Training front line workers to support people in their community


We’ve trained 321 frontline workers to offer light-touch energy advice over the past year. Our short training course supports people from organisations who work with vulnerable people and communities affected by fuel poverty. We can teach people:

  • How to spot the signs of fuel poverty
  • Offer basic advice on how to save energy
  • When to refer people for further support.

We’ve worked with organisations including Fife Council and Fife-based housing associations. We’ve also trained staff and volunteers from charities including Nourish Support Centre and Bethany Christian Trust.

Robert Keddie, Energy Advisor (Outreach) leads the training. He says: “Fuel poverty is a real and persistent problem in our community. High energy prices are pushing many people to crisis point. Too many people do not know who to talk to if they’re struggling to afford to pay their energy bills.

“Our training allows frontline staff and volunteers working in Fife to support people with practical and impartial advice.

“We’re grateful to Fife Council for continuing to fund this programme. It’s great to be able to deliver our training to more organisations in the year ahead. By working together, we can continue to have a positive impact on the lives of people in Fife.”

Fife Council’s Housing Spokesperson Cllr Judy Hamilton added: “As the cost-of-living crisis takes its toll on Fifers, demand for this kind of support continues to rise.

It can also be difficult for people to find the right support first time so I’m pleased that funding will continue for this very worthwhile programme. It empowers a wide range of frontline support workers to confidently assist or signpost those who need help.”

Energy prices and the wider cost of living crisis have a significant toll on households. According to the 2022 Scottish Housing Conditions Survey, around 31% of households in Scotland are living in fuel poverty.

Our programme is supported by Fife Council’s Community Recovery Fund, which helps address the the cost of living crisis. We’re delighted to have funding for a further year. This means we can train another 300 frontline workers.

More information

If you’d like to take part in this training, full details are on our website. You can also email Robert Keddie at robert@greenerkirkcaldy.org.uk