SGN and MyBnk have partnered to empower young people across Scotland to make more sustainable and cost-effective choices when it comes to energy as part of Global Money Week.

This year’s theme is ‘plan your money, plant your future’ with a focus on the connection between sustainability and money.

Research from fintech company GoHenry shows that 71% of children and teenagers worry about the rising cost of living. SGN and MyBnk’s partnership is meant to help young people build the skills, knowledge, and confidence around these topics from an early stage.

Further, around 60% of 16-25 year olds said they were very worried or extremely worried about climate change in a global survey published in Nature.

SGN manages the network which distributes natural and green gas to approximately six million homes and businesses across Scotland and southern England.

MyBnk is a charity that provides expert-led financial education programmes to 5-25 years olds in UK schools and youth organisations.

With support from SGN, Cadet, Northern Gas Networks and Wales & West Utilities, MyBnk has developed a ‘Fuel Finance’ programme aimed at 9- to 11-year olds.

It adds an additional session to MyBnk’s flagship ‘Money Twist’ financial education programme for schools; helping them consider the impact of energy consumption on both the environment and their associated cost of living.

Through the programme, students can garner an understanding of real-world issues and practical steps they can take to help reduce fuel poverty.

Kerry Potter, Group Social Impact and Vulnerability Manager at SGN, said: “Young people worrying about money shows how important education around using energy safely, efficiently and affordably can be. We’re delighted to be leading the partnership with MyBnk on behalf of the gas distribution networks to deliver our fantastic ‘Fuel Finance’ programme. It’s hoped the lessons they learn will be shared with the adults in their lives struggling with the cost of living crisis and that the skills they gain will prepare them for the future.”

The partnership will run for three years and aim to reach over 8,000 young people across the UK, focusing on some of the country’s most deprived areas.

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To foster continued learning, the programme also provides packs students can take home to engage the adults in their lives through family-lead activities such as games and comic books.

Rebekah Young, Senior Fundraising Manager at MyBnk, said: “In the midst of a cost of living and climate crisis, learning about energy is more important than ever. With support from the gas networks, we can equip more young people across the UK with the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their money and living costs, make more sustainable choices and stay safe in their homes.”