Cost of living help at hand for householders

Help is at hand for people with cost of living concerns, thanks to the appointment of a team of household resilience advocates.

 

Housing association Fyne Homes and Campbeltown-based social enterprise Inspiralba have secured investment from the Scottish and UK governments to support householders access information and support as household costs and the need for environmental sustainability rise.

 

The project is working with local organisations to employ and support 11 trainees in staff posts each year over the next three years.

 

This provides opportunities for employment, gaining skills and accredited training.

 

Leah McGuigan has also been employed as a Graduate Apprentice to assist with coordination, whilst studying towards an Honours Degree in Business Management.

 

The project includes a small team based in Campbeltown who can confidentially provide information and support.

 

The employed trainees will support people locally to address issues of rising fuel costs, household poverty and climate action opportunities, all of which are key issues for communities.

 

The household resilience advocates can onwards refer people to Bute Advice which can assist with any financial concerns.

 

They can help people to, for example, maximise their income, manage household budgets, and deal with credit and debt, as well as providing advice on energy, and savings and insurance.

 

The household resilience advocates can also make referrals to Alienergy, which can help with support to reduce energy costs and can identify eligibility for certain energy bill support schemes and grants.

 

Campbeltown-based household resilience advocates Malcolm Blackstock and Eryne Barr said: “We are both delighted to start in our roles as household resilience advocates.

 

“We believe that the project has an important role supporting people in these financially challenging times.

 

“We are learning various communication methods, social media, information, advice and guidance, to securely and safely pass on information with consent to specialist organisations.”

 

The pair can also found working in the Kintyre Weigh zero waste shop on Campbeltown's Main Street every Tuesday and Wednesday.

 

The household resilience project is supported by UK Shared Prosperity Fund, assisted by Argyll and Bute Council alongside Investing in Communities funding from Scottish Government, secured by Fyne Homes, with additional funding from the Fyne Group, Glenbarr Community Development Association and Inspiralba.