Recent research carried out by YouGov and British Gas has revealed that four in 10 households will have difficulty affording their upcoming energy bill.
It follows Ofgem's increase of the energy price cap on April 1, which significantly raised the prices that companies are allowed to charge their customers.
In order to help remove the silence surrounding energy debt, and to help people access financial and practical support, British Gas has launched a collaboration with rapper and mental health campaigner Professor Green.
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This is facilitated through the British Gas Energy Trust, which is an independent Charitable Trust created and wholly funded by British Gas.
It aims to help offset the negative effect energy stress can have on its customers, as well as those with other energy providers — and the British Gas Energy Support Fund is still open for British Gas customers.
The British Gas Energy Trust assists those who are in — or at risk of falling into — financial hardship with managing their finances via support, education and sound money management.
Millions of individuals and families across the UK are already suffering from energy debt, and the recent price cap increase, combined with the worsening cost of living crisis, is expected to push millions more under the poverty line.
British Gas has stated that for this reason it is important to bring attention to the support that is on offer for those who require it.
Although living with debt can take a significant emotional and mental toll, around 35% of people who pay energy bills have not shared their troubles with their friends or family.
As reported by the Daily Record, this can lead to increased levels of anxiety, low self-esteem, insomnia, and can also have a negative influence on relationships.
According to the research, women are suffering from higher rates of energy bill-related stress than men — 73% and 61% respectively.
Many households suffering from fuel poverty may be able to lower their debt by getting in touch with the British Gas Energy Trust, with some already managing to get out of debt with help from one of its dedicated advisors.
British Gas Energy Trust Chief Executive Jessica Taplin stated: “The Trust’s mission is to help alleviate the detrimental impact of poverty — for many of our programmes you don’t need to be a British Gas customer to access support and we encourage everyone to seek help during this incredibly difficult time, whether it’s from us or from your own provider.
“The Trust provides direct energy grants and also funds money and energy advice charities across England, Scotland and Wales - these dedicated organisations work within their community to help find a way of improving people’s situations”.
To help bring more attention to the support that is on offer, British Gas made a film by award-winning director Geej Ower, which concerns a single father suffering in silence with the struggle of not being able to afford his bills.
Professor Green lends his voice to the poignant film, and has shared his own experiences of growing up in Hackney with his grandmother, having to regularly make the devastating choice between paying bills and eating a hot meal.
He said: “Reading the Stop the Silence film script was an emotional experience. As many people know, my parents weren’t around growing up and my grandmother raised me on an estate in Hackney.
“Money was tight, and there was always stress about paying our energy bill. Advice and services, like those provided by British Gas Energy Trust, just weren’t available to us and those around me.
"I urge families and individuals suffering in silence to reach out to British Gas Energy Trust to get the help they so desperately need.”
View the 70-second film on YouTube here.
In addition to raising awareness, British Gas has already donated £6 million to the British Gas Energy Trust this year, helping an average of 8,000 customers experiencing debt issues across the UK every week.
Get help or advice from the British Gas Energy Trust here.
