When I heard about the energy support workshop I was eager to attend.
I learnt things that looking back seemed like common sense but at the time was so informative. Dave who facilitated the workshop guided us through some really useful information and it was delivered at a slower pace which I found helpful.
Not only did I come away with useful tips in managing the household energy more efficiently and understanding watts and usage better, I also came away with a free air fryer, helping me to keep costs down by not using my electric oven as much!
After the work shop I was offered one to one support to go through my energy arrears. We looked at ways to manage my situation better. With this we compiled my expenditure sheet looking at where I could or couldn’t afford to let go of certain commitments.
The support I received was so helpful (amazing in fact) but most importantly I felt really supported, my current situation was taken into account and having an advocate when dealing with some difficult telephone conversations with EDF & Citizen Advice was so helpful.
I was also advised of community food hubs and local food provision that I could access and I now do so on a regular basis. This has really helped me with putting food on the table.
I am now in a payment plan and for the last couple of months I have been regularly paying my energy usage and making payments towards my energy debt. I was also given financial support to go towards my energy debt and I now feel I’m getting my debt under control.
Having come from a background of domestic abuse I was incredibly dubious of the project. However through building trust with the staff I felt more at ease and this helped me to engage in the project.
I was also kindly referred to an adult cycling course to build my confidence on the road which I’m currently participating in. This has been helping with my mental heath as each week I’ve come away quite elated learning things about being a cyclist, giving me confidence on the road. As a driver it also gave me understanding from a cyclists perspective about what it’s like to ride along side other vehicles. I even got given a bike free of charge!
So from what started as a workshop about energy has turned out to be so much more. I feel there’s a light at the end of the tunnel re: my energy debt and I feel good about contributing positively to my mental health.
Thank you, you gave me opportunities in different areas. I’m so grateful.
