Scots rural charity RSABI this week opened a heating fund to help address fuel poverty.
The charity, which provides financial assistance to those who have relied on the land in Scotland, has launched the Help for Heating Fund to provide fixed grants of £300 to successful applicants.
RSABI said the fund aims to help those who have depended on the land but are now unable to work – it is not open to the charity’s annual beneficiaries.
“The worry of keeping warm at home over the winter is not one that people who have dedicated their lives to working on the land should have,” said RSABI chief executive Nina Clancy.
“We want to alleviate that worry and risk to health by helping to keep rural households warm, whatever the weather throws at us this winter.”
She urged those in need of financial support, or those who know of someone who is in need, to contact the charity.
“The only way we can help in situations like this is if we know where the need is and if people come forward,” added Ms Clancy.
“We can guarantee absolute confidentiality so please don’t sit in the cold wondering – get in touch and see if we can help to make your winter more bearable. The Help for Heating Fund is here to help.”
In order to be eligible for the funding, applicant households must fall within the Scottish Government’s definition of fuel poverty, whereby they spend more than 10% of their total income to pay for energy bills.
Applicants must also meet RSABI occupational rules, which state they are no longer able to work due to age, illness and/or disability.
Last month the charity distributed just over £175,000 to its annual beneficiaries – these recipients are also set to receive a supermarket gift card from RSABI just before Christmas.