The Carers’ Centre in Bath is now providing free, independent advice for carers on energy saving, energy debt and on wider money matters as well.
Many carers are now facing the dilemma of either needing to reduce their paid hours or, in some cases, leaving work altogether because of the pressures of their caring roles. A recent survey (1) highlighted that 75% of unpaid carers receiving Carer’s allowance are struggling with cost-of-living pressures, while almost half are cutting back on essentials, including food and heating (1).
Energy prices have just risen by 10% and many older carers are now no longer eligible for the winter fuel payments, and the cost-of-living crisis shows no sign of easing for many carers in Bath and North East Somerset.
Starting in October, the dedicated Carer Money Matters advisor will be available to offer free advice on energy saving and energy debt, and to help carers register on the Priority Services Register with their supplier. This will provide carers with extra support for things like meter readings and how to save on cooking and heating expenses. Carers can also receive advice on practical ways to reduce energy bills based on their individual circumstances.
There is also help available on money matters, whether it’s for the carer, or the person they’re caring for. Our Carer Money Matters advisor will help carers understand, and obtain, the financial support to which they’re entitled.
Jacqui Orchard, Chief Executive of The Carers’ Centre, said, “The 10% increase in energy bills, coupled with many people losing their winter fuel allowance, has come as a double blow for many of the carers we support. Over the last two years we’ve seen a big increase in the number of carers struggling to make ends meet, with many reporting they’ve fallen into debt with their energy supplier.
“We’re so pleased Charlie Hinton has joined our team as our Carer Money Matters advisor. He’ll be able to help carers with personalised advice on how to save energy or the best steps to take if they’ve fallen into debt with their energy supplier.
“We also know that a majority of carers are either forced to leave work altogether, reduce their paid hours, or change jobs because of the pressures of their caring roles. Our Carer Money Matters advisor can also support with things like interview practice, job searching and getting your CV into shape.”
To access the Carer Money Matters support, you’ll need to be registered with The Carers’ Centre. This can be done via the website banescarerscentre.org.uk or by contacting the Support Team on 0800 0388 885.
The new Carer Money Matters advisor aims to support unpaid carers in Bath and North East Somerset through a comprehensive program of advice, grants, training, and support in collaboration with Carers Trust and Wales & West Utilities.
The Carer Money Matters project is designed to help in several key areas:
- Bill and debt management: receive guidance on techniques to reduce bills and manage debts, ensuring you have the knowledge and support needed to stay financially stable.
- Benefits and grants: assistance will be available to help you access the benefits and grants you are entitled to, thereby helping you maximise your income and improve financial security.
- Financial control: through training and resources, we want to help you feel more in control of your finances, offering peace of mind and stability.
- Home safety: ensuring homes are warm and safe from carbon monoxide is a top priority.
What support will be available?
By the end of March 2026, the aim is to have supported thousands of carers in the local area through a wide range of services, including:
- Income maximisation: receive benefit entitlement checks and assistance in applying for tax credits and tax rebates, ensuring you receive all the financial support available to you.
- Debt advice and energy savings: receive advice on energy-saving measures, accessing grants, and switching to cheaper energy tariffs. Additionally, guidance on managing debts will be offered, setting up repayment plans and accessing debt relief schemes.
- Employment and training support: the project offers support with job searches and training, helping you to explore employment opportunities and enhance skills.
- Financial literacy: learn more about budgeting skills and money management resources, along with tools for tracking expenses to build a solid financial foundation.
- Energy efficiency: the goal is to provide home energy efficiency workshops and personalised energy-saving advice to help you reduce energy consumption and lower bills.
- Priority service awareness: kits containing essential information about registering for priority services will be available, ensuring you can access the support you need in emergencies.
- Carbon monoxide awareness: workshops and one-on-one sessions will be available to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide. In order to enhance safety, we will distribute locking cooker valves and CO alarms.
1: Carers UK – State of Caring Survey 2023. State of Caring survey | Carers UK