"I have a panic attack when I pick up the phone": experiences of energy advice amongst 'hard to reach' energy users

Abstract

Remaining cognisant of the variety of factors that can render an individual hard to reach and how imposing a definition may preclude the identification of unanticipated p. 60. Focus article -"I have a panic attack when I pick up the phone": experiences of energy advice amongst 'hard to reach' energy users

Being Warm Being Happy: Understanding factors influencing adults with learning disabilities being warm and well at home with inclusive research

“…Whilst the coping strategies employed by the adults with learning disabilities to manage their heating use and stay warm tend to reflect those employed by the broader fuel poor population (Ambrose et al, 2021), and the issues they are experiencing in accessing energy advice and support resonate more widely with those encountered across hard-to-reach groups (Ambrose et al, 2020), our study gives further insight into how the energy market plays an important part in shaping approaches and attitudes to energy use and practice of those who are particularly disadvantaged by it. Although some adults with learning disabilities are aware of the importance of being warm at home for their health, the energy market is often inaccessible and difficult to navigate.…”

“…This paper presents findings from the qualitative interviews undertaken to understand and characterise energy vulnerability from the perspective of people with a learning disability. The research adds to work on hard-to-reach energy users (see Ambrose et al, 2020, Ashby et al, 2020, and takes an inclusive co-researcher approach. It provides evidence on how disability intersects with fuel poverty for adults with a learning disability increasing energy vulnerability and the likelihood of experiencing fuel poverty and cold homes.…”

Case Study Analysis - Portugal. HTR Task Users TCP: Lisbon.

“…These two situations can account for almost half of Portuguese families. Moreover, elderly people living alone are particularly vulnerable to energy poverty issues (Ambrose et al, 2019b).…”