The British Gas Energy Trust is offering grants of up to £1,700 to help households clear energy debt. The fund is open to all households, not just British Gas customers, especially those whose energy supplier doesn’t provide a hardship fund or whose application to such a fund has been declined.
This free programme comes with an attendance grant of £1000 and focusses on Business Planning, Finance, Sales & Marketing and Impact Measurement.
Sharon shares highlights from the past year, including preparations for the 2025 UK Recovery Walk in West Park, with events starting 12–13 September, bringing the community together to celebrate recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. She also reflects on her recent visit to The Haven Wolverhampton, recognising the vital work of local services supporting women and children. Sharon emphasises the importance of supporting and valuing VCSEF sector services that rely on volunteers and lived experience to make a real difference in the community.
Sharon shares highlights from recent community events and sector developments, including the 5-year celebration of TNB Connect, supporting the Transgender and Non-binary community, and the South Asian Heritage Month panel at Molineux, featuring Black Country MPs discussing representation in politics. She also updates on national health developments, with NHS England recognising the VCSE sector’s role in inclusive, community-based care and engaging with Alliance42 to shape the future of Integrated Care Boards.
People’s Postcode Lottery‑funded trust offering flexible, three‑year awards (up to £50,000 total) for small charities, CICs and community benefit societies (£10k–£1m income). Themes include mental health, poverty, arts, physical activity, climate/biodiversity, green spaces and tackling inequality.