Page last updated on 16th March 2026
Keep in touch to tackle financial troubles
Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Amy Hardcastle, and Alex Walmsley urge people struggling with energy bills to seek support from suppliers and learn how smart meters help you control energy use.
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Amy: I was struggling. Talking, it did help.
Jamie: It made me realise that I'm never alone.
Alex: Keeping in touch really helped me get through tough and challenging times.
Jamie: Rugby League's given me a real sense of purpose and belonging and fulfilment.
Alex: it's created many friendships and bonds, almost a family.
Amy: The places that I've got to go, the people that I've got to meet. the skills that it's set me up in life is, you know, is priceless.
Alex: I've been fortunate to have many highs within the game. To actually make my international debut was definitely a personal high of mine.
Amy: My ultimate high would be making the team of the decade in 2020 and off the back of that, it's nice to know that I'm still the leading top try scorer for England as well.
Jamie: I was fortunate to represent my community. my city, my town, and have some real success behind it.
Amy: So we have highs, and then obviously we get the lows as well. One of my biggest challenges was, you know taking the time out of Rugby League to have my daughter as I had to start back at the bottom again. I found that speaking to others has made a huge difference.
Jamie: In 2019, I retired from playing. The main challenge was reidentifying who I was, to work out who the people and resources were that were going to support me and encourage me to do that.
Alex: In 2018, I broke my neck and I couldn't play for the best part of 12 months. The fact that it could affect my livelihood as a new father was quite traumatic. The financial implication was a natural worry and strain on myself and my family. Mental health is massive, not just in sport, but in life as well.
Jamie: The bit that's always got me through it is talking. My peers, my friends, my coaches, the leaders within my environments.
Alex: I think having immediate family there to support me was massive. And being able to lean on them to help me get through the challenging days in particular.
Amy: Calvin, he definitely showed me that emotional support, going through a lot of tough times, and I'll do him proud with him looking over me. And we might not be blood, but I still class him as my grandad, I'll class him as my dad. Being a mum and having to run two jobs to be able to support myself comes with a lot of financial struggles.
Amy: If you are worried about paying an energy bill, just know that you can talk to your energy supplier.
Alex: They may be able to help by installing a smart meter, which will give you better visibility on the energy that you're using.
Alex: I think sometimes half the battle is finding an opportunity to talk. But, knowing that there is support and help out there makes that easier.
Jamie: I'd advise anybody to find the time to connect, communicate, and keep in touch.
Jamie Jones-Buchanan
After retiring from playing rugby, Jamie reached out to his teammates and friends to help him find his new identity. He’s urging anyone who’s struggling, especially if it's about paying your energy bills, to reach out and keep in touch.
“...Playing rugby for England was one of the most rewarding achievements I’ve ever had, but when I retired, I had to reidentify who I was. I couldn’t have done that without talking to the people around me. If you’re struggling, it can be vital to share your situation with others. If you’re worried about paying an energy bill you can speak to your supplier who could help by offering you a smart meter to get more control over your energy spend.”
Amy Hardcastle
For Amy, balancing her time on the field with all her other responsibilities off it has led to some difficult moments. Talking to her personal sponsor has helped her be the best version of herself.
"... I’m a mum to a thirteen-year-old, a head coach, I play for Leeds Rhinos, and England so juggling all that can be difficult. Having a smart meter helps me stay in control of my energy bills as I know what I’m spending day-to-day. If you’re worried about your energy bills, speak to your energy supplier who could help by installing a smart meter to help you manage the energy you use.”
Alex Walmsley
In 2018, Alex broke his neck and could have been forced to retire. Alex found support from his family, which helped tackle the stress and financial strain of not being able to play.
“...Even the smallest things that help ease financial pressure can help. I've got a smart meter at home, and it's reassuring to know that I only pay for the energy that I use.”
If you're struggling to pay for your energy, contact your energy supplier
86% of people said that they have some financial worry, and 42% said that they were currently worried about paying an energy bill.
If you’re struggling with your bills, your energy supplier could help by offering a smart meter to help you track your energy use more easily.
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