Across the 27-28 May, over 100 frontline advisors, project leads, and staff from Trust funded organisations came together for The Advisors Gathering, a conference dedicated to building resilience and fostering collaboration in the fight against fuel poverty. The event provided a unique opportunity for participants to share experiences, learn practical strategies, and strengthen networks to support vulnerable communities across Britain. With a focus on wellbeing, professional development, and community impact, the event featured a series of thought-provoking workshops and dynamic speakers that gave attendees practical tools and fresh perspectives to take back to their everyday roles.

Workshop Highlights

Socialudo – Playing with Power

This lively, hands-on session led by creative team Socialudo introduced advisors to the power of serious games; playful, interactive tools designed to tackle complex social issues. Through game-based exercises, participants explored how play can foster curiosity, simplify complicated messages, and create more meaningful engagement across diverse settings including schools, communities, and workplaces.

Evolving Mindset – The Importance of Self Care

This workshop invited attendees to reflect on their own stress levels and identify healthier coping strategies. Through guided activities, the session encouraged self-awareness and offered practical techniques to improve personal wellbeing, empowering participants to better support both themselves and the communities they serve.

The Athena Programme – Safeguarding Adults

Recognising the vital role advisors play in safeguarding vulnerable people, this session provided a clear, practical overview of how to recognise, respond to, report, and record safeguarding concerns. Participants left with increased confidence and a useful ‘How to Respond’ checklist to guide them in real-world scenarios.

Wirral Mind – Suicide Awareness

In a deeply compassionate and informative session, Wirral Mind addressed the realities of suicide, aiming to equip attendees with the knowledge and sensitivity to respond effectively to someone in crisis. The workshop dispelled common myths, introduced appropriate language, and stressed the importance of self-care for those supporting others through mental health struggles.

Katumba– Collaboration session

Adding a burst of energy and rhythm to the day, Liverpool-based Katumba delivered a vibrant, musical team-building session led by co-founder and artistic director Ritchie Tunstall. Using Boomwhackers, participants took part in an engaging drumming experience designed to break down barriers and promote wellbeing through music and movement.

Speaker spotlights

Steve Rotheram – Welcome

Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, gave a stirring welcome address reflecting on his journey from a working-class upbringing in Kirkby to national politics and regional leadership. His speech outlined how strategic investment and bold policymaking can tangibly change lives. Steve spoke about his vision to accelerate net zero efforts and return to large-scale social house building. His commitment to inclusive growth and social justice resonated strongly with the advisor community.

Darren McGarvey– Leaving Something in the Tank

Award-winning author, broadcaster, and social commentator Darren McGarvey gave a powerful keynote rooted in his own experience of poverty, addiction, and homelessness. Darren offered a raw and insightful look at the realities of social deprivation, the structural issues that perpetuate it, and the importance of listening to lived experience. Darren’s honest, no-frills delivery left a lasting impression on the audience, urging everyone to think more critically and compassionately about the systems they work within.

Fiona Cameron – Working Together

Conduct, Risk & Customer Vulnerability Director at British Gas, Fiona shared her expertise on applying consumer protection principles in an evolving energy landscape. With a rich background in legal, regulatory, and conduct risk, she highlighted the growing importance of ethical leadership, particularly when it comes to supporting vulnerable customers. Her passion for inclusion was evident, and she encouraged advisors to continue championing fairness, empathy, and resilience in their roles.

A Gathering to remember

The Advisors Gathering was more than just a professional development event, it was a celebration of purpose, empathy, and the critical role advisors play in supporting vulnerable individuals across Britain. It showcased the power of coming together, equipping participants with fresh ideas, renewed energy, and a stronger sense of community. As support for those facing fuel poverty continues to evolve, events like this help ensure that the human element remains front and centre.