Collaborative support for vulnerable communities

A blog by Ashley Comley, Chief Executive, Citizens Advice Rhondda Cynon Taff

It was inspiring to recently be invited to a British Gas Energy Trust Roundtable, facilitated by colleagues at Riverside Advice.

The event provided a rare opportunity for representatives from a range of partner organisations including advice and support services, housing providers and utility suppliers to come together.  We all attended with a specific focus on how to alleviate the impact of fuel poverty on those clients who are older and more vulnerable.

Paul Farmer of Age UK and Ben Saltmarsh of the NEA provided some fantastic context for the day with Ben’s comment that our homes in Wales are the “coldest, oldest and leakiest in Northern Europe” and that energy costs in South Wales are higher than the UK average being stark reminders of the challenges faced by our communities.  The impact of these challenges is felt all the more acutely amongst those who are most vulnerable, who often have a clinical need for a safe and consistent temperature in their homes. Whether to alleviate the impact of health conditions or to keep medications at a safe temperature.

Andrew Sims of the Cardiff and Vale Recovery & Wellbeing College provided a moving, first-hand account of how critical advice can be when delivered in the appropriate time and place.  Providing an intervention that can be life changing, and building a foundation of financial resilience from which health and general wellbeing can be improved.

Much discussion was had on the preventative benefits of advice when co-located with partners and in community venues including in health settings.  Many organisations had piloted service delivery in a variety of locations with some notable examples including supermarket entrances and in care homes.

From the representatives across the room, we heard about new approaches to service design and delivery, from Riverside working in partnership with 4winds to engage clients to a new advice line launched by Mencap.

It was refreshing to attend a meeting in person, rather than virtually and engagement definitely benefitted from this.  I left the event with a renewed sense of hope in the future, the challenges facing the most vulnerable in our society are significant; but we have a passionate and dedicated third sector who stand ready to make a difference.

To find out more about the Trust’s roundtables, please click here.