Charities are invited to attend the Spotting Fuel Poverty workshops. The workshops are free to attend, but places are limited. Western Power Distribution has funded this initiative, which is a partnership with BANES 3SG and the local Citizens Advice.
Why do charities need to know how to spot fuel poverty?
People often find it difficult to talk about money problems. So, social welfare providers must be able to notice the symptoms of fuel poverty.
More people are having financial problems as the cost of living crisis gets worse. So, it’s important that charities have the tools they need to help their clients.
What will you learn at the Spotting Fuel Poverty workshops?
The workshops will help charities:
- Recognise if someone is in fuel poverty
- Advise residents on how to save money while staying warm and healthy
- Show residents where they can get financial help.
We’re inviting charities to sign up for free.
How to sign up
You can sign up to attend by clicking here.
What is the situation like for residents?
Sian Francis, Research and Campaigns Manager at Citizens Advice – Bath and North East Somerset explained the situation. “We’re experiencing a surge in clients who are worried about the 50% gas and electricity prices rise on 1st April.
“Some low-income families, individuals and older people are shockingly faced with choosing between heating and eating.
“The rises mean people on low incomes will spend at least 40% of their benefits on energy. That leaves less money to buy food and other necessities with no increase in income to fund it.
“These workshops couldn’t be more timely. We have to act now as a community to support people facing fuel poverty. If we don’t, there’s a high risk of illegal loan sharks targeting financially vulnerable people with unsustainable loans.”
The concern for charities like Citizens Advice is that this is not going to be a quick fix. Staff and volunteers at the charity experienced a lot of pressure because of Covid-19. That pressure will increase as the Cost of Living Crisis continues.
