Health and care linked to energy issues, says Kent-based charity

Struggling financially due to health conditions and caring responsibilities are two of the main reasons people are seeking support from one charity in Kent.

Citizens Advice Swale say people aged 35-39 and 60-64 are the people they see the most.

Charlotte Frost, Advice Services Manager says the two groups both tend to present with financial issues.

Charlotte said: “More than 50% of the individuals that fall into the first age category are women and by default more likely to have caring responsibilities for children, struggling to juggle work and family life.

“Many of our clients present as having a disability, and those that fit into the latter age category find it harder to be economically active and therefore heat their homes.”

And Charlotte says people are often presenting with the same issues, like negative budgets, debt, complex needs and health conditions – all of which can lead to them needing energy support from charities like Citizens Advice, which have projects funded by British Gas Energy Trust to tackle the problems.

She added: “People often do not have enough money to heat their homes sufficiently, they’re paying back debts or in poor quality housing which is not energy efficient. In addition, many clients present with literacy and communication issues and struggle to communicate with suppliers and understand energy saving tips and what might be the best deal.”

The charity has been supporting people like Adam* who is single, has physical health conditions, struggles with literacy skills and is digitally excluded. Without support, he was going to struggle to heat his home due to the rising cost of energy.

After working with Citizens Advice Swale’s team, Adam was able to gain more than £11,000 in extra benefits that he didn’t previously know he was entitled to. This maximisation of his income meant he could comfortably heat his home and cope with the cost-of-living crisis.

The extra benefits included the award of Pension Credit, with Adam being one of 880,000 people who don’t claim what they’re entitled to each year. Find out if you are eligible for Pension Credit on the government’s website.

*name changed to protect identity

To find a Trust funded money and energy advice service to you, please click here.

To see what energy debt grants are currently available from the Trust, please click here.