Where Can I Get Free Face-to-Face Help with Energy Bills in Yorkshire?

Let's be honest, talking about money can be mega awkward. It's even trickier when you're worried about paying the bills. It turns out loads of people in Yorkshire are feeling the pinch, especially with their energy costs. A recent poll found that almost half of people (that's a huge 48 per cent) who are struggling with their energy bills don't actually reach out for any professional help.

Even though there's plenty of support available, it seems we'd rather keep quiet. But a new partnership is hoping to change all that by bringing free, friendly advice right into local communities, making it easier than ever to get the support needed.

Why is it so hard to talk about money worries?

So, why are people keeping quiet when they're struggling? The poll, which was organised by British Gas and its independent charity, the British Gas Energy Trust, found a few key reasons. For about 31 per cent of people, it's down to embarrassment or the stigma around having money troubles. Another 30 per cent just assume they won't qualify for any help, so they don't even try. And for 23 per cent, they simply don't know what information is out there or where to look for it.

Actually, the number of people finding it difficult to talk about their energy bills has gone up. Last year it was 32 per cent, and now it's 42 per cent. That's a big jump. When you're worried about money, everything can feel like a pressure cooker. The poll showed that for 19 per cent of people, gas and electric costs are the biggest headache, even more than council tax (14 per cent) or water bills (10 per cent). It's clear that the rising cost of living is making things tough, and managing bills is a real challenge for many households in Yorkshire and beyond.

What's being done to help?

Here's the good news. British Gas and the British Gas Energy Trust have teamed up with the Post Office and 20 brilliant local charities to do something about it. They're launching 120 free drop-in events across the country over the next year, with a special focus on places like Yorkshire. Think of them as pop-up help centres where you can have a proper chat with someone, face-to-face.

These aren't scary, formal meetings. They're designed to be welcoming places where anyone can get practical support. People can get advice on all sorts of things, including:

• Budget planning: Getting a handle on where your money is going each month.
• Managing energy debt: Figuring out a plan if you've fallen behind on payments.
• Applying for grants: These are sums of money to help with debt that you don't have to pay back.
• Energy-saving measures: Simple tips and tricks to keep your home warmer and your bills lower.

It's all about providing real, hands-on help that can make a difference right away. The aim is to give people the tools and information they need to feel more in control of their finances and reduce the stress that comes with struggling.

A friendly face when you need it most

It's one thing to read information online, but sometimes you just need to talk to a real person. That's what these events are all about. They offer a chance to sit down and get proper advice without any judgement. The support is there for everyone, not just British Gas customers.

Jessica Taplin, the Chief Executive of British Gas Energy Trust, explained why this face-to-face support is so important. She said: "We know that managing household budgets remains a real challenge for many, with the cost of living putting pressure on people across the country. And although we're starting to see more people coming forward to seek support, we recognise that doing so can still feel difficult.

"That's why we've partnered with the Post Office and trusted local charities to bring support into communities across Britain - including Yorkshire. These drop-in sessions provide practical advice on budgeting, managing bills, and accessing grants, all in a friendly and approachable setting. Our Individuals and Families Fund and Energy Support Fund are also now open to both British Gas customers and those with other suppliers - whether you're on a prepayment meter or a credit account. If you need support, you can find out more and apply through the British Gas Energy Trust website.

No one should feel alone in this - and we want people to know that help is not only available, but designed to work for them, wherever they are in life."

Who do people usually turn to?

When times get tough, it's natural to turn to people you trust. The research showed that the first port of call for a third of people (33 per cent) is friends and family. Others (18 per cent) will contact their energy provider to sort out a payment plan. But a huge 47 per cent said that getting advice from a trusted local money and energy advice charity would make it much easier to get the help they need.

This shows just how important these local, community-based events are. They bridge the gap for people who feel that sense of embarrassment but need expert advice. Christina King, the Customer Vulnerability Manager at British Gas, also highlighted the importance of that first conversation.

She said: "It's encouraging to see more people speaking to their energy provider when they're finding things tough. That first conversation can make a real difference and there are many ways we can help.

"Our British Gas advisors will be available at local pop-up events to offer practical, face-to-face guidance - and these sessions are just one of the ways we're helping customers during the upcoming winter. We committed £140 million to help customers since 2021 with their energy bills, the biggest voluntary support package from an energy company.

"Through the British Gas Energy Trust, we're providing access to grants, funding, and free advice services alongside additional support like matched debt repayments and non-repayable credit for those in serious difficulty." This shows a real commitment to tackling customer vulnerability and providing different kinds of funding and support for those with energy debt.

Where to find this support in Leeds

For anyone living in or around Leeds, there are a couple of events happening very soon where you can get this free advice. No appointment is needed, you can just turn up for a chat. The details are:

Date	Location
15th of October	The Markets Post Office, Leeds
21st & 22nd of October	The Compton Centre, Leeds

These sessions are a brilliant opportunity to get clear information and personalised help with your energy bills. Whether it's understanding what grants you can apply for, looking at options for debt repayments, or just getting some tips on energy-saving measures, the teams there will provide the support you need.