Age Scotland, in partnership with the Scottish Gas Network (SGN), has launched a new emergency energy and food voucher initiative to support Scotland’s older people over the winter.

The initiative is open to people aged 50 years old and over, who are registered to a Scottish postal address.

Age Scotland created the initiative after their recent Big Survey revealed that 79% of people aged 50 years old were cutting back on energy and heating, while 43% reported reducing spending on food.

People looking for advice and support in this area can contact the specialist Energy Advisers via the Helpline (details below), who will identify the callers most in need, in order to provide crisis support and offer a £30 credit towards their fuel costs, or food costs. They will also provide energy advice and access to Age Scotland’s income maximisation advisers, helping to ensure callers receive everything they are entitled to, and supporting them to use energy safely, affordably and efficiently.

Age Scotland has also created a free “Help with the Cost of Living” Guide (linked for your convenience), which is available to view or download as a pdf; people can also request a paper copy via the Helpline, or by email: communications@agescotland.org.uk

The Age Scotland Helpline is completely free to call, and is open Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm, by phone: 0800 12 44 222.