Trust funds energy advice for blind and partially sighted people

British Gas Energy Trust has awarded The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) a grant of £144,901 to provide vital unbiased and impartial energy and income maximisation advice to blind and partially sighted people who are disproportionately affected by the cost of living crisis over the next 18 months.

The RNIB already offers a Sight Loss Advice Service, which is primarily delivered over the phone, with back up from local champions in the community. With the grant money, the scope of the service will be extended, to include a much-needed energy advice component led by three energy specialist Sight Loss Advisors, who will also train and upskill the wider team.

In a recent survey of more than 100 blind and partially sighted people, more than two thirds said their financial situation had worsened over the last six months, and more than a third said they “often” go without essentials such as food and heating or have struggled to make ends meet[1].

Despite some blind and partially sighted people needing more light to safely move around their home and for other tasks, more than two thirds reported using less energy to try and save money. This compares to a third of the general population[2].

David Newbold, RNIB’s Director of Sight Loss Advice, said: “Society isn’t designed with blind and partially sighted people in mind, which means they’re less likely to be able to find the best money-saving deals. People with sight loss are also more reliant on benefits than the general population; only one in four registered blind and partially sighted people of working age is in employment[3]. And it’s likely they’ll need more energy than the average person to go about their daily lives, as well as facing additional unavoidable costs for things like taxis home as public transport often isn’t accessible to them. This funding from the British Gas Energy Trust means we can take steps to address the gap and help those we support get through these tough times.”

Jessica Taplin, CEO of the British Gas Energy Trust, added: “The rising cost of living means more people are experiencing financial difficulty for the first time, and are struggling to pay their bills. And we know the situation can be even more challenging for those with disabilities, including partial or total sight loss. That’s why we’re helping to fund the vital work of The Royal National Institute of Blind People.”

Since the start of the cost-of-living crisis, Centrica – the parent company of British Gas, which is the sole backer of the British Gas Energy Trust – has put together a support package for households worth more than £25m, which continues to grow. This funding includes 18-month grants paid by the British Gas Energy Trust to more than 20 advice centres and charities across England, Scotland and Wales, including the RNIB.

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/.

About RNIB

We are the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

Every six minutes, someone in the UK begins to lose their sight. RNIB is taking a stand against exclusion, inequality and isolation to create a world without barriers where people with sight loss can lead full lives. A different world where society values blind and partially sighted people not for the disabilities they’ve overcome, but for the people they are.

RNIB. See differently.

Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk

[1] RNIB report: Why the cost of living crisis has a bigger impact on people with sight loss, August 2022 [available here https://media.rnib.org.uk/documents/Cost_of_living_-_Final_-_1_Aug_22.pdf ]

[2] RNIB report: Why the cost of living crisis has a bigger impact on people with sight loss, August 2022 [available here https://media.rnib.org.uk/documents/Cost_of_living_-_Final_-_1_Aug_22.pdf ]

[3] RNIB report: Why the cost of living crisis has a bigger impact on people with sight loss, August 2022 [available here https://media.rnib.org.uk/documents/Cost_of_living_-_Final_-_1_Aug_22.pdf ]