The trial is taking place in three locations across the UK – Aberdeen, London, and Tees Valley – and involves health boards identifying people most at risk from a cold home due to a pre-existing respiratory condition and who are also struggling to pay their energy bills. Local energy charities – in Aberdeen this will be SCARF – then get in touch to talk people through the process. 

Prof Shantini Paranjothy, Consultant in Public Health, said: “We have identified 330 people in Aberdeen to be part of this trial. They are all individuals with respiratory conditions, for whom being in a cold home could have serious consequences. We have written to them all to offer this support and would strongly encourage them to take up the offer.” 

David Mackay, SCARF Co-CEO, said “Once one of our advisors speaks to an individual and outlines the programme, we will aim to have money into their energy accounts, within a fortnight, to ensure they can keep their bedroom and main living area heated to between 18-21°C throughout the winter. Participants will be sent thermometers to help them measure how warm their home is, and temperature recorders which will be returned to us at the end of March 2023. This helps us ensure we have paid for the correct amount of fuel.” 

Prof Paranjothy added: “Funding for this pilot is not coming from the NHS budget but from a not-for-profit energy innovation hub called Energy Systems Catapult. This is a limited trial this year, focused on Aberdeen and the 330 people we have identified, along with the two other trial areas in London and Tees Valley. We arere pleased to be part of the trial and look forward to seeing the results.” 

Further information on the trial is available on the Warm Homes Aberdeen website. The trial is by invitation only; it is not possible for individuals to request to take part. Anyone who receives a letter and wants to check it is a genuine offer should call the NHS Grampian switchboard on 0345 456 6000 and ask to be put through to Healthline. 

People who are concerned about the impact of the Cost-of-Living crisis should visit the Scottish Government website Cost of living crisis - Cost of Living Support Scotland (campaign.gov.scot) or call SCARF on 0808 129 0888 for local energy advice.