Carers Trust scheme helps 10,000 carers save money on energy bills and boost annual income

A Carers Trust scheme has helped more than 10,000 unpaid carers across the UK save thousands from their energy bills and boost their annual income.

Carer Money Matters is a £4m scheme offered by all four of the UK’s Gas Distribution Networks and national charity Carers Trust.

It offers support and advice on money for both carers and those they look after. More than 20 local carer organisations in Carers Trust’s network of support organisations are delivering the programme nationwide.

Some carers have boosted their annual income by more than £10,000 thanks to the support on offer. One woman even avoided having the home she lived in repossessed because of the advice she was given.

Julie, who cares for her parents, accessed the programme through Swansea Carers Centre, and managed to get support including £200 in grocery vouchers, a £200 Carers Hardship Grant and Dementia Emergency Respite Funding of £500. She said:

“Carer Money Matters has not only helped me financially but also provided emotional support through its services. 

“All of this has made a real difference in my life. I believe that carers need to talk and spend time in nature where possible, it really does help. Human beings are social creatures, and it is through sharing information and working together that we thrive.”

Another carer, who looks after her 14-year-old son, accessed support through North Tyneside Carers Centre. She said:

“Carer Money Matters has helped me with my finances, including supporting me to apply for Disability Living Allowance for my son. Bernadette at the centre also put me in touch with Home Energy Northeast for support with energy saving measures and repairs to my roof, and someone came to visit my house to see what else they could do to reduce my bills.

“Bernadette helped me enormously as she does ongoing checks if there are any grants I can access, and she is even helping me fill out an application for a Personal Independence Payment.

“Thanks to the help I received, I was able to get on the North Tyneside Household Support Fund where I received a £400 grant towards food costs and fuel bills over the winter. I was also put on the Priority Services Register, which gives carers like myself first priority for any grants, and it means an engineer will come out to us as a priority should we have a power cut.”

Carer Money Matters advisors focus on supporting carers to access bill reductions, hardship grants and other sources of support. The service also provides financial management and resilience workshops, access to micro grants that can provide relief for energy associated debts, plus targeted support for under-represented groups.

Funding for the service been provided as part of the Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA). Gas pipeline and emergency service, Wales & West Utilities, will lead the partnership and work alongside Cadent, NGN and SGN to help support customers with fuel poverty and energy affordability and to help them maintain a safe and warm home.