Loose Women presenter Judi Love has issued an urgent plea to the nation, urging people to "ask for help" with financial struggles. The comedian has partnered with British Gas for its new Pass It On campaign, which encourages people to share advice and support that could help others.
Campaign launched as research reveals stigma
New research reveals that nearly a quarter of people (23%) worry about offending someone by sharing financial support, but just 2% would actually be offended. The British Gas Energy Trust's 'Energy Support Grant' opens on 1 October, with £1,700 grant support also available to eligible non-British Gas customers.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Star, Judi said: "The reason I connect with it so much is because I've had those periods where I had fuel debt. It can accumulate without you even realising. Balancing food, other bills, clothes, children, it's such a period where you feel too disconnected to ask for help or speak to somebody."
Judi's personal connection to the issue
Judi is proudly backing the campaign, having experienced similar struggles herself. She said: "When British Gas came to me, I thought: 'This is something I want to be a part of, I really want to be behind it because there must be so many other people out there who are experiencing it and don't know how to gain any kind of support or help.' I know that feeling of being ashamed or embarrassed, because that is something I've felt."
The TV legend is encouraging the nation to share useful advice and information with their loved ones, including the financial and practical support available through the British Gas Energy Trust.
Breaking the stigma around debt
Judi continued: "When it comes to debt, straight away people just assume that you have bad spending behaviour and so on, but there are so many other issues. Some people genuinely do not have enough income...bills are higher, food is higher, living expenses are higher. Some people could have lost a loved one, there are so many other aspects that come into play."
She added: "I just want to get the word out there! For me, it was the struggle of balancing being a single parent with working a couple of jobs, just trying to survive. I just want people to know that they can ask for help."
"There are people from all kinds of backgrounds. As we saw through Covid, anyone can experience those kind of issues."
Those looking for support, or who know someone who may benefit, can visit www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk to find out more.
