Our new partnership with Lambeth Energy Boost/Age UK: Helping those struggling to pay energy bills

At Lambeth South & Croydon Foodbank we partner with many different organisations to provide access to helpful services for our clients.

One recent partnership is with the Lambeth Energy Boost service (which is part of Age UK).

The food bank is currently working with this charity to support anyone living in Lambeth who is over the age of 18 and is experiencing energy poverty.

We spoke with Julia, who fronts the Age UK campaign working with Lambeth South & Croydon Foodbank, and who told us more about the amazing work they are doing.

“So, my name is Julia de Cruz, and I am one of two Age UK Lambeth energy boost advisors. I try my best to find ways of getting Lambeth residents of all ages over 18 out of fuel poverty. This could be in a variety of ways, from home visits and looking at practical ways to help them reduce their costs, but we also do a lot of reading of meters because energy companies don’t read meters any more.

“We also deal with trying to reduce arrears, switching tariffs and providers, and hopefully saving people money and improving their lives. We do what we can to get them out of fuel poverty.”

Although Age UK usually deals with those in the later stages of life, Julia explains that this new project is different.

She says: “Lambeth Is mostly providing services for residents over 55 with long-term health conditions, or for people who are full-time carers. Our project is a little bit special because we can see people of all ages – and we do.

“We provide the service at Lambeth South & Croydon Foodbank, Dulwich and Vauxhall. We’re at a food bank every week.”

She explains that the work she does with clients can vary, and the problems can be far-ranging and complex.

“It can vary because food banks across the bar are different. Streatham is a nice little cosy, small one, and others are quite active and busy. I can go through a variety of different questions quite quickly.

“We do have a useful stash of energy-saving light bulbs, draught excluders, tape and radiator reflectors. And we’ve shared hundreds of those now since the project started.

“We scrutinise the bills closely and we look at the usage. For me, it’s the starting point of everything. When I do a visit, I have a look at the energy readings. If the meter hasn’t been read, that could be the source of a huge amount of problems.

“One particular gentleman felt weighed down by what he felt was a very unreasonable energy debt. He was intimidated by the debt and the company, but we spoke to the company together and we eventually found a solution.

“We put that gentleman onto smart meters, which meant he got control of his energy costs back.”

Julia explained that her job is all about providing people with support that can make a positive difference in their lives.

“If I can make a little difference, then my job is worthwhile.”

To find out more information about this initiative go to the Lambeth Energy Boost Service website.

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