From April 1 energy prices will go up for millions of people and, while everyone is looking at ways to save money, for those with disabilities that isn't always an option. Emma Jones, her husband and son all have disabilities and share a home in Ebbw Vale.
For them, the changes have already started – as has the worry. Emma was diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome just before she turned 40. It is a condition which affects connective tissue and results in an increased range of joint movement, stretchy skin, and fragile skin that breaks or bruises easily. Her joints dislocate really easily and her condition means she can't work and the main source of comfort is heat, meaning keeping a warm home is crucial for her. She also takes baths to soothe her joints.
Her 24-year-old son Kyle, has autism and won't tell Emma if he's cold. "If you feel his hands they're always cold," she said. His main hobby is using his games console: "That's all he really does," his mum says. Her husband works as a carer for adults with autism and last year initially put his muscle pain down to a strain. After initial fears it was cancer tests revealed he had spondyloarthritis. Since then he has been on sick leave and is no longer eligible for full pay.
