Vital support is available this November for low-income households across Britain, who can now receive up to five essential appliances for free. This initiative is designed to alleviate financial pressure during the winter months.
What is the Extra Assistance Portal?
The scheme is powered by the British Gas Energy Trust’s “Extra Assistance Portal”, a system that enables dozens of charities nationwide to supply items like air fryers, bedding, boilers, dehumidifiers, and tumble dryers to those in need. This project builds on a successful pilot programme run in 2022, which provided funding to a select number of organisations for extra practical measures.
The pilot was a resounding success, with data showing that 80% of clients who received an item through the scheme went on to engage with further money guidance and energy advice support.
Making a Real Difference in Communities
One of the organisations already benefiting from the portal is St Anns Advice, a consortium of advice agencies based in Nottingham. Shortly after the portal launched, they used it to support an 80-year-old client who was waiting to move into warden-aided accommodation. Advisors were able to secure a cooker and fridge freezer for her, restoring her ability to prepare her own meals.
Debbie Webster, Manager at St Anns Advice, expressed her enthusiasm: “We are so pleased that British Gas Energy Trust has opened the new extra assistance portal. So many of our clients need essential items such as cookers and fridges but struggle to buy them out of their limited incomes. This fund will make a real difference to our clients, people who are used to living without key items that make for a normal life.”
How to Access Support and Other Available Funds
The project is available to eligible households throughout England, Scotland, and Wales. It operates alongside the Trust’s existing White Goods Fund, which is available in England and Wales.
Beyond providing appliances, the Trust also funds organisations to deliver money and energy advice within communities. Furthermore, it offers direct grants to individuals struggling with energy debt through its Individuals and Families Fund. This fund is open to both British Gas and non-British Gas customers who have up to £1,700 of energy debt.
