Helping members of the Gypsy/Traveller community save energy and money

The Home Energy Scotland Partnerships team delivered a successful in person advice event with residents of the Redburn Travellers site in North Ayrshire. The aim of the visit was to help members of the Gypsy/Traveller community respond to the cost of living crisis, by reducing their energy consumption and their energy bills.

Home Energy Scotland South West originally made contact with the site manager in February 2022 to explain our services and how we could support the travellers staying on site. As a result of that initial partnership meeting we enrolled the site manager on our secure referral portal and provided training. The site manager then contacted us in February 2023 to request additional advice for residents to help with their increased energy costs and the cost of living crisis.

Our local affordable warmth partnership officer (AWPO) team responded to this renewed contact by providing an in-person partnership support visit. The team shared various supportive materials and tools with residents before the visit and worked with the site manager to ensure as many residents as possible were aware of the visit and available to benefit from it.

Additional support from Home Energy Scotland energycarers

Energycarers accompanied AWPOs on the day to provide further support and expertise. Energycarers are specialist energy advisors who can provide intensive support to households with issues relating to family circumstances, physical or mental health, disability, low income and expensive heating, helping to meet the needs of individuals and communities who are less able to make full use of the free phone service and website.

The team supported a total of 12 residents, resulting in successful referrals and distribution (by North Ayrshire Council) of over £3000 of Scottish Government Home Heating Support Funds.

Home Energy Scotland was pleased to be able to fulfil our remit to support a key target group of low income families experiencing fuel poverty, ensuring that members of this unique community benefit from collaborative work with local and national government.

Find out more about partnering with us.