7 minute read
Overcoming fuel poverty
FUEL POVERTY. IT’S SOMETHING WE’RE HEARING MORE AND MORE ABOUT.
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We’re constantly reminded that inflation is going up and more people are struggling. Yes, there’s a need to deal with the immediacy of the situation. But there’s also a need to think about how we support our customers - and the longevity of what we, and others, do. Statistics from the UK Poverty Report present a sobering analysis of where the country is currently. There is a staggering number of people in work who are reliant on benefits. And with poverty on the up and prices rising, forecasts suggest that the average household is set for a £1.5k real term cut in their annual income.
THIS DOESN’T BODE WELL FOR OUR CUSTOMERS AND THOSE MOST IN NEED.
Not being able to heat your home can have a profound impact on your quality of life. We believe that everyone deserves to live in a property which is good quality and affordable to run. And if you look across Sovereign, you’ll see our approach to overcoming fuel poverty is holistic for this reason. Last month we launched our new Customer Support Fund. Between now and 2024 we’ll be setting aside £1.5 million each year to provide targeted support to our customers who are most affected by the cost-of-living crisis. We’re putting more money into our existing Helping Hand Fund which provides vouchers to those in crisis. Our team is also providing more emergency fuel vouchers as well as doubling our funding agreement with Pocket Power. All of this will mean that more customers will benefit and have access to better deals and discounts on gas and electric, water, broadband and mobile bills. The demand on our services is high, but we’ve listened and provided more targeted support - carefully balancing what we offer against what we need to continue investing in our customers’ homes. These are just some of our short-term interventions to help our most vulnerable customers experiencing fuel poverty and in a state of crisis. To address fuel poverty we know there’s often a need to provide immediate intervention to help customers out of crisis. But as soon as we’ve done this, we turn our attention to longer term solutions. How our customers can sustain themselves in the future either by finding work – or better paid work is key. Our employment and training team will look at how they can help and what opportunities they can explore. THEN WE START TO LOOK MANY YEARS DOWN THE LINE.
Housing associations have a vital role to play when it comes to addressing fuel poverty. Not only do they provide that immediate safety net and route out of crisis, but in the case of Sovereign we build new homes and retrofit existing ones. By improving and investing in our customers’ homes, we help to reduce how susceptible our customers are to changes in energy prices. It’s an important, but often overlooked point. There aren’t many organisations that can say they are taking a truly holistic approach to addressing fuel poverty. Housing associations like Sovereign, which provide welfare, access to employment opportunities, and build homes for the future are one of the many few doing exactly that.
10 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION IDEAS FOR 2023
It’s that time of year again! New Year’s resolutions are a great way to set goals and intentions for the upcoming year. But let’s be honest, most of us never stick to our resolutions. This year, let’s try something different. Let’s set realistic, healthy, and enjoyable goals that we can actually achieve. Here are 10 popular resolution ideas to help get you started. 1. TRY OUT A NEW HAIRSTYLE
New year, new you — right? It might be cliche, but we’re always here for trying out a new look. After all, what better way to feel refreshed and ready for the year to come than by giving yourself permission to try something new? Whether finally learning to braid or blowout your hair, updating your go-to makeup picks or going bold with your fashion choices, the new year is the perfect time to embrace change. Go for it, we say! 2. PRACTISE MINDFULNESS
For years now you’ve probably heard about the benefits of embracing a mindful lifestyle. From reducing stress to improving sleep, mood and general life enjoyment, mindfulness is something we should all practise. Rather than trying to dive straight in with long meditation sessions, we suggest starting small. Set aside five minutes each day to sit and reflect or use a mindfulness journal to jot down a few things you’re grateful for. You’d be amazed at how quickly these seemingly small activities lead to a change in outlook! 3. STICK TO A BUDGET
Guilty of setting savings goals only to watch your bank balance dwindle into nothingness, anyway? Yep. It’s hard to set a budget and actually stick to it. Let alone save anything these days. But, with the right bank account, travel cards and insurance plans, managing your money doesn’t have to be such a mission. So, start the year on the right track by sorting your accounts and making sure they work for you, your family and your lifestyle, not the other way around.
4. TRY NEW RECIPES
It’s all too easy to eat out and order in these days. Between neverending restaurant openings and Deliveroo deals, you might find your kitchen is getting less and less use. But, with the turn of the year comes an opportunity to break out the apron and embrace the joy of cooking at home. And the best (aka easiest) way to do this? By investing in an air fryer. These babies take all the pain out of meal prep and ensure you can whip up delicious and nutritious meals in no time at all. Whether you’re game to host Sunday roasts with the family, potluck dinners with friends or indulge in your favourite fried foods on a Friday — air fryers can do it all. 5. READ EVERY NIGHT
A great way to wind down at the end of the day, improve your vocabulary, feel inspired and exercise your imagination — why not incorporate 20 minutes of reading into your nightly routine? From fun and frivolous holiday reads to page-turning horrors and inspirational biographies and self-help reads, there is literally a style of story for everyone. So, stop those excuses and break out that Kindle or library card now!
6. CUT BACK ON ALCOHOL
After a month of festivities, it’s no surprise that you might be considering cutting back on your alcohol consumption. Whether aiming to engage in Dry January or just in search of some satisfying alcohol-free alternatives, give your liver a wee break — it will thank you for it! 7. SET UP A SLEEP ROUTINE
Are you sick of feeling tired? You’re not alone. Sleep hygiene is something most of us can improve upon, and it’s easier than you might think to get started. Small changes to your nightly routine, like switching off the TV earlier, investing in comfortable pillows and lavender pillow spray to assist with relaxation, and a good eye mask to block any unwanted light, can make a big difference. So if you’re looking to create a better sleep routine, this is the year for it. 8. BECOME A PLANT PARENT
This resolution may seem like a bit of fun, but it’s actually an important one. As reported by the Royal Horticultural Society, studies have shown that adding a little plant life to your home office, bedroom, living room, balcony or patio can help reduce stress, improve your mood and even assist with concentration and productivity. Plus, with so many funky and functional indoor and outdoor pot plants available, you can create your own aesthetically pleasing oasis with ease. 9. LIFT WEIGHTS
Yes, yes, you knew this was coming. In every resolution list — ever — there’s a commitment to exercise more regularly. But, unlike goals of visiting the gym every day or running a marathon, this one is more reasonable. And you can even do it from the comfort of your home. Lifting weights is an oft-forgotten (or avoided) part of keeping our bodies healthy and preventing injury, but now’s the time to incorporate it into your exercise routine. 10. BOOK A HOLIDAY
Resolutions can’t ALL be practical or about the day-to-day. It’s just as important to reward yourself, have something on the books to look forward to and get out into the world. So, we’re all for locking in your next getaway now. Whether you’re after an intrepid snow-filled adventure, a dreamy sun-soaked vacay or an exciting city break — your next trip awaits!
