A British Gas Energy Trust project that offers refrigerators, freezers, electric cookers and washing machines to people in need has been labelled as an ‘extra layer of support’ by the charity that has used it the most often.

The White Goods Fund supports clients in England and Wales experiencing financial hardship and is available via a referral from British Gas or one of the Trust funded organisations.

The response to the scheme has been positive across the two nations, but most utilised by Bromley By Bow Centre – a community charity offering more than 40 services in east London.

So far, the charity has used the scheme more than 90 times, with their team leader for energy and financial wellbeing, Mosrath Jahan, saying it has been a lifesaver for so many in their community.

Mosrath said:

“Because the community we work in is a very deprived and vulnerable community and because we’re based in a health centre and work with six GP practices, we get a lot of referrals. We identify need through our initial conversations we have with people about their lives. We do an assessment to make sure people meet the need and eligibility for the scheme. Most people are on low incomes, on benefits or have health issues.”

Freezers are the most in demand item, particularly among people who have health conditions.

Mosrath added:

“A lot of the people we support are living in private rented accommodation and the white goods provided by the landlord are not good enough or efficient enough. And a lot of our community live in multi-generational households so sometimes a fridge freezer isn’t large enough.

“People, especially when they have health issues, don’t want to go shopping for food regularly; they want to do a big food shop and store things.

“They’re really happy when they find out they can get an item which otherwise they would not have been able to afford. There are other places that do similar things, but the application forms are really lengthy. This scheme from British Gas Energy Trust is really easy and the turnaround is really quick so people don’t have to wait too long. We’re really pleased to have this support from British Gas Energy Trust – it’s an added layer of support for our clients.”

You can check whether you are eligible for the White Goods Fund on our website.