Initiative to tackle challenges people in the east midlands are facing when getting support to pay bills
Stats show many are suffering in silence worrying about how they'll afford essentials
Research has found people across the east midlands are struggling to ask for help with the cost of bills.
To tackle the amount of those suffering in silence, a series of drop in sessions are being put on for people to get support .
Jessica Taplin, is the chief executive of the British Gas Energy Trust, who are hosting these events:
"We know that managing household budgets remains a real challenge for many, with the cost-of-living putting pressure on people across the country. And although we’re starting to see more people coming forward to seek support, we recognise that doing so can still feel difficult.
“That’s why we’ve partnered with the Post Office and trusted local money and energy charities to bring support into communities across Britian – including Leicester, Manchester, Yorkshire, Scotland, Wales, London and Liverpool. These drop-in sessions provide practical advice on budgeting, managing bills, and accessing grants, all in a friendly and approachable setting. Our Individuals and Families Fund is also now open to both British Gas customers and those with other suppliers - whether you're on a prepayment meter or a credit account. If you need support, you can find out more and apply through the British Gas Energy Trust website.
“No one should feel alone in this - and we want people to know that help is not only available, but designed to work for them, wherever they are in life.”
Each year, the Trust partners with the Post Office, British Gas and local community-based charities to offer free, drop-in events across Britain.
These events give people the chance to get practical, face-to-face support on budget planning, managing energy debt, applying for debt write-off grants, and accessing simple energy-saving measures to help keep homes warmer and bills lower.
Regardless of your energy supplier, you'll be able to speak to a trained money and energy advisor from a local charity for support on subjects like budget planning, benefits and income maximisation checks and energy queries. The team can also book you in for further appointments, or signpost to additional support.
British Gas representatives will be on hand to provide information about British Gas support schemes, payment plan options and help understanding your bills.
Pick up some free energy saving devices and energy efficiency tips.
The locations this year include Leicester, Stockport, Leeds, Glasgow, and Edinburgh with more dates and locations to come. They'll be running from 10am to 2pm on specific dates. You can find out more here.
Research, commissioned by British Gas, as part of its independent charitable trust British Gas Energy Trust, has found more than half (51%) of the UK population are finding it difficult to talk about how we struggle to pay our energy bills, up from 35% last year.
40% of British adults are suffering in silence when it comes to worrying about paying bills.
The research also found gas and electricity costs are the most challenging for 26% of people to talk about, followed by council tax (17%) and water (11%).
This increased to 51 per cent for those aged 25-34, and 56 per cent for the 18-24 age group.
According to the research, for those who are willing to seek support, their first ports of call are either friends and family (31%) or energy provider payment plans (23%). It also found 54% believe advice from a trusted local money and energy advice charity would also make it much easier for them to get the support they need during difficult times.
Almost two thirds (62%) believe there should be more Government and charity programmes to help people manage rising energy costs.