Trust awards six figure grants to community organisations supporting vulnerable people

The British Gas Energy Trust has announced a series of grants to help three organisations throughout England to deliver vital money and energy support projects over the next 18 months.

Collectively, the Citizens Advice services in Tendring and Scarborough and Exeter Community Energy, have been awarded close to £400,000 by the Trust, which supports families and individuals facing financial hardship and energy debt, directly and through local money and energy advice services and charities.

The Trust has awarded the funding following a nationwide mapping exercise which identified the parts of the population most in need of extra help with the rising cost of living.

Many of the organisations to receive grants will use the money to employ additional money and energy advisors, to extend the reach of their work in the most vulnerable parts of their catchment areas.

Advice services cover in-person, telephone, online and email support, designed to catch problems early, avoid preventable debt increases and minimise the associated impact on people’s mental and physical health.

Interventions recommended and facilitated by the advice services range from energy efficiency advice and steps to take around the home, fast-tracking boiler repairs and replacements for low-income households in a no-heat situation, supporting applications for emergency fuel vouchers, and more.

Jessica Taplin, CEO of the British Gas Energy Trust, said: “The rising cost of living means more people are experiencing financial difficulty for the first time, and are struggling to pay their bills. Whether you’re with British Gas or another energy supplier, it’s important to know that there is help available to you. You can apply to us direct or access support via the local projects we work with.”

Since the start of the cost-of-living crisis, Centrica – the parent company of British Gas – has put together a support package for households worth more than £25m, which will continue to grow. This has included a £2m investment through the British Gas Energy Trust to open 20 new advice centres across the country.

For more information about the British Gas Energy Trust, to find out about the support that’s available, and to apply for a grant, visit https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/.