As an established, multi-award winning Social Enterprise, Scarf has ...

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increased knowledge on their local communities which will improve social inclusion. Locations of trained Energy. Champio
As an established, multi-award winning Social Enterprise, Scarf has been making a positive impact in the North east of Scotland for more than 30 years. Having been recognised for its ability to support those in need, Scarf was recently awarded European Social Funding and Fairer Scotland Funding to develop and deliver a brand new programme entitled “Energy Champions”. This was designed to give those with multiple barriers to employment an opportunity to gain the skills and practical experience needed to deliver energy efficiency advice within their own communities. An overwhelming success so far, the programme has trained 14 champions situated in a number of communities throughout Aberdeenshire, and with further programmes already confirmed to take place we expect this number to rise significantly in the coming months.

Peterhead = 2

Fraserburgh = 2

Banff = 3 Locations of trained Energy Champions...

Fyvie = 1

Through a varied training package, which incorporates two certified courses, including GreenSkills Scotland’s Fuel Poverty and Energy Efficiency course and the Pacific Institute's STEPS programme, the participants are equipped with the knowledge and confidence they need to go out into their local communities and offer support and advice to anyone experiencing fuel poverty issues. Including the practical courses, participants will also benefit from work-life experience and activities which will improve their diary management and researching skills as well as increased knowledge on their local communities which will improve social inclusion.

Macduff = 2

Turriff = 3

All the participants so far have excelled amazingly during their time on the course, with many of the participants having been unemployed for long periods of time and extremely nervous when first signing up; they have all showed great courage and enthusiasm towards going out and helping people in their local communities. The majority of the people taking part were also very nervous about doing our City & Guilds course, having not sat exams in a really long time, but every participant has passed with flying colours with our average pass mark being 89%. When asked if they would recommend this programme to others they expressed “ Yes, because I have enjoyed it so much, I’ve been telling people about it already”, “Yes, STEPS promotes positive thinking. Meeting others in the same position as myself and sharing how they find things is helpful. The course was very interesting and made me think a lot”. “ I have learnt a lot about things that can help save money around the house and it helped with my confidence’”.

Number of Households supported so far...

Households given EE advice = 77

Households Referred for home visits = 45 Upskilled Participants = 14

Local advice Sessions held = 30+

We are in the midst of planning for group four and group five which will take place in Inverurie and Peterhead at the end of June 2018. If anyone feels that this programme would benefit people they are working with, please feel free to get in touch with me for more information or for a referral form on either 01224 063775 or [email protected]. Alternatively if anyone knows of any local groups which may benefit from a visit from one of our local energy champions, please get in touch. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the organisations throughout Aberdeenshire who have been amazing at supporting us throughout the whole of this project we really couldn't have made it work without your support.