Railway Benefit Fund
Energy Support Fund
Support railway people in crisis by donating directly to our Energy Support Fund.£10,000 will support 50 families with a £200 Energy Support Fund grant.
Story
Help us raise £10,000 so that we can support 50 more families with a £200 Energy Support Fund grant.
In April 2022 we launched an Energy Support Fund in reaction to the energy prices hikes that were announced in the UK. The Fund provides a grant of £200 towards the cost of gas and electricity bills; a small but vital amount for families who find themselves spiraling into debt.
Since launching this Fund, we have been overwhelmed with responses, and to date we have been able to support over 250 families with rising energy costs. Furthermore, over 60% of total grant applications made to RBF have been related to energy costs, highlighting the real financial difficulties that many people are in.
Average energy prices are due to increase a further 20% this April. As these prices soar and temperatures drop this winter, we predict that we will need to assist at least 50 more railway families with this issue in the coming months. Earlier this year, we supported Claire, a Station Retailer. She said:
I am a single parent who has to watch every penny. In the lead up to Christmas I wasn't able to put on the heating to keep my children warm because I was already behind on my energy bills. My children had to get used to using blankets and putting on more layers of clothing, but since receiving the grant from RBF, I have been able to put the heating on and not worry about the cost as much. I have never applied for help with anything before and always just struggled on, so it was amazing to receive some support.
So that we can continue to help those in crisis, we are calling for your support this winter. By making a donation today, however big or small, you can ensure that our Energy Support Fund continues to help railway people stay safe and warm this winter.