The BaNES Third Sector Group is partnering with Citizens Advice to host a number of “Spotting Fuel Poverty” workshops for charities across Bath and North East Somerset.
James Carlin from 3SG speaking at a workshop event | Photo © 3SG
The workshops, taking place in March and April, will help organisations identify who among those they support may be in fuel poverty, and how to offer help via benefits, grants and energy-saving advice.
According to charity National Energy Action (NEA) the energy price cap rising by over 50% from 1st April 2022 will push over six million people into fuel poverty due to an average increase in energy costs of almost £700 per year.
In Bath, many families, individuals and older people are already feeling the pinch and struggling to heat their homes.
Each workshop will focus on the following topics;
- How do you recognise if someone is in fuel poverty?
- How can people save money while staying warm and healthy?
- How can people find their way through the maze of financial help available?
The workshops are being held as follows:
- Tuesday 29th March – 2-4pm – online event
- Tuesday 12th April – 12-2pm – held at 3SG, Fairfield House, 2 Kelston Road, Bath. BA1 3QJ
The workshops are free to attend and funded by Western Power Distribution’s Community Matters fund for combating fuel poverty in the South West of England.
You can register at: www.bit.ly/3sg-fuel
The BaNES Third Sector Group (3SG) is an independent membership network representing over 170 local charities, social enterprises and community groups in the Bath and North East Somerset area.
3SG provides training, advice, support and networking events as well as one-to-one consulting.
Miles Lloyd, Co-ordinator at BaNES Third Sector Group said: “Current energy price rises are a daunting prospect for everyone but fuel poverty can mean genuine hardship for those in our community who can’t afford to heat their homes or even cook hot food.
“We hope by bringing together local charities at these workshops, we can help to reach more residents in the community who are showing signs of fuel poverty and in turn provide practical advice on sources of financial aid and energy-saving tips.”
Sian Francis, Research and Campaigns Manager at Citizens Advice, Bath and North East Somerset commented: “We are receiving a huge increase in enquiries from people worried about how to fund the 50% rise in electricity and gas prices from 1st April.
“Some low-income families, individuals and older people are shockingly faced with choosing between heating and eating.
“As the cost of heating and cooking rises many people on a low income will have to spend at least 40% of their benefits on energy costs which leaves less money to buy food and other necessities with no increase in income to fund it.
“These workshops couldn’t be more timely, if we don’t act now as a community to support people facing fuel poverty there’s a high risk of illegal loan sharks targeting financially vulnerable people with tempting but unsustainable loans.”
To find out more about the Spotting Fuel Poverty workshops, visit www.bit.ly/3sg-fuel or for other 3SG events supporting local charities visit https://www.3sg.org.uk/eventpage.
