"'I save a lot of energy with my new fridge"

Shashi

Energy prices are high. This raises money concerns for many Dordrecht residents. Energiehulp Dordrecht (Energy Assistance Dordrecht) helps residents use less energy. For example, Shashi received help with getting a low-energy fridge. We meet Shashi and Annerie at the Vogelnest community centre. Annerie works at Energiehulp and helped Shashi with her new fridge.

“I saw a flyer about help with a new fridge. But I just couldn’t work up the courage to ask for it. What if they said no? I already kwew Annerie, so I dared to ask her about it. She really helped me. I’m very happy with my new fridge. It works well and my energy bill is lower.”

I get help reading my mail and applying for schemes

Shashi

Partner of Geldpraatje (Money chat)

Energiehulp Dordrecht is one of the organisations linked to Geldpraatje (Money chat). Geldpraatje partners welcome you with questions or worries about money. Organisations collaborate well, says Annerie: “With Energiehulp, we visit people at home. We give them energy tips and they get free products, such as LED bulbs. Sometimes, you see that more help is needed. We then guide the way to the right organisation. This is how we help people in Dordrecht with small and big money worries”.

Dare to ask for help

Annerie explains that a lot of help is available in Dordrecht. Some schemes are very well known, others less so. Therefore, she hopes that more people will dare to talk about their money worries. Because you might think you’re out of options. But often, friends, family, neighbours or volunteers can help you.

It can be hard to ask for help. Because you feel embarrassed, or because you know very few people. Shashi experienced that, too. “I’m originally from India. I didn’t know anyone in Dordrecht yet. That changed when I went to the sewing studio at Vogelnest. I got to know people and learned to speak the language better”. The Vogelnest community centre lies the heart of the Vogel neighbourhood. You can also go there for a chat about money. Shashi met Annerie there, and so she knew who she could turn to.

Help is always close

There are many places in Dordrecht where you can drop by for a money chat. Also in your area. Shashi is glad she took that step. “I get help reading my mail and applying for schemes. I even got a new fridge. I am so happy with the help and with the people I have met. They really want to help you”. Annerie adds, “Help is always close. The first step is always the hardest. After that, you’ll soon discover that we’re here to help you, without judgement. So feel free to visit us, or any of the Geldpraatje partners. We’re happy to help”.