricity. While the current situation remains uncertain, I want to reassure people that support is available and that there are practical steps that can help.

For those whose homes are heated by oil, planning ahead where possible can make a difference. Monitoring oil levels, speaking to suppliers about delivery options or smaller quantities and avoiding panic buying can all help reduce the risk of emergency top‑ups at the highest prices. If you are worried about running out of oil or struggling to afford it, seeking help early is important.

Across Cambridgeshire, there is local support for people facing financial hardship linked to rising energy costs; our Cambridgeshire Home Energy Support Service is just one such project, for example. Eligibility is usually based on individual circumstances rather than a single factor. At Cambridgeshire ACRE, we can help people navigate what support is available and connect them to the right services.

I also see first‑hand the value of warm, welcoming community spaces. Through the Cambridgeshire Community Hubs Network, we support places where people can come together, keep warm, access information and enjoy company. You do not need to be in crisis to visit a hub. Sometimes a conversation, a safe space and trusted advice can make a real difference.

Our Village Agents play a vital role in this work. They visit communities across the county and offer confidential, person‑centred support to adults who are struggling personally, financially or emotionally. This includes talking through concerns about energy costs, offering guidance on energy or benefits issues, and helping people access local and national support.

There are also small steps that can help reduce energy use in oil‑heated homes, such as focusing heating on the rooms you use most, reducing draughts, using timers carefully and keeping warm with extra layers. These measures will not solve everything, but they can help manage costs over time.

Worry about energy costs can affect both physical and mental wellbeing. If you are feeling anxious or unsure where to turn, please know that you are not alone. At Cambridgeshire ACRE, we are here to listen, connect and support, working alongside local communities and partners to help people through challenging times.

To find out more about our community hubs, Village Agent support or how we can help you access advice and services, get in touch with my team.