Cadent Foundation awards £250k to the RNIB to help tackle fuel poverty
Cadent Foundation awards £250k to the RNIB to help tackle fuel poverty
THE Cadent Foundation has announced a major new two-year partnership with RNIB, the UK’s leading charity supporting people who are blind or partially sighted (BPS).
As part of the Cadent Foundation’s mission to tackle fuel poverty, it has awarded the RNIB £250k to increase its team to deliver vital energy efficiency and money management advice, via the charity’s Sight Loss Advice Service. The funding boost is expected to help RNIB to reach an additional 10,000 more people.
As the cost-of-living challenges continue to bite, a survey revealed that people who are blind or partially sighted are being disproportionately impacted, with 89 per cent saying they were using less heating as a way to cope with increased financial pressures and half saying that they were using their disability benefits to cover these costs, rather than covering the costs of disability.
Reflective of these findings, the RNIB’s vital Sight Loss Advice Service continues to experience a surge in calls to its helpline, with a regular increase of more than 30 per cent at peak times. Through this increased funding, more people will be able to benefit from bespoke financial guidance, as well as receive access to practical and quick solutions, with some potentially achieving an income gain of more than £3,000 a year.
Lyndsey Warren, RNIB Head of Advice, said:
“Our Sight Loss Advisers (SLAs) understand the unique challenges faced by blind and partially sighted people, providing personalised support on a wide range of topics, from employment support, to advice on the current cost-of-living pressures.
“Together with the Cadent Foundation, we hope to further break down barriers for people with sight loss and equip them with the tools and knowledge to increase their financial wellbeing and resilience.”
Julia Dwyer, Director of the Cadent Foundation, added:
“We know that financial pressures are sadly being experienced by most families across the UK right now, but to hear the shocking statistics that people who are blind or partially sighted are unable to receive the additional help and support they need is very worrying.
“Having the knowledge to understand how you can reduce your ever-increasing energy bills, or even know how to make the most of every penny of your earnings, will significantly help to empower people and reduce further bill anxiety. We are delighted to be partnering with RNIB and we have high expectations of this new initiative. In addition to reaching over 10,000 people with financial help and guidance, we expect many of them to regularly achieve an income gain of more than £3,000 a year, which could make a vital difference.”
For more information about the RNIB, or its Sight Loss Advice Service, please visit the RNIB website here.
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- October 06, 2023
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