Winter Money and Energy Support Pop-Ups Launch in Post Offices Across the UK
As winter approaches, the British Gas Energy Trust is thrilled to launch the fourth round of its winter money and energy advice British Gas Post Office Pop-Ups, aimed at delivering essential support directly to communities across the UK.
These pop-ups, hosted at Post Offices nationwide, provide free, confidential advice to help individuals navigate energy and financial challenges this winter.
Where and When
From October 15, 2024, to March 2025, the pop-ups will operate every Tuesday and Wednesday, in Post Offices across Britain, helping customers from all energy providers. The initiative will focus on offering practical support, including access to energy debt grants of up to £2,000, with experts from Trust funded projects providing money and energy advice and British Gas credit and debt advisors available to answer queries.
Comprehensive On-Site Support
Since its inception in May 2021, the British Gas Post Office Pop-Up initiative has had a profound impact, helping thousands of individuals in financial hardship. Designed to assist those who may be unaware of available resources or who face digital exclusion, these drop-ins do not require appointments and target some of the most deprived areas in the country.
Visitors to the pop-ups can access expert advice on a range of topics, including:
- Budget planning
- Benefits and income maximization checks
- Energy efficiency measures
- General support with housing, employment, and mental health
- Accessing Trust Grants and other financial support
Reaching Those in Need
The British Gas Energy Trust is an independent charity funded solely by British Gas. It offers four main types of support: energy debt relief grants, emergency energy grants, white goods and a network of over 40 money and energy advice projects.
Over the past 20 years, the British Gas Energy Trust has assisted more than 800,000 people with money and energy issues, investing nearly £200 million in support. Last year alone, the Trust helped over 60,000 people manage household budgets and address fuel debt.
Customers in energy debt from any supplier can apply for a grant to pay off energy arrears via the Trust website Grants Available – British Gas Energy Trust
“Our mission is to ensure that no one feels alone this winter,” said Jessica Taplin, CEO of the British Gas Energy Trust. “We encourage those who are most vulnerable to take advantage of these free, impartial resources.”
Jessica Taplin concluded:
“We want anyone, already struggling with rising living costs, to reach out and access this crucial support this winter, particularly those older people who face heightened financial pressure and will find it increasingly difficult to manage energy bills. Together, we will do all we can to ensure that no one faces the winter alone.”
Simon Lambert, Commercial and Operations Director at Post Office, added: “We’re delighted to collaborate with the British Gas Energy Trust again. Every week, over a million energy customers visit our branches to pay bills or top up. These pop-ups are a fantastic way to connect customers with the additional support they may need this winter.”
Research from the Trust highlights that the services attract a younger demographic, as well as people with disabilities who face unique challenges. These events are especially critical during winter when financial pressures tend to escalate.
Supporting Vulnerable Communities
The Trust is particularly mindful of those at increased risk, including individuals with health conditions and older adults. With digital isolation limiting access to crucial support, the Trust is committed to offering in-person assistance within local communities.
Join Us at a Pop-Up Near You
The British Gas Energy Trust invites individuals and families to visit one of the 40 upcoming Pop-Ups in Post Offices across the UK this winter. Previous attendees reported feeling less stressed about their energy bills and more confident in managing their finances after receiving support.
For more information and to find your nearest Pop-Up location, please visit www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk.