By The Energy Know How Team, Sharon Smith, Lynn Clarkson and Madiya Shokat
We met an attendee of the Rawmarsh foodbank. It was confirmed that there were also a partner and two young children living in the council property. The attendee has anxiety and depression. They pay for utility bills by direct debit and confirmed that at the moment they have debts, we discussed The Citizens Advice bureau (CAB) who may be able to assist. The attendee was happy to be referred to CAB at the foodbank. We discussed energy saving measures and Green Doctor services. The attendee confirmed that they have draughts from the windows and would like any help or advice with this. The attendee was happy for me to send her contact details to Green Doctors. We also discussed Rotherham Councils (RMBC) newly launched crisis scheme where Rotherham residents could get between £80 and £200, subject to criteria. The attendee consented to contact details been sent to RMBC crisis scheme team for contact.
Time was spent trying to get to know the attendee and the family circumstances as well as discussing energy and how they could save energy and money by adopting some measures discussed like not leaving electrical items on standby. The family have health struggles as well as financial and they were referred to Citizens Advice and RMBC Crisis scheme to offer further support.