Cosy Kingdom Fife

Working Together To Support Vulnerable Households In Fife

Wednesday 10 July 2024

Nearly 1,000 vulnerable people in Fife will receive in-depth support to cope with rising energy bills thanks to our extended partnership with SGN for Greener Kirkcaldy’s Safe and Warm Fife project. 

Cosy Kingdom energy advice advisers employed by Greener Kirkcaldy will provide in-depth support to households at risk of, or living with, fuel poverty. This support includes help with energy efficiency and financial support. They will also refer people to further wellbeing support, including income maximisation, befriending services, and joining the Priority Services Register.  

Safe and Warm Fife is delivered by Cosy Kingdom partner Greener Kirkcaldy. The project has been extended for two years thanks to continued support through SGN’s Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance.  

During the first two years of the project, Cosy Kingdom’s advisers supported 1,581 people with in-depth energy advice through a home visit or telephone advice call. 2,225 households were educated on the risks of carbon monoxide and provided advice on how to keep their home and families safe. 

The extension of the partnership means that advisers can work with up to 960 people living in Fife through a mix of energy advice home visits & telephone advice sessions. Advisers will also reach many more people through talks, information sessions and workshops. 

The partnership also means Cosy Kingdom can offer a new service to homeowners on low incomes who can’t afford the cost of maintaining their boiler. Qualified gas engineers from the Community Heating Project CIC will carry out free servicing to help keep people safe.  

The team will work closely with SGN to provide a full package of assistance to vulnerable households. This will empower people to manage their energy use and gives them the confidence and knowledge to seek further support if they need it.  

Linda Spence, Vulnerability Manager, Scotland at SGN, said “We’re committed to keeping our communities safe and warm and we know people living in fuel poverty need extra support. By continuing to work with Greener Kirkcaldy, we’re able to reach those who are really struggling and provide much needed energy advice. Through building strong connections, we can help vulnerable households get the much-needed help they require.” 

Michael Hildrew, Energy Advice Team Leader said:” Sadly, around one in four households in Fife are affected by fuel poverty. It’s hard to overstate the importance of having a home that is safe, warm, and comfortable. When people struggle to pay their energy bills it can have a serious impact on their health and wellbeing. It can also cause lasting damage to their home.

“Ongoing support from SGN for our work means thousands of families in Fife can live in warmer and safer homes. We’re also pleased to be working with the Community Heating Project to offer support with boiler servicing for people who can’t afford this. Regularly servicing gas boilers and appliances is vital to make sure that they are safe.” 

Cosy Kingdom is a free and impartial energy and debt advice service available to all tenants and homeowners across Fife. For support: