Information for support rather than energy saving week 2023

11th Jan 2023

17th - 23rd January sees Big Energy Saving Week here in the UK. Usually for a business like ours, this would be a great opportunity to talk about effective ways to save energy and as a result help save the planet.

This year the world feels like a very different place (again) and, honestly, at a time when so many people don't have any choice but to switch off their heating, ovens, kettles (the list goes on) it frankly feels insensitive for us to join in. I'm not saying we shouldn't be saving energy, we should. If we are in a position to choose and stay safe and healthy, let's cut out the energy waste in our lives, the climate crisis is co-existing alongside the financial crisis. Right now, there are plenty of articles, videos and resources online suggesting ways we can do this.

Instead I've been researching organisations that may be helpful for people in the UK who might be struggling to pay their bills or buy food right now or may need someone to talk to about their mental health, which could be exacerbated by such anxieties.

I hope these are useful. Please feel free to share this list on your socials and add your own. Let me know if there are any essential support organisations I've missed and I can add them here...

Citizens Advice - Guides on how to get additional help with energy bills

Groundwork's Green Doctors - Can provide support with ways to stay warm and safe and access other services and initiatives

National Energy Action - National fuel poverty charity, providing help for people who cannot afford to heat their homes

Ofgem - Offer a range of advice around high energy bills

National Debtline - Their Cost of Living Hub contains a lot of information and advice, including other organisations that may be able to help

Energy Savings Trust - Article about how high energy bills are affecting people's mental health, along with some useful links.

Trussell Trust - For information about foodbanks and other ways to get help if you're struggling to afford essentials.

Mind - The mental health charity's page on money and mental health, with useful links to get support.

For urgent mental health support - Contact the Samaritans for free on 116 123 or the NHS Urgent Mental Health Helplines or text "SHOUT" to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text "YM" if you're under 19

You may also be interested to visit the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute website. Founded by Martin Lewis, this organisation is working to breat the link between mental ill health and financial difficulties.

If you're reading this, I genuinely hope that you don't need any of the information above. But if you do, please know there is no shame in letting someone know you are struggling and that you need help. These situations can happen to just about any of us.

Take care.