ONE of Scotland’s vital and hard-working foodbanks has received a grant of nearly £123,000 to help fund its vital work this winter, in anticipation of increased demand from local people amid the cost-of-living crisis.
TLC, an Aberdeen-based social action charity was contacted by the British Gas Energy Trust, which incorporates the Scottish 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 TLC to support local people who are financially deprived, struggling to feed their families or living in fuel poverty. The British Gas Energy Trust funding will specifically help to increase the reach of an existing project operating out of Aberdeen South (governed by TLC) & North Foodbanks (governed by the Kings Community Foundation), whereby qualified energy advisers through Aberdeen’s Citizens Advice Bureau will deliver holistic money and energy advice, in-person on-site, on home visits or over the phone.
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.
Aberdeen City Councillor Richard Brooks who is the chairman of Aberdeen TLC, said: “The rising cost of living means more people are experiencing financial difficulty for the first time, and are struggling to put food on the table and pay their energy bills. The crucial support we’ll be providing alongside our partners this winter means communities won’t be pressured to heat or eat. So we’re grateful that the British Gas Energy Trust has recognised this issue with their vital funding package.”
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 TLC, which does a fantastic job supporting the local community.”
Kevin Stewart, MSP for Aberdeen Central, said: “Supporting customers through this incredibly difficult period by funding frontline charities and assisting people with their bills is exactly what suppliers should be doing so British Gas is to be commended for doing just that.
“I’m delighted that Aberdeen will benefit from this funding through TLC and partners which will ensure support to folk here as energy bills soar – this is an exceptionally hard time and it’s absolutely right that energy suppliers, like Scottish Gas, do everything they can to help their customers.”
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/.
