Taking the social value message directly to communities

The social value element of npower Business Solutions’ (nBS's) 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 to 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.”

The first of these days took place in Chatham, Kent in June, co-organised with local charity partner Gillingham Street Angels (GSA), who provide 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.