Advent Calendar Day 18: John’s story
A full-time carer for his husband who had multiple health conditions, John* first got in touch with National Energy Action at a community event. He told our adviser that his husband’s health conditions meant they were medically dependent on electricity and needed to keep their home warm as well as use their tumble dryer a lot.
John did have some fuel debt, for which he had a payment plan in place. However, his supplier had recently passed the debt to a debt collection agency who were demanding an immediate payment of £1,500, despite being aware of their circumstances and medical conditions. His supplier also wanted to install a prepayment meter to replace John’s traditional meter and monthly payments.
John was paying £400 a month to cover both debt repayments and ongoing usage. Our adviser was able to support John by securing a one-month hold on the account, giving some breathing space to sort things out.
To support the immediate need, our adviser sent them a Winter Warmth Support Pack filled with items to keep John and his husband warmer, and referred them to our Benefits Entitlement Check Service (BECS) to check they were receiving all the benefits they are entitled to.
Our adviser was able to use our crisis funding to order John a heated clothes dryer to help cut the cost of their daily laundry drying needs, and also used our Fuel Debt Relief Fund to pay off the debt to his supplier. John told our adviser: ‘Many thanks again for your amazing work you have literally made my day!’
The help we provide is only possible because of the incredible support we receive. Your generosity can change lives and mean more people like John can feel warm, safe and secure in their home this winter and beyond.
Support Operation Warmth and help spread warmth and hope this Christmas.
DONATE *Pseudonym used to protect client anonymity.