An ambitious project is aiming to keep vulnerable Fifers warm this winter.
As the weather turns chillier, Greener Kirkcaldy and St Andrews Environmental Network are appealing for donations to help them support people who struggle to keep cosy over the winter.
The Help Fuel Fife Folk campaign, launched as part of Challenge Poverty Week, is asking for donations to help fund measures to help those who struggle to pay their bills and heat their homes in the winter.
It comes amid statistics from the National Record for Scotland that an additional 163 people died due to winter-related causes in Fife in 2016/17.
More than a third of households in Fife are classed as living in fuel poverty, spending more than 10% of their annual income trying to heat their homes.
This can mean the stark choice between eating and heating.
“Simply keeping warm in winter is a challenge for many people in Fife, who are already struggling to afford increasing and expensive fuel bills.
“In addition, the cold winter months threaten ill health and isolation,” said project manager Bruce McCall.
“We’re asking for any donations, however large or small, to help us support those in need.”
The two organisations already work to help people stay warm, save energy and money.
Last year they helped more than 1,800 households.
Donations will help them provide extra support to help those in need stay warm over the winter, by providing measures such as low energy electric heaters, electric blankets, thermal curtains, radiator panels and emergency fuel top-ups.
They are asking those who receive winter fuel payment, but don’t need it, to consider donating it.
Labour Councillor Judy Hamilton said: “Too many people have to make unacceptable choices in how to heat their homes.
“Please give generously and help us keep homes warm this winter.”
Greener Kirkcaldy told how, last year, the organisation visited an elderly woman living in a sheltered housing flat.
Her home was very cold and draughty and she had no credit left on her prepayment meter. She was very distressed as she would not receive her pension for a few days so was unable to top up.
Greener Kirkcaldy gave her an emergency top up to keep her going until she received her pension to save her from having to walk to the paypoint in the snow and provided thermal curtains and reflective radiator panels.
Donations can be given online , or by cheque, calling 01592 858458, or visiting the 254a High Street, Kirkcaldy hub fro 10am to 4pm Wednesdays to Saturdays.
