Taking the social value message directly to communities

The social value element of npower Business Solutions’ (nBS) relationship with long-term energy partner LASER Energy is often about providing funding for the charities nominated by the public sector clients within LASER’s energy supply framework. But a recent initiative is enabling nBS and LASER to get closer to the communities they serve to provide more hands-on help and support.

“Social value is all about making an impact on local communities – but often, we don’t experience that first hand,” explains nBS Social Value Lead Katherine Deller. “So working with LASER, we decided to arrange a series of community days in areas impacted by fuel poverty - not only to provide more direct support, but also to bring local communities together for some fun activities and to help build greater social connection.”

June 2025

The first of these days took place in Chatham, Kent in June 2025, co-organised with local charity partner Gillingham Street Angels (GSA), which provides practical assistance to local people experiencing financial hardship, food poverty, and homelessness.

“We’re so grateful for the support we received in planning this event with GSA,” says Kathleen Reid, Social Value Champion and Energy Procurement Manager at LASER. “We were delighted to welcome Chatham restaurants and cafes to take part, a local gym to put on self-defence displays, Carers First to offer support for carers of all ages, and inspiration and advice from the local authority Adult Education team. Plus there were fun activities for children, glitter tattoos, a tombola and – of course – a bouncy castle and ice cream van.”

nBS provided energy efficiency advice and gave out practical energy-saving aids such as radiator insulation and energy-saving lightbulbs. Charity partner MIND was also on hand with mental health and wellbeing advice.

“A lot of what these days are about is helping people to understand what is available within their local community and what they are able to get support with. But it’s also to say to the community, come and have some fun, we’re here for you – and this has a really, really positive effect on everybody,” says Tracey Errington of GSA. 

September 2025

On 24 September, we were proud to support Barking and Dagenham Council’s Community Day at the Dagenham Learning Centre Community and Family Hub, in partnership with LASER Energy. The event brought together a wide range of local and national organisations and services to offer residents practical support during a time when energy prices and the cost of living continue to impact households across the UK.

nBS was there to provide practical energy-saving advice, including two simple steps to help households save up to £175, free energy efficiency improvements, and extra support for E.ON Next customers. We also gave away free household thermometers and shared a variety of simple, everyday tips to help reduce energy use at home.

The day was a fantastic example of community collaboration, with support from partners including Harmony House Dagenham, B&D Works, Independent Living Agency, Kingsley Hall, and Turn2us. Together, we helped connect residents with the tools, services, and advice they need to feel more in control of their energy use and household finances.

“This Community Day allowed organisations from private, public, and third sectors to come together to collaborate and support the people of Barking and Dagenham with fuel and financial insecurities they may be facing. The event helped connect residents with the tools, services, and advice they need to feel more in control of their energy use and household finances.”

 

 

 

November 2025

On 28 November, we attended a community event in Canterbury aimed at helping residents access practical support during the ongoing cost-of-living challenges. The event provided an opportunity to share energy-saving advice and connect with the local community.

As part of our commitment to supporting those in need, we also made a donation to Canterbury Foodbank at the event. This will enable them to purchase energy vouchers or other energy-saving products for local families.

It was great to see everyone who came along and engaged with us. This was our final community event of 2025, but it’s just the beginning, we will be attending many more events in 2026 as we continue working with councils and partners to help households feel more in control of their energy use and finances.