British Gas Post Office Pop-Up coming to Preston city centre

Preston Post Office, Theatre St. Pic: Google

Professor Green is launching the second phase of British Gas Post Office Pop-Ups across the country including Preston.

The pop-ups will provide people with straight answers to their energy questions and direct them to the independent advice available through British Gas Energy Trust and the organisations they fund, including how to access grants of £1,500.

Preston Post Office will be hosting Pop-Ups on Wednesday 16 November to Thursday 17 November, and Wednesday 14 December to Thursday 15 December, between 12pm to 3pm at Unit 1 Urban Exchange in Theatre Street.

Preston and District Citizens Advice Bureau (Preston) will be offering an in-depth overview of the support available, signposting people to other organisations who may be able to help, checking benefits entitlements and providing free energy-saving tips and advice.

New research has shown that despite the wider support available, 7 in 10 people are still worried about how they will cope financially with the rising cost of energy – with many households likely to feel even more worried following the announcement this week.

The British Gas Post Office Pop-Ups are being scaled up to around 100 events following a successful pilot earlier this year.

Jessica Taplin, British Gas Energy Trust Chief Executive said: “The previous Pop-Ups were so well received; we know there’s a real need for even more in-community support, especially when so many people living in vulnerable communities don’t have access to online resources, so these Pop-Ups will be a lifeline to those really struggling this winter.

“As always, our mission is to help alleviate the detrimental impact of poverty and by working closely with local organisations we are able provide much needed financial and practical support to vulnerable members of the community, whether you’re a British Gas customer or not.”

Professor Green, rapper and mental health campaigner, has pledged his support to help raise widespread awareness and encourage people to access the help they’re entitled to. He has first-hand experience of the fear and anxiety an upcoming energy bill can have on families, having grown up with his grandmother, who struggled to pay household bills.

Professor Green, said: “Times are tough for so many at the moment, it’s more important than ever to make sure people know what help’s available and where to access it.

“I went down to a British Gas Post Office Pop-Up in my hometown of Hackney yesterday and spoke to the local community – most of whom had no idea about the money and energy advice on offer from the British Gas Energy Trust and their local organisations.

“With over 100 Pop-Ups happening across the country, I’d urge people to attend one to get answers to their concerns and find out if they’re eligible for a grant, which could help alleviate some of their worries and hopefully improve their financial situation.”