v THE NEXT HERALD IS OUT ON 18TH SEPTEMBER v Page 68 • The HERALD • 28th August 2025 ASK A PROFESSIONAL British Gas Energy Trust Reopens Energy Grant Fund for Customers across Different Suppliers e British Gas Energy Trust (the Trust) recently reopened its Individuals and Families Fund (I&F), a support scheme providing up to £1,700 to households struggling with energy debt on a prepayment or credit account. I&F is open to eligible customers of any energy supplier, if that supplier does not have its own support scheme. About the reopening of the fund, Trust CEO Jessica Taplin said, “We’re pleased to announce the reopening of our Individuals and Families Fund to both credit and prepayment meter account holders, as we know just how important it is.” She continued, “Many households across Britain continue to struggle with high energy costs alongside other financial challenges, and this means we can once again provide vital support, regardless of which energy supplier they’re with. This fund will help those who need it most get back on stable ground and feel confident in keeping their homes and families warm and safe.” e reopening comes at a time when debt levels across the UK have reached £4.15bn, up from £3.31bn at the same time last year. Last year, I&F helped 1,818 households across England, writing o more than £839,000 of debt. I&F has supported people like Marie*. Marie is 53 years old, living alone in a mortgaged property. She has recently been diagnosed with Autism and nds it extremely di cult to talk to people. Marie was previously in employment but had to stop working due to her health issues. She has struggled to manage her nances for several years and accrued over £5,000 worth of debts, which she is now addressing with the support of StepChange. Marie received budgeting advice as part of her application and can sustain her ongoing charges but cannot clear her energy debt without support. Marie applied to I&F and was awarded a grant of £1,558. About the grant, Marie said: “I would like to thank you for helping me with my gas and electric bills. Your help is much appreciated and has rescued me from a very anxious time.” As part of its support package, the Trust also funds over 40 money and energy advice projects in communitybased charities and social enterprises across Britain. ese projects provide clients with free and impartial advice on things such as budget planning, bene ts and income maximisation checks, energy e ciency measures and generalist subjects such as housing, employment and mental health support. *Name changed to protect client’s identity. Upcoming Oakhaven Business Club Networking Events Oakhaven Business Club runs regular networking events with local businesses across the New Forest, Waterside and Totton. Businesses can pay-as-you-go per person per session, or become an annual member. Tuesday 9th September, 9.30am–11.30am, New Forest Walk and Work, a 1 hour walk at the tall trees trail, followed by tea/co ee and cake at Rhine eld House Hotel. Wednesday 10th September, 12noon–2pm, Oakhaven Business Club Lunch at e Crown Stirrup in Lyndhurst with guest speaker Claire Pratley from Barclays, £20. Thursday 9th October, 8am–10am, Oakhaven Business Club Breakfast at e Old Mill just outside Lymington, £20. For more information about how to join the Oakhaven Business Club or to book a space for one of their networking events please visit: www.oakhavenhospice. co.uk/oakhaven-business-club
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