Two years ago, Mark from Stockton on Tees, was forced into early retirement as he was suffering with numerous health conditions which affected his ability to work
The sudden loss of income had a big impact on Mark and his family, and for two years he tried everything possible to keep finances under control, pay his bills and provide for his family. He done this by; seeking employment and by enquiring about going self-employed.
Unfortunately this was proven difficult and he found his bills were building up, especially his utility bill. Mark contacted Stockton Borough Council’s Warm Homes Healthy People project who referred him to Amy Baker, Executive Support Assistant at Five Lamps.
He explained his situation to Amy and told her that he was finding it difficult to pay the large repayments his supplier was requesting each month towards his arrears.
They discussed various payment options and worked with his supplier to identify a suitable payment option for Mark to ensure he could budget his money and pay back his outstanding debt. They also worked together to submit an Npower energy trust fund application to clear his arrears.
The application to Npower Energy Trust fund was a success, and Mark has been provisionally awarded a grant to clear his energy arrears. If over the next three months he makes sufficient payments to his arrears he will be awarded around £2000 to clear his energy debt.
Mark said:
“I cannot thank Five Lamps enough, for their help and support. I was in a dark place and they showed me the light. Thank you Amy and the Npower energy fund”
Five Lamps are currently working with Stockton Council on the Warm Homes Healthy People project helping people in Stockton on Tees who are suffering from fuel poverty.