The British Gas Energy Trust is offering Britons free and confidential access to money and energy advice, as well as access to energy debt grants, in “Pop-Ups” in Post Offices across the country.
Following a successful pilot in May 2022, the British Gas Post Office Pop-Ups have been rolled out to more than 120 events across Britain and have helped hundreds of people who are struggling with bills.
According to the charity, which is funded by British Gas, people who have visited the Pop-Ups were reported to feel less stressed about their energy bills and more confident about how they were going to pay upcoming bills.
The Pop-Ups come after research by the charity found more than half of the people surveyed (55 percent) said their mental well-being would improve if they were more financially stable.
Jessica Taplin, British Gas Energy Trust chief executive, said: “Debt and money stresses are debilitating, which is why we are delighted to be offering British Gas Energy Trust-funded money and energy advisers in Post Offices across the country.”
She added that through the Pop-Ups, people can access “independent holistic support”, so they feel more confident to manage their personal circumstances moving forward.
Money and energy advisers funded by the British Gas Energy Trust are on-site at the Pop-Ups to provide an in-depth overview of the support available, such as grants, signpost people to local organisations for ongoing support, and check for benefits entitlements. They will also be providing free energy-saving tips and advice.
Nick Read, Post Office chief executive commented: “Post Offices have been a lifeline to their communities during the cost-of-living crisis. It’s where people come to top up their pre-payment meter, collect energy bill support grants and manage their household bills.
“We’re proud to continue our long-standing partnership with British Gas to deliver these important pop-ups across Britain and reach into communities as the nation continues to face the rising cost of living.”
People can find their nearest British Gas Post Office Pop-Up, here.
British Gas has also committed £100million to its support fund since the start of the energy crisis, and any British Gas or Scottish Gas energy customer who is struggling to pay their energy bill and has sought money and energy advice is eligible to apply for a grant.
According to the provider, over 21,000 grants have been given out since 2021 with more than a third of recipients on disability benefit, around a third being single parents, and a third with children under five years old.
Additionally, the British Gas Energy Trust have recently reopened its Individual and Families Fund, which offers grants of up to £1,500 for all customers, regardless of energy supplier – eligibility criteria can be found here.
Ms Taplin said: “You are not alone. For almost 20 years, the British Gas Energy Trust has been helping people across Britain avoid the detrimental impact of poverty by focusing on eliminating fuel poverty.
“Our support includes, energy debt grants, and small emergency energy grants, and we fund 45 money and energy advice charities, that offer in-person confidential support in England, Scotland and Wales to help people maximise their household budget.”
