Energise Sussex Coast and the Hastings Advice and Representation Centre (HARC) have received funding from the UK Power Partners fund to extend their energy advice and benefits and budgeting advice service to Rother, Eastbourne and surrounding areas.
The helpline was launched in October with funding from the British Gas Energy Trust and the Big Lottery Covid fund.
Kate Meakin, Service Manager for the project explains, “Our helpline is for anyone that would like to find out how they can save money from their gas, electric and water bills and save energy at home”.
“The pandemic has meant we are all spending more time at home and this has seen bills rocket for many of us. Our free and impartial service will let you know all your different options for bringing down your bills including the best energy tariff for you, government subsidies and accessing funding to make your home more energy-efficient”.
Jacky Everard from HARC says “As a result of the COVID pandemic people are having to face multiple issues. Whether it’s residents receiving a reduced income as they have lost their job or are not able to work; some people will be ill or recovering from COVID-19, others will be having to spend more time at home and will need to keep the heating on more. We will be able to support people to maximise their income by giving specialist welfare benefits and budgeting advice.
Since October the service has helped over 300 people and has helped residents access £108,000 of financial benefit through accessing benefits and energy bills savings.
To book your energy advice free appointment call or send a text to 01424 390 062 or email hello@energisesussexcoast.co.uk
To talk to someone about benefits or budgeting call Andrea at HARC on 07923 236782 or email andrea@harcuk.com
For more details visit www.energisesussexcoast.co.uk/services/energy-advice/
Power Partners is a £300,000 per year grant scheme offering significant support to help organisations to fuel poverty across communities and to innovate and create connections with vulnerable people.
The Power Partners scheme is funded by UK Power Networks, the UK’s largest electricity distribution network, that owns and maintains electricity infrastructure across London, the East and South East of England.
UK Power Networks delivers electricity to 8.3m homes and businesses – around a quarter of the UK population – through a network of 188,476km power lines. CSE administer the fund, which provides grants of between £2,000 and £20,000 to not-for-profit organisations in UK Power Network’s region.