Scope’s Community Disability Energy Advice Service comes to Manchester and Stockport
Scope’s Community Disability Energy Advice Service, over the next two years, will provide free information and support for disabled people, who can experience higher electricity bills due to medical equipment to power and higher heating bills because of health conditions affected by the cold.
Cadent, the UKs largest Gas Distribution Network announced a £1.8m initiative with Scope, the disability equality charity earlier this year. With a commitment to tackling fuel poverty and supporting people who are digitally excluded, the Cadent grant is being used to directly engage with disabled people and their families in the community.
The service operates in four areas – Manchester, East Anglia, Stoke on Trent and London, in community settings.
On 12 and 19 December 2024, drop in advice sessions will be at The Church of Nazarene, from 11am to 12pm and on 19 December between 11am and 12pm.
Further advice and drop in sessions will be at The Parish of St Mary in the Baum on 16 December, from 11am to 13.30pm. The service will also be at Ashton Library on 19 December, between 12.30 and 2pm. On 4, 11 and 18 December, drop in and advice sessions will be at Stockport County Hardcastle, from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Additional sessions are on 13 and 20 December, at Stockport Central Library, from 12pm to 2pm.
Scope’s team of local energy experts provide practical advice and guidance on energy bills, grants, discounts and energy efficiency, helping to keep disabled customers safe and warm in their homes and helping to reduce energy bills.
As part of the programme, Scope offers 1-2-1 meetings with disabled people to develop personalised energy action plans. Experts also deliver presentations to disabled people in community settings such as local events, faith groups, coffee mornings, recreational activities, libraries, food banks and warm hubs.
John McLachlan, Executive Director of Services at disability equality charity Scope, said: “The past few years have been challenging for disabled people and their families. The higher cost of specialist equipment, higher usage of energy and an inadequate welfare system, are all making it harder for disabled households to meet the extra cost of disability. On average disabled households, with at least one disabled adult or child, need an additional £1,010 a month to have the same standard of living as non-disabled households.
“The partnership with Cadent enables us to reach far more disabled people who are struggling with their energy costs. We already reach thousands via our helpline and over email, but this will take our service to the heart of communities. It will help us reach those who are digitally excluded with bespoke and accessible support.”
In addition to energy efficiency and money management advice, further support will be provided by Cadent on Carbon Monoxide safety and alarms, Priority Services Register awareness and sign-up support, as well as guidance and resources on how people can maximise their income and benefits entitlement. Cadent has supported Scope’s activities using Ofgem’s Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) funding programme. Cadent is able to provide critical and targeted support to fuel poor households and raise awareness of carbon monoxide dangers through this regulatory funding.
Phil Burrows, Head of Vulnerability at Cadent, added: “We truly feel that this partnership with Scope is groundbreaking because we know that disabled people are often excluded from discussions on topics such as financial vulnerability. We know that many disabled people are also digitally disengaged which is why it’s so important to provide trusted options in the community.”
To see the calendar of events visit Scope’s Disability Energy Advice.