Winter Fuel Savings Advice

With the cost of fuel rising dramatically, Money Matters, a charitable, community, money advice group based in Govan, held an information day on fuel poverty at the Pierce Institute (PI).

Greater Pollok Citizens’ Advice Bureau set up another at Pollok Health Centre and Ladymuir advice Centre held another in Cardonald Library.

More than 50 senior members of the Govan community dropped into the PI to find out how to save energy in their home and what grants they might be eligible for. They were also able to get advice on fire safety and credit unions. All left with free, energy-saving light bulbs, a device for powering down home computers and a wealth of leaflets on money saving tips.

Dick Carabine,  Chairman of Govan Community Council said: ‘The PI event has been a breakthrough, if something like this takes place in the area again more people are bound to come along.’

Debbie Young, Money Matters financial inclusion officer who put the event together said: ‘We will run another event soon – possibly just as the big winter fuel bills are due to come through the post.’

Among the agencies supporting the PI day were Age Concern Scotland, Glasgow Credit Union, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue (SFR) and the Energy Saving Trust.

Fiona Herriot, Community Safety Co-ordinator with SFR said four people had signed up for home safety visits. She added: ‘Our home visits to advise on safety, are free.’

 

Helplines

 The Scottish Helpline for Older People, SHOP, can provide confidential advice to anyone over 50 on issues such as help with central heating bills and eligibility of benefits. The helpline is open from 10am until 4pm Monday to Friday, call 0845 125 9732 or Textphone 0845 226 5851.

 

Handypersons

 People over 60 and registered disabled people can access a free service to assist them with minor repairs and household tasks. Age Concern Scotland, in partnership with Glasgow Care and Repair, run the service for home owners and private rental tenants. They can fit smoke alarms and replace batteries, wire electric plugs, unblock sinks and even fit new locks and security items. Telephone 0141 420 3686 or 0141 433 2749, Monday to Friday between 9am and 4.30pm.

All personnel carry an ID photo card and wear official clothing.

 

Home safety visits

 

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue (SFR) offer free home safety visits to everyone. They will carry out a home fire safety check and if required, can provide and install smoke alarms.

To arrange a free visit, call in to any fire station or freephone 0800 0731 999. All employees of SFR are required to carry official ID and will happily produce this on request from a householder.

 

Staff at the Ladymuir Advice and Information Centre on the Southside, hold a drop-in surgery in Cardonald Library every Thursday. They provide information on welfare rights and money issues. Call 0141 883 2153 to find out more.

 

The Energy Saving Trust is a government advice agency assisting homes and businesses to become more energy efficient. Call 0800 512 012 or log on to www.energysavingtrust.org.uk .