A north-east not-for-profit is helping vulnerable people with increased heating costs as lockdown forces people to spend more people at home.
Scarf is continuing to offer support to those struggling with home energy bills or changing suppliers during the lockdown, despite home visits being curtailed.
Advisors are still manning a helpline and the organisation has recently launched a hardship fund to help those worst-affected.
The social enterprise oversees the home energy advice team (Heat), which receives funding from Aberdeen City Council, which is still offering one-to-one calls on available support and advice on fuel debt – and can even intervene with companies on callers’ behalf if need be.
They are also able to advise on how best to lower fuel bills and access to crisis grants.
Scarf’s acting chief executive Lawrence Johnston said: “Many people are struggling with bills at the moment and need a little bit of extra support.
“Heat specialises in offering a one to one advice and support service tailored to help people keep their home warm, while reducing their fuel bills.”
Based in Cotton Street in Aberdeen, Scarf last month launched an emergency hardship fund to help people struggling to pay fuel bills during the coronavirus crisis.
It is aimed at reducing the “immediate pressure” on the most vulnerable. To find out more visit www.scarf.org.uk.