Helping those facing hardship: E.ON’s collaboration with Mind, Citizens Advice, and Trussell
As cost-of-living pressures remain a strain for many people, we provide support services that can help our customers, and that includes working with like-minded partners who can help.
That’s why we’re proud to support the collaborative work of our charity partner Mind, alongside Citizens Advice and Trussell, through the Help through Hardship initiative — a lifeline for those facing tough times.
Introducing Help through Hardship
Launched in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Help through Hardship Helpline was set up by Citizens Advice and Trussel to support people unable to access face-to-face services. Initially focused on urgent food bank referrals, the helpline quickly expanded to offer personalised advice around income, benefits, and the underlying causes of hardship — including mental health.
How it works
Since autumn 2021, Mind has partnered with the helpline to ensure people can get direct mental health support when needed. If a caller shows signs of struggling emotionally, call handlers can seamlessly connect them to Mind’s Infoline— with no need to call a second number or explain their situation again.
This joined-up system offers practical and emotional support in one place, helping people feel heard and supported in every aspect of their hardship. Through E.ON’s Warm Home Discount fund, E.ON proudly funds the warm transfer service to Mind’s Infoline, while also supporting the broader work Citizens Advice delivers through this vital helpline.
The helpline also raises awareness of the link between financial hardship and mental health struggles, advocating for meaningful policy changes to build a fairer, more compassionate system.
The helpline offers guidance to help individuals maximise their income, understand benefits, and navigate financial challenges. Dedicated call handlers can connect them to Mind’s Infoline or arrange a callback from an advisor, ensuring they receive holistic and uninterrupted support.
This joined-up approach means people can access the right support, all in one place. Our support also contributes to the wider work Citizens Advice is doing to help people through difficult times.
Making a difference together
Through our Warm Home Discount Fund, E.ON has granted £55,000 which supports referrals from the Help through hardship helpline to the Mind Infoline. This contribution helps keep the helpline running, allowing it to support individuals grappling with both financial difficulties and mental health challenges.
Since its inception, the helpline has reached nearly 150,000 individuals resulting in over £170M of financial gains, but there is still so much more to do. Today, 3.6 million people in the UK are living in poverty, and two million are on waiting lists for mental health care. The need for services like Help through Hardship is greater than ever.
Standing together against hardship
At E.ON, we believe that no one should have to face hardship alone. Our partnership with Mind allows us to contribute to a cause that not only offers immediate relief but also advocates for lasting change. We’re committed to continuing our support for Help through Hardship, standing alongside those facing the toughest of times.
If you or someone you know needs support, you can find out more about Help through Hardship here.
Plus, E.ON Next offers several support options for customers facing financial difficulties, including:
- E.ON Next Energy Fund: Provides grants to clear accumulated debt and offers essential items like heated throws and air-fryers to eligible customers.
- Warm Home Discount: Eligible customers receive a one-off £150 electricity bill credit to assist with energy costs.
- Interest-Free Repayment Plans: Tailored plans to help customers repay outstanding bills over time without accruing interest.
- Debt Advice and Support Services: Partnerships with organisations offering free, personalized debt and budgeting advice.
- Prepayment Meter Assistance: Interest-free top-ups for prepayment customers struggling to pay, with repayments structured affordably.
Additionally, E.ON Next's Winter Support Scheme provided £70 million in support, exceeding its initial £60 million commitment.
Customers experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to contact E.ON Next directly to explore available support options.