The Cadent Foundation has today announced a major new two-year partnership with RNIB, the UK’s leading charity supporting people who are blind or partially sighted (BPS). As part of the Cadent Foundation’s mission to tackling fuel poverty, it has awarded the RNIB £250k to increase its team to deliver vital energy efficiency and money management advice, via the charity’s Sight Loss Advice Service. The funding boost is expected to help RNIB to reach an additional 10,000 more people.
As the cost-of-living challenges continue to bite, a survey revealed that people who are blind or partially sighted are being disproportionately impacted, with 89 per cent saying they were using less heating as a way to cope with increased financial pressures and half saying that they were using their disability benefits to cover these costs, rather than covering the costs of disability.
Reflective of these findings, the RNIB’s vital Sight Loss Advice Service continues to experience a surge in calls to its helpline, with a regular increase of more than 30 per cent at peak times. Through this increased funding, more people will be able to benefit from bespoke financial guidance, as well as receive access to practical and quick solutions, with some potentially achieving an income gain of more than £3,000 a year.
Lyndsey Warren, RNIB Head of Advice, said: Our Sight Loss Advisers (SLAs) understand the unique challenges faced by blind and partially sighted people, providing personalised support on a wide range of topics, from employment support, to providing advice on the current cost of living pressures.
Together with the Cadent Foundation, we hope to further break down barriers for people with sight loss and equip them with the tools and knowledge to increase their financial wellbeing and resilience.
Julia Dwyer, Director of the Cadent Foundation, added: We know that financial pressures are sadly being experienced by most families across the UK right now, but to hear the shocking statistics that people who are blind or partially sighted are unable to receive the additional help and support they need, is very worrying. Having the knowledge to understand how you can reduce your ever-increasing energy bills, or even know how to make the most of every penny of your earnings, will significantly help to empower people and reduce further bill anxiety. We are delighted to be partnering with RNIB and we have high expectations of this new initiative. In addition to reaching over 10,000 people with financial help and guidance, we expect many of them to regularly achieve an income gain of more than £3,000 a year, which could make a vital difference.
For more information about the RNIB, or its Sight Loss Advice Service, please visit:
ENDS
About the Cadent Foundation
The Cadent Foundation was established in July 2019 with Cadent committing 1% of annual post tax profits each year to the Foundation. Our aim is to help households find sustainable solutions to fuel poverty and ensure people are safe and warm in their homes. We work with charitable organisations to help households improve their financial wellbeing and become more energy efficient through advice, support and practical measures.
The funds of the Cadent Foundation are administered by Charities Trust (Charity Registration No: 327489) who will manage the grant giving and ensure that all grants donated by the Cadent Foundation are only used to further charitable purposes for the public benefit.
Notes to Editors:
For more information, please contact:
Louise Day
Head of PR & Communications, Cadent
07773118357
About RNIB
We are the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
Every six minutes, someone in the UK begins to lose their sight. RNIB is taking a stand against exclusion, inequality and isolation to create a world without barriers where people with sight loss can lead full lives. A different world where society values blind and partially sighted people not for the disabilities they’ve overcome, but for the people they are.
RNIB. See differently. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk
