Helping young people to tackle fuel poverty

Apr 4 2023 helping our community

We’re working with MyBnk, a financial education charity, to empower young people to make more sustainable and cost-effective choices when it comes to energy.

Research from financial tech company GoHenry shows 71% of children and teenagers worry about the rising cost of living, so we’re keen to help young people build skills, knowledge, and confidence around these topics from an early age and this is why we, along with Northern Gas Networks, SGN and Wales & West Utilities, have worked with MyBnk to develop a ‘Fuel Finance’ programme for 9-to-11-year-olds.

It adds an additional session to MyBnk’s flagship ‘Money Twist’ financial education programme for schools, and helps students consider the impact of energy consumption on both the environment and their cost of living. Students develop an understanding of real-world issues and practical steps they can take to help reduce fuel poverty.

The partnership will run for three years and aims to reach over 8,000 young people across the UK, focusing on some of the country’s most deprived areas. The programme also provides packs for children to take home, engaging the adults in their lives through family-led activities such as games and comic books.

Rebekah Young, Senior Fundraising Manager at MyBnk, said: “In the midst of a cost of living and climate crisis, learning about energy is more important than ever. With support from the gas networks, we can equip more young people across the UK with the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their money and living costs, make more sustainable choices and stay safe in their homes.”

Kate Clarke, Social Impact Specialist at Cadent, said: “Young people worrying about money shows how important education around using energy safely, efficiently and affordably can be. We’re delighted to be working with MyBnk and the other gas distribution networks to deliver our fantastic ‘Fuel Finance’ programme. It’s hoped the lessons they learn will be shared with the adults in their lives struggling with the cost of living crisis and that the skills they gain will prepare them for the future.”

For more information, visit mybnk.org

MyBnk is a charity that delivers expert-led financial education programmes to 5-25 year olds in UK schools and youth organisations – directly, virtually and online. Together with young people, they have created innovative, high impact and high energy workshops that bring money to life. MyBnk cover topics such as saving, budgeting, debt, independent living and public and student finance. They also design projects and training programmes for others. Since 2007 they have helped almost 315,000 young people learn how to manage their money. Two thirds of their work is now with young adults in vulnerable circumstances, such as those leaving the UK care system, focusing on ‘survival’ money skills for independent living.

Cadent

Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy. We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change. Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency. Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing.

Future of Gas: Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.

Cadent manages the national gas emergency service free phone line on behalf of the gas industry - 0800 111 999*

Cadent Gas Ltd is owned by a consortium of global investors.

*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.