ENFIELD CITIZENS ADVICE SERVICE AWARDED £131k TO HELP DEPRIVED FAMILIES

One of North London’s leading social advice charities has received a grant of more than £130,800 to help fund its vital work this winter, in anticipation of increased demand from local people amid the cost-of-living crisis.

Citizens Advice Enfield was contacted by the British Gas Energy Trust following a nationwide mapping exercise that identified the parts of the country most in need of additional support.

The 18-month grant will help fund Citizens Advice Enfield’s efforts to support vulnerable families and combat a wide range of social and financial issues including – but not limited to – money and debt, benefits, housing and energy.

As part of the Citizens Advice network across England and Wales, the free advice service is available for people living, working or studying in Enfield – either via telephone or face-to-face appointments.
The British Gas Energy Trust is an independent charitable trust that supports families and individuals facing financial hardship and energy debt across England, Wales and Scotland.

As well as supporting the services provided by money and energy advice services and charities, the British Gas Energy Trust provides direct grants to individuals and families that have an energy debt of between £250 and £750.

Nnenna Anyanwu, CEO at Citizens Advice Enfield, said: “This year we’ve already seen a significant increase in the number of people coming to us who can’t afford their rent, food or heating. The cost-of-living crisis continues to take its toll on residents across the capital and the support from the British Gas Energy Trust will allow our team of hard-working support staff and volunteers to continue to provide all the help we can.”

Jessica Taplin, CEO of the British Gas Energy Trust, said: “The rising cost of living means more people are experiencing financial difficulty for the first time, and are struggling to pay their bills. Whether you’re with British Gas or another energy supplier, it’s important to know that there is help available to you. You can apply to us direct or access support via Citizens Advice Enfield, which does a fantastic job supporting the people in North London.”

Since the start of the cost-of-living crisis, Centrica – the parent company of British Gas – has put together a support package for households worth more than £25m, which will continue to grow. This funding includes grants paid to 18 advice centres across England, Scotland and Wales.

For more information about the British Gas Energy Trust, to find out about the support that’s available, and to apply for a grant, visit https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/.