New partnership to bring £1m to families struggling with energy bills.

A groundbreaking collaboration between Children 1st and SGN, a gas distribution network, has the potential to generate an impressive £1 million for families grappling with escalating energy bills. This innovative partnership aims to provide targeted energy advice and support to families in need, offering a lifeline in these challenging times.

Children 1st has secured an investment of over £370,000 from SGN to address the pressing need for tailored energy advice within their financial wellbeing service. Recent statistics indicate that families with children typically face energy bills that are 30% higher than those without children, exacerbating the financial strain on many households. The current cost-of-living crisis has pushed numerous families into precarious situations, with children bearing the brunt of increased poverty risks despite support measures like the Scottish Child Payment.

SGN’s substantial investment will enable Children 1st to deploy energy advisors in Glasgow and Ayrshire, key areas where support is urgently required. These advisors will assist families in areas such as energy cost management, budgeting for bills, resolving energy debts, exploring better tariffs, and enrolling in the Priority Services Register. Additionally, emergency assistance will be available to families facing immediate financial crises.

By helping families address energy-related debts and access unclaimed benefits and grant awards, Children 1st anticipates that approximately £1 million can be returned to families, significantly easing their financial burden. One heartwarming example involves a family with young children who received vital support from Children 1st, leading to a reduction in their energy debt and a successful application for a £1,500 grant towards heating costs.

Another poignant story highlights a family on the brink of financial crisis after being notified of a steep increase in their monthly energy bills. With limited income and looming hardships, the family turned to the financial wellbeing team for assistance to negotiate a more manageable payment plan. Some families even resorted to extreme measures like cutting off their energy supply due to exorbitant costs, underscoring the critical need for intervention and support.

With SGN’s investment, advisors will empower families to use energy efficiently and safely, providing free carbon monoxide alarms to those in need. Linda Jardine, director of children’s services at Children 1st, emphasised the importance of this investment in the financial wellbeing service, particularly in light of the escalating cost-of-living crisis that disproportionately affects children.

Jardine shared, “Children are already at a significantly higher risk of poverty due to the current crisis, making it one of our top priorities. Our track record demonstrates our commitment to supporting children and families, with our financial wellbeing service delivering over £1.5 million in unclaimed benefits for families last year.”

For families grappling with soaring energy bills, assistance is just a phone call away. By contacting Children 1st’s Parentline at 08000 28 22 33 or visiting their website, families can access valuable advice and support to navigate these challenging times.

Margaret Hamilton, the community partnership manager in SGN’s Social Impact & Vulnerability Team, expressed pride in supporting Children 1st’s mission to ensure every child in Scotland can live safely and comfortably in their homes. By funding expert advisors, SGN aims to empower families with knowledge and guidance, safeguarding children’s well-being amidst challenging circumstances.