Utilita Giving’s new Executive Director has this week announced a £5 million fund dedicated to help households access the food and fuel they need.

Founded earlier this year – and boosted by £5m seed funding from the UK’s leading Smart PAYG energy supplier, Utilita Energy – Utilita Giving will provide aid, tools, and advice to lift households out of food and fuel poverty now, and in the future. The fund is split into a variety of grants for anyone – not just Utilita customers – to apply for.

The charity will accept applications for support from organisations in England, Wales, and Scotland, with immediate effect and individuals will be able to apply within weeks.

Newly appointed Utilita Giving Executive Director, Helen Boardman, announced the multi-million-pound fund in her first week in post.

She comments: “The affordability crisis being faced by millions of households, who have been plunged below the poverty line, is now so deep-rooted that people cannot see a way out.

“Utilita Giving’s initial £5 million fund will provide aid and debt relief to allow households to become self-sufficient once again.”

People in Scotland will be among the first to receive support from the charity, with £500,000 already allocated to Utilita customers who are eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount but won’t receive it through no fault of their own.

Boardman added: “Some households in the coldest parts of Scotland are eligible for Warm Home Discount but have missed out on their £150 helping hand this year due to the lottery of applying and falling outside of the quota.

“This is patently unfair. Imagine if the same were true for other government benefits such as the State Pension and Universal Credit…‘Yes, you are eligible, but our quota is filled, so we will not be able to make a payment to you this year.’

“We cannot let politics and bureaucracy get in the way, so we are helping these homes out.”

Boardman began her career in the Third Sector almost 25 years ago as a Project Manager for Wirral Young Carers. She has since gone on to hold several senior positions and has built a strong track record in securing large-scale funding for services which transform the lives of people and their communities.

Most recently, she was interim head of Voluntary & Community Sector and Community Partnerships at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) Council.

Speaking on her appointment and ambitions for Utilita Giving, Helen comments: “I am delighted to be joining Utilita Giving at such an exciting time in the charity’s journey.

“The affordability crisis is biting hard, so there is no time to waste. I’m excited about delivering a strategic vision for the charity to further its aim of supporting people in food and fuel poverty across the nation.”

Welcoming Helen to the charity, Chair of Trustees, Mike Smith added: “We are grateful to have Helen join our team. Her appointment marks an important step for Utilita Giving and one we are excited to be taking.

“Helen’s background makes her a perfect fit for Utilita Giving and, with the support of the existing team, she will be instrumental in expanding its influence and support.”