RSABI, Scotland’s charity helping people who have depended on the land, has today launched a new ‘Help for Heating Fund’ to address the misery of fuel poverty.
It is widely recognised that rural fuel poverty is consistently higher than the national average with older people being particularly vulnerable. Whilst energy efficiency improvements can help, they alone cannot lift people out of fuel poverty in the context of rising fuel prices and low fixed incomes.
RSABI recognises that many households will be inadequately heated in the months to come. With the weather changing and winter around the corner, many people will be worrying about paying their energy bills.
The Help for Heating Fund has been set up to help alleviate the effects of fuel hardship for those who have depended on the land but are now unable to work. The application is simple and there is an allocated fund available specifically for this purpose, with help coming in the form of a fixed grant of £300 for successful applicants.
Those in need of help, or others who may know someone who is sitting at home in the cold, are being encouraged to contact RSABI.
Nina Clancy, RSABI Chief Executive, says:
“The worry of keeping warm at home over the winter is not one that people who have dedicated their lives to working on the land should have. We want to alleviate that worry and risk to health by helping to keep rural households warm, whatever the weather throws at us this winter.
“Whether you are in need of financial support yourself or know of someone else who might be, we encourage you to contact us. The only way we can help in situations like this is if we know where the need is and if people come forward. We can guarantee absolute confidentiality so please don’t sit in the cold wondering, get in touch and see if we can help to make your winter more bearable. The Help for Heating Fund is Here to Help.
• Ring the RSABI office in confidence for more information 0131 472 4166 OR visit the website www.rsabi.org.uk
