Organisation

Support available

Eligibility

Home Energy Scotland

https://www.homeenergyscotland.org

Tel: 0808 808 2282

Energy advice on:

·        Renewable Technologies

·        Low Carbon Transport and vehicle comparison reports

·        Water Saving

·        Hard to Treat Traditional Dwellings

·        Retrofit

·        Installer Standards

·        Billing

·        Electric Heating

·        Restricted Meters

·        Switching

·        Smart Export Guarantee and Renewable Heat Incentive

·        Phone based advice service, but home visits also available to properties which require a survey.

·        Impartial service - there to support the householder, make informed decisions, understand householder situation and eligibility 

Home Energy Scotland Loan (Interest-free):

Energy efficiency measures (up to £15k)

• Solid wall insulation: up to £10,000 (£6,000 loan plus £4,000 cashback)
• Gas heating system: up to £5,000 (no cashback available)
• Heating system (warm air units or high heat retention electric storage heaters): up to £5,000 (£4,600 loan plus £400 cashback)
• Gas connection: up to £5,000 (no cashback available)
• Glazing: up to £4,500 (£4,100 loan plus £400 cashback)
• Insulated doors: up to £4,500 (no cashback available)
• Flat roof or room-in-roof insulation: up to £4,000 (£2,400 loan plus £1,600 cashback)
• Loft, floor or cavity wall insulation: up to £1,000 (£600 loan plus £400 cashback)

Renewable systems (up to £17.5k)

• Wind or hydro turbines: £2,500
• Solar photovoltaic (PV): £5,000
• Solar water heating systems: £5,000 (£1,250 loan plus up to £3,750 cashback)
• Energy storage systems (heat or electric batteries): £6,000
• Hybrid PV-solar water heating systems: £7,500
• Heat pumps (either air source to water, ground source to water, water source to water or hybrid air source to water): £10,000 (£2,500 loan plus up to £7,500 cashback)
• Heat meter (if installed alongside a heat pump): up to £500 cashback*
• Biomass boilers or stoves (non-automated, non-pellet stoves or room heaters are not eligible): £10,000 (£2,500 loan plus up to £7,500 cashback)
• Connections to a renewably powered district heating scheme: £5,000 (£1,250 loan plus up to £3,750 cashback)

Used Electric Vehicle loan (interest free):

·        Used electric cars or vans sold for £30,000 or under

·        Used electric motorbikes and mopeds sold for £5,000 or under

eBike loan (interest free):

·        2 x ebikes capped at £3,000 each

·        1 x family cargo capped at £6,000

·        1 x adapted cycle or electric adapted cycle (value assessed on a case-by-case basis)

EV Chargepoint grant:

·        Up to £300 grant (Potential additional £350 from OZEV)

All loans:

-Affordability and credit checks

HES loan:

-EPC recommending measure

-Quote from (normally approved) installer

EV loan:

-Have a licence

-Not own a pure EV

-Becoming the owner

-Quote from an eligible dealership

Chargepoint grant:

-Rural EV owners

-Used EV loan owner

-Approved installer

Warmworks (EES-ABS/Warmer Homes Scotland)

Via HES (Warmer Homes Scotland):

https://www.homeenergyscotland.org/warmer-home/

Direct (Both)

https://www.warmworks.co.uk/our-work/orkney/

Tel: 01856 881513

Freephone: 0800 038 6022

Email: [email protected] 

Warmer Homes Scotland (Often full grant funded):

·        Only referred via HES (phone/portal)

·        EPC assessment

·        A2W ASHP

·        Storage heaters (quantums) (?)

·        External/internal Wall insulation

·        Loft insulation

·        Draughtproofing

·        Secondary Glazing

·        Smoke alarms and controls

Energy Efficiency Scotland Area Based Scheme (Grant with some contribution – can be supported by HES loan)

·        EPC Assessment

·        Loft insulation top-up.

·        Internal Wall insulation.

·        External Wall insulation.

·        (Under) Floor insulation.

·        High heat retention storage heaters; following insulation upgrades.

·        Insulation and heating installs via HEEPS:ABS island based contractors 

WHS:

-Homeowner, private-sector or life renter

-Main residence

-Lived for 12 months

-EPC 72 or lower

-Tolerable standard

-WHS >5 years ago

-<230m2 (<5 beds)

Plus either:

-75 or over and have no working heating system

-16 and over and have:

-DLA/CDP high rate (or low/medium and one benefit from last line)

-AA/CA

-Industrial Injuries/ Armed forces or War disablement benefit/payment

-PC guarantee

-PIP

-ADP

-UC/IS/ESA/JSA/WTC/CTC/Housing benefit/CT benefit (not 25% discount)

EES-ABS:

-Homeowner, private-sector or life renter

-Main residence

-EPC 60 or lower

Plus either:

-Council tax band A-D

-Fuel poor

Or both:

-Council tax band E-G

-Extremely fuel poor

And:

-DLA high rate/PIP/AA

-CT benefit

-PC guarantee

-UC/IS/ESA/JSA/WTC /CTC/Housing benefit

Care and Repair

https://www.ohal.org.uk/orkney-care-and-repair/contact-us/

Tel: 01856 873369

Email: [email protected]

Every Wednesday: 2 - 4pm, drop-in at the Selbro Resource Centre, Hatston

Small repairs service (free, but may be charged for materials):

·        Minor Works or Repair, Improvement, and Adaptation

·        Assess home Safety and Security.

·        Involve other agencies for further advice and assistance

·        Can help access grants/contractors for larger repairs

Disabled Adaptations (grants if qualify):

·        Bathroom to wet room conversions

·        Help with Hygiene. Integrated washing and drying (i.e. bio bidets and Closomats)

·        Stair lifts

·        Ramps and rails for primary access

·        Adaptions to kitchens and living areas

·        Internal grab rails and banisters

·        Widening doors

Home improvements (grants if qualify):

·        Support with plans, building warranty, contractors and building regulations

·        reconfiguring the layout/use of rooms within your property

·        adding an extension to your existing property

Small repairs service:

-Privately owned or rented properties

-Over 60 or registered disabled

-Not in full time employment

Disabled Adaptations/Home improvements:

-Open for all, if paying for works

-Otherwise, potential grants through NHS Occupational Therapy

OREF

https://www.oref.co.uk/

Email: [email protected]

Peer-support membership organisation focussed on renewable energy generation in Orkney.

Open to all

Co-Wheels

https://www.co-wheels.org.uk/

https://www.reflexorkney.co.uk/home/car-club

Pay as you go car hire:

·        Free membership

·        £25 start-up credit (REFLEX1 code)

·        Insurance included

·        Book and pay for time used using smart card

·        Cars: Kirkwall Pier, Somerville Sq (KW), ORIC (Stromness)

-Valid driving licence for at least 2 years

-Over 19 with 0 points on licence

-Over 26 with no more than 6 points

ReFLEX

Customer engagement team: Christina Copland, Gyles Poulton, Lisa Rhodes-Schofield, Anna Marriott (manager) 

[email protected] 

+44(0)1856 480008 

www.reflexorkney.co.uk/get-in-touch/enquiry  

Electric vehicles:

·        Local access to buy or lease an EV

Chargepoints:

·        Local access to purchase and get grants for installations

Online Carbon footprint assessment

Open to all, restrictions on leasing/purchase agreements

Advocacy Orkney

Advocacy Orkney is a registered charity and an independent service which provides FREE and CONFIDENTIAL, INDEPENDENT advocacy (legal advice and support) within Orkney.

The Service, although not exclusively, focuses on mental health, learning disability, children and young people and those who are vulnerable or elderly.

Our mission statement is "supporting your voice" and we strongly believe our duty is to help everyone in Orkney to:-

Be listened to and respected

Be involved in decisions which affect their lives

Be part of their community

Have access to information relevant to them

Have their views and wishes heard.

Open to anyone

Orkney Citizen’s Advice Bureau

Orkney CAB operates an appointment only service. Reception opening hours are: Mon – Fri 10.00-14.00

Anchor Buildings 

6 Bridge Street 

Kirkwall 

[email protected] 

01856 875266 

Advice provided by our service is free, independent, confidential, impartial and available to everyone.

We look at the problems people bring to our advice services and campaign for change where it’s needed most.

We work for a fairer Scotland where people are empowered and their rights respected.

Services include:

• Income maximisation  
• Advice on debt and budgeting  

·        Warm Home Discount and other grant fund applications 

·        Legal/court and advocacy service

Open to anyone

Orkney Charitable Trust

http://www.octrust.org.uk/

Hillhead, St Ola, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1SX Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 (0)7795 574 116

Orkney Charitable Trust raises and distributes funds to help people under 25 who live in the Orkney Islands. ​Our funds are available to young people in times of ill health, disability, hardship or disadvantage.

Orkney Fund

·        OCT’s general fund. This fund quickly and flexibly helps children and young people in a time of need.

Bairns need Nappies

·        This helps with the supply and cost of nappies for people who need some help providing these for young children. Referrals through NHS Health Visitor or Midwife.

Help from Home

·        Provides financial support to local families who require it when a child, or young person, needs treatment in a hospital out-with Orkney.  Working with the NHS Travel team it helps families meet the extra costs incurred when travelling South for any type of hospital visit.

Every Child Deserves A Christmas

·        Financial support for families during Christmas period

-Under 25

-Living in Orkney

-Ill health, disability, hardship or disadvantage

Island Development Trusts

Stronsay:

Fuel Poverty grant (£100) – application on website

Westray:

Young Persons Travel Expenses Grant – up £100/year for travel to mainland Orkney.

Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre:

Child Ferry Tickets - One book of 50 tickets per child for those permanently resident on Rousay,Egilsay or Wyre.

Living on the isles

Island Wellbeing coordinators:

HOY AND WALLS - Denize Lace

[email protected]

01856 701356

SHAPINSAY - Alison Meason

[email protected]

01856 711733

SANDAY - Magda Macdonald

[email protected]

01857 668266

STRONSAY - Anna Bliss-Davis

[email protected]

01857 616410

ROUSAY, EGILSAY AND WYRE - Nicky Jacques

[email protected]

01856 821229

The aim of the project is to improve the wellbeing of island residents. We use a very broad definition of wellbeing which encompases health, economic, social and place wellbeing.

We do this through the development of community-led initiatives and the provision of generalised one-to-one support. This dual role enables coordinators to respond to the immediate needs of the community, whilst developing long-term capacity. 

Hoy, Sanday, Shapinsay, Stronsay, and Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre residents

Wider support (Education/training)

Employability Orkney

62 Junction Road

Kirkwall

KW15 1AR

Tel: 01856 876605

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.employabilityorkney.co.uk

Skills Development Scotland

Kirkwall Careers Centre

2 Albert st

KW15 1HP

Tel: 01856 872460

Community Learning and Development:

https://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/C/cld-services.htm

The Learning Link

1 St Rognvald St, Kirkwall

KW15 1PR

Tel: 01856 879200

Developing the Young Workforce

Orkney College UHI, East Road, Kirkwall

KW15 1LX​

Tel: 01856 569 352

​Email: [email protected]

University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)

Orkney College UHI, East Road, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1LX.

Tel: 01856 569 000

Email: [email protected]

Employability Orkney

Employability Orkney is a registered charity that was established in 2005 to help provide a range of sustainable supported employment, training and volunteering opportunities for those with a barrier to gaining employment. This broad remit includes individuals with a learning disability, physical disability, mental health needs, alcohol/substance misuse needs, ex-offenders, care leavers, long-term unemployed and anyone who experiences a disadvantage in entering the labour market.

Skills Development Scotland

Career information, advice and guidance

Community Learning and Development:

The Learning Link (Adult Learning)

The Learning Link is a free service which is dedicated to helping adults to gain new skills and increase their self-confidence. Helping people to 'brush-up' on their basic skills, gain enough confidence to apply for jobs or to improve their present career situation. Some people have been able to help their children with homework or progressed into further education. We can also offer accreditation in literacy and / or numeracy.

Youth services

Support for youth accreditation (Awards and certificates) as well as youth voice, through Youth Forum and Youth Parliament.

Employability services

Funded training services including Kickstart, Learning Disability Support, Parental support (training fund), Redundancy support.

Developing the Young Workforce

Youth-focussed careers advice and guidance, including work placements and helping to link employers and employees.

University of the Highlands and Islands

Employability Fund (16-24 NEET, refer from SDS, DWP, OIC, UHI)

6-Week+ course, no entry requirements, bursary available

This national training programme, which is sponsored by Skills Development Scotland, has been developed to help young people make a successful transition into the labour market and to help re-train those who have been made redundant.

Stepping Stones

1 year course, four national 4 passes, bursary available

This course would be ideally suited to school leavers who are unsure what to do next or need further qualifications and study skills. Students experience a variety of subject areas, through project based learning which will provide a variety of creative and practical activities.

Wider support (Income)

Kirkwall Job Centre Plus

Tankerness Lane, Kirkwall

KW15 1AQ

Tel: 0345 604 3719

Council tax reduction/housing benefit (OIC)

https://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/A/Apply_for_Council_Tax_Benefit.htm

Scottish Welfare Fund (OIC)

https://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/S/scottish-welfare-fund.htm

Social Security Scotland

https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/

Tel: 0800 182 2222

Job Centre Plus

At your local jobcentre, they can deal with all your claims for Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance and Income Support.

Council tax reduction and housing benefit               

Single person households (CT) and other eligibility will allow reduction in council tax and support for rent through housing benefit.

Scottish Welfare Fund (OIC)

Crisis Grants:

Providing a safety net in the event of a disaster or emergency. A Crisis Grant may help if you are:

·        In crisis because of a disaster like a fire or flood, or an emergency such as losing all your money or having to visit a sick child in hospital.

·        Need help with costs that have arisen as a result of the disaster or emergency, to keep you and your family safe from harm. If you qualify for a Crisis Grant, the help you receive will depend on the particular difficulties you face. You may be given money or another form of support, for example, a voucher, fuel card, travel ticket or furniture.

Community Care grants:

Providing help to leave care and live on your own, or to continue living in your own home. A Community Care Grant may help if you:

• Are about to leave care to live on your own in the community, for example after being in hospital or in prison, or face going into care because you don’t have the things you need to continue living at home. A Community Care Grant may also be able to help if you are struggling to provide a safe and secure home for your family.
• Need help to get essential household items like a cooker or washing machine but don’t have the money to buy it. As with the Crisis Grant, if you qualify for a Community Care Grant the help you receive will depend on your circumstances. You may be given money or you may receive support another way, for example, a voucher, fuel card, travel ticket or furniture.

Social Security Scotland

NHS Orkney Best Start

Support with food, milk (monthly) and grant for young families  

Child benefit/Scottish Child payment

Financial support for families with children up to 16 years old

Wider support (Misc)

Food fridges (DTs and Greener Orkney)

Access to left-over food from supermarkets and other suppliers that is available for free.

Women’s Aid Orkney

Support for women who have suffered from domestic abuse.

Age Scotland Orkney

Services for older people

Home Start Orkney

Services for families with under 5s

Crossroads

Support for carers

Shelter Scotland

Support for legal and practical advice for those that are homeless.

The Blide Trust

Support for people struggling with mental health difficulties.

Fisherman/Farmer/Forces grants

Various grants available through profession specific trusts.

Foodbank

(only available through Third Party referral – multiple organisations including THAW)

Support can include:

·        Foodbank parcel (picked up or delivered by third party)

·        £60 Tesco vouchers (via SMS through THAW)

·        £30 Electricity vouchers (via SMS for prepayment, or transfer to supplier for credit meter, through THAW)

Foodbank parcels – open to anyone

Tesco vouchers/electricity vouchers – available with referral for a Foodbank parcel upon contact with THAW (only 3 Tesco vouchers available in 6 months)

Warm Homes Discount

https://sse.co.uk/help/accessibility/warm-home-discount

Email: [email protected]

£140 towards electricity bills over winter

Home Heating Advice Fund

https://homeheatingadvice.scot/

Self referral: https://homeheatingadvice.scot/household-registration/

Email: [email protected]

The main objectives / expected outcomes of the grant are:

• to support vulnerable individuals and those in need;
• to help communities respond to the needs and challenges they are experiencing; and
• protect the wellbeing of Scotland.

This includes assisting Scottish citizens identified as ‘self-rationing’ energy.

The fund can help make payments towards future energy bills, depending on the customer’s situation. It can also assist towards payment outstanding debts the customer may have with their energy provider.

The fund seeks to provide financial relief to energy consumers who are experiencing significant financial hardship and strives to provide this support to households regardless of the fuel or payment method used.

Required:

-Evidence that energy or debt advice received (via Trusted referral partners or evidence of getting support from an accredited agency)

-Not disconnected from energy source

Other evidence (may increase payout):

-Self-rationing

-Island community (evidence of a KW postcode – e.g. a bill)

-Remote rural (KW16/KW17)

-Fuel poor i.e. >10% of income used on fuel (after housing costs, e.g. rent and council tax and with an income of <£1,900/month income for a single person)

-Reliance on electric heating, restricted meters (e.g. THTC/eco7/eco10) and poor EPC ratings (evidence – EPC/bills)

-Fuel debt (evidence of current debt)

-Over 75 (evidence – official document)

Tariff switching

Ofgem-accredited price comparison websites

• Energy Helpline  - http://www.energyhelpline.com/
• Energylinx  - http://www.energylinx.co.uk/
• The Energy Shop - http://www.theenergyshop.com/
• Money Supermarket - http://www.moneysupermarket.com/
• My Utility Genius - http://www.myutilitygenius.co.uk/
• Simply Switch - http://www.simplyswitch.com/
• Switch Gas and Electric - http://www.switchgasandelectric.com/
• Quotezone  - http://www.quotezone.co.uk/
• Unravel It  - http://www.unravelit.com/
• Uswitch  - http://www.uswitch.com/

Comparison of annual costs, typically using annual usage figures and tariffs from current bills.

Open to all

Ombudsman

https://www.ombudsman-services.org/

Escalation of complaints about a supplier after exhausting all avenues with the supplier themselves. This is often unnecessary in most cases as support organisations (such as THAW) can help to explain issues or find a solution with the supplier. However, in circumstances where suppliers have not responded within a designated time, it is possible to bring in the ombudsman.

-Logged a complaint with supplier

-Worked with supplier on complaint

-No satisfactory resolution after 8 weeks

-Have evidence of issue

Energy Supplier – debt grants:

• British Gas Energy Support Fund (open for any supplier) - apply for a grant on the British Gas Energy Trust website

• Scottish Power Hardship Fund - apply for a grant on the Scottish Power Hardship Fund website
• Ovo Energy Fund - apply for a grant on the Ovo Energy Fund website

• E.ON Energy Fund - apply for a grant on the E.ON Energy Fund website
• E.ON Next Energy Fund - apply for a grant on the E.ON Next Energy Fund website

• EDF Energy Customer Support Fund - sign up to the priority services register to apply for a grant on the EDF Energy website
• Bulb Energy Fund - apply for a grant on the Bulb Energy Fund website
• Octopus ‘Octo Assist Fund’ - apply for a grant on the Octopus website
• Shell Energy Support Fund - apply for help on the Shell Energy website

Support for energy debt

BGET – open to all

Otherwise supplier specific

Charis Grants

https://charisgrants.com/individuals/

Various grants (change throughout the year), but typically provide support for household energy bills to those who may be struggling, including:

·        grants towards bills or

·        help to buy standard freestanding appliances

Eligibility is dependent upon the supplier and the grant available

THAW Orkney

Energy Advice:

Information on Heating systems, Insulation, Renewables, Transport, Energy Suppliers, meters and tariffs. Energy advocacy and Income maximisation support through Citizen’s Advice.

Cosy Home Pack:

A standard pack contains:

Warm Blanket

Microwave Wheat Bag Warmer

Energy Saving Light Bulbs

Oil Filled Radiator

Thermal Hat, Socks and Gloves

Electricity vouchers (THAW/Foodbank funds):

Support access to energy vouchers for Foodbank clients through Papdale stores. THAW also have access to a small fund for Paypoint/Post Office vouchers for isles clients and those in emergency situations.

Electricity grants and Foodbank referrals:

Access to external grants for energy debt and energy support as well as referrals to Foodbank.

Small Grant:

Up to £150 to a single household

Energy advice

Open to all, but greater support available for those on low income or other need for higher support

Cosy home pack

-In fuel poverty

And either:

-in extreme fuel poverty

-have high support needs

THAW Small Grants:

-In fuel poverty.

And either:

-Need an installation, repair or service to either the property itself or the property’s heating system in order to increase levels of warmth and comfort or reduce levels of fuel poverty for the household

-Need a contribution to an installation from one of the national programmes (HEEPS:ABS or Warmer Homes Scotland) and the householder’s circumstances does not enable him/her to pay the full amount and without such, the installation would not proceed.

Fuelbank

(Only available through Third Party referral – THAW Orkney)

Fuelbank Electricity vouchers

·        One-off voucher for prepayment meters

·        £30 summer or £49 in winter

·        Only 3 available in 6 month

Fuelbank Heat fund

·        One-off payment of coal, wood, heating oil or LPG

Electricity vouchers:

-Have prepayment meter and will use electricity themselves

-Close to/already using emergency credit

Heat fund:

-Coal, wood, heating oil or LPG purchase is your primary source of heat

-Are off gas grid and do not use electricity as primary source of heat

And either:

-living without heat because you are unable to afford to purchase fuel to top up bunker, store, tank or bottles

-imminently in risk of living without heat because are unable to afford to purchase bulk fuel (imminently = within seven days)

Evidence:

-bank statement/benefits letter. 

-Analysis of energy usage