Volunteers’ Week, 2-8 June

The second of June sees the start of Volunteers’ Week in the UK. Established in 1984, it’s a weeklong celebration recognising the contributions of volunteers to their local communities, and the positive impact volunteering can have on society.

25 million people in the UK volunteered informally at least once in the year. The British Gas Energy Trust (the Trust) funds 43 money and energy advice projects in charities and social enterprises across Britain, many of whom have volunteers helping them provide much needed support to individuals and families.

The support being provided by the 41 Trust funded projects includes:

  • Budget planning
  • Benefits and income maximisation checks
  • Energy supplier and tariff switching exercises
  • Negotiating with energy suppliers and resolution of energy debt problems
  • Completing grant applications to British Gas Energy Trust and other helpful schemes
  • Home energy efficiency surveys and tailored energy efficiency advice
  • Advice on subjects including housing, employment, debt and discrimination
  • Outreach projects, workshops and advice sessions

One outreach project, the Post Office pop-ups, involves Trust funded organisations attending Post Offices in their local communities to increase awareness of the support they offer, and provide on-the-spot advice. British Gas volunteers were also on hand to support, helping reach over 3,000 people in the most recent phase.

One British Gas volunteer said:

“People are unaware of the support and the amount of potential financial support available to them from their energy suppliers. We spoke to a gentleman who was clearly struggling with his bills. He was elderly and had no means to contact us. He paid his bill at the Post Office and ourselves and Citizens Advice got him the support he needed through the British Gas Energy Trust Fund, Warm Home Discount and we made him aware of some other payment options and how he could set this up should he choose too. It’s very fulfilling when you support someone who is clearly struggling.”

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