Macmillan Cancer Support works to ensure that every person diagnosed with cancer has access to effective financial advice and support services that cover a wide range of issues. Macmillan has developed these support services, in part using a holistic and person-centred model known as Improving the Cancer Journey (ICJ), throughout Scotland in partnership with local government, NHS and other voluntary sector and charitable organisations.
EAS secured funding from ScottishPower via the Industry Initiatives strand of the Warm Home Discount to help support some areas of Macmillan’s ICJ work. EAS is working with Macmillan and other partners in eight local authority areas to provide new heating systems/replacement boilers/hot water systems and a range of energy efficient white goods for vulnerable people – all with a cancer diagnosis.
EAS works with a dedicated delivery partner, who can supply and install gas, electric, oil and renewable heating systems and who has staff qualified to install white goods. BRB Ltd undertakes a home visit and survey to determine the type of solution needed. This can include repair/replacement of a broken heating system, installation of a new full or partial heating system and supply and installation of energy efficient white goods. The very short supply chain means that the project is extremely responsive to need, and urgent cases can have measures installed within days of referral.
EAS’s involvement helps to ensure that people with cancer are not in fuel poverty, are living in a healthy environment and are protected from the additional stress that fuel poverty can cause while they are undergoing treatment. They are effectively living with a condition that requires additional warmth and comfort which they can’t always get.
As part of the project, every client receives tailored energy advice. The first year’s insurance and annual safety check are provided free of charge.
The WaH initiative is due to close at the end of March 2022.