Post Office pop-ups continue to reach those in need

Post Office pop-ups continue to reach those in need

Through the Trusts collaboration with the Post Office and British Gas, hundreds of people have already received free and impartial energy advice at successful events in communities across Britain.

This year’s Post Office Pop-Ups campaign launched in September in Leicester, with the support of charity Zinthiya Trust – one of 20 local charities that are supporting the drop-ins over the next 12 months.

In total, more than 120 events will take place over the course of the next year, supporting individuals with access to trained money and energy advisors – regardless of which energy supplier they’re with.

Charities will help with things like budget planning, benefits checks, income maximisation and energy queries, with representatives from British Gas also on hand to provide information about support schemes, payment option plans and help understanding bills.

The events aim to raise awareness of the energy support available. They come as figures show nearly four in 10 adults still don’t seek professional advice or support when struggling with their energy bills – often because of the stigma around asking for help.

At the launch event in Leicester, the team from Zinthiya Trust provided support to more than 150 people and handed out giveaway bags including energy saving devices to those that attended. Devices included practical items like room temperature gauge cards, shower timers, trolley coins, hats, scarves, gloves, hot water bottles and draught tape.

Zinthiya Ganeshpanchan, Chief Executive Officer of Zinthiya Trust said: “The pop up was a really successful event.  We also ran additional pop ups in some of other areas of the city and engaged with over 100 people distributing packs and energy saving items and advice.

“It allowed us to provide help and advice to people who were not aware of the support they could get through the Zinthiya Trust and British Gas Energy Trust.”

The Zinthiya team were able to inform attendees about energy saving changes they could make at home; how LED lightbulbs are more energy efficient, how smart meters can help ensure bills are accurate and the importance of keeping central heating systems under control.

In addition to the drop-in session on the day, the British Gas Energy Trust team also visited libraries, schools and health centres in the local area to raise awareness about the events.

Pop-ups will continue in the new year to support as many people as possible across the country – see all the information on our dedicated Post Office pop-ups page.