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New Initiative to Tackle Fuel Poverty and Digital Exclusion in the Disabled Community
Written by
Purpl
Published on
December 9, 2024
Energy prices set to rise again in 2026, consequently, it’s even more important to ensure that the disabled community is aware of Scope’s Community Disability Energy Advice Service. Notably, this service, launched in October 2024, aims to help tackle fuel poverty and digital exclusion. In partnership with UK gas distributor Cadent, Scope aims to support around 225,000 disabled people.
To help you learn more, we’ve created a quick overview of the initiative and how it could benefit you and your household.
In This Article
- How will the Scope Community Disability Energy Advice Service Help Disabled People?
- What Kind of Help Does the Scope Community Disability Energy Advice Service Provide?
- Is the Scheme Open to Every Disabled Person in the UK?
- Who is Eligible for the Scope Community Disability Energy Advice Service?
- What is the Process for Accessing this Disability Benefit?
- Additional Resources That Scope Can Help You With
- Is the Scope Community Disability Energy Advice Service Free?
- How to Contact the Scope Community Disability Energy Advice Service
How will the Scope Community Disability Energy Advice Service Help Disabled People?
The Scope Community Disability Energy Advice Service is focused on helping the disabled community with energy bills, grants, discounts and energy efficiency. The service offers one-to-one sessions so they can create a bespoke action plan. This way, they can support disabled people who are struggling to stay warm, while also helping them manage living costs more effectively.
What Kind of Help Does the Scope Community Disability Energy Advice Service Provide?
The Scope Community Disability Energy Advice Service will help disabled individuals and households with a wide range of support to help them stay warm and safe, these services include:
- Guidance on managing energy and water debt
- Assistance with changing energy meters
- Advice on energy and water efficiency
- Advice on how to access benefits, grants and trusts
- Support with contacting or making complaints to energy suppliers
- How to understand gas and electricity bills
- Instructions on how to use heating systems effectively
- Registration assistance for the Priority Services Register
Is the Scheme Open to Every Disabled Person in the UK?
Yes! While the initiative mainly supports disabled people and their families in Manchester, Norwich, Stoke-on-Trent, and London, support is still available for those in other areas — especially through telephone appointments and email.
Who is Eligible for the Scope Community Disability Energy Advice Service?
All disabled people in the UK are eligible to use the Scope Community Disability Energy Advice Service. If you receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or any other disability benefit, you’re eligible for this free service. In addition, it’s available to any UK household with one or more disabled people, regardless of income or employment status.
What is the Process for Accessing this Disability Benefit?
You can access the support in a number of ways to suit your needs:
In-Person Support:
You can visit the Scope team of energy experts within community settings across Greater Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, North and East London, and East Anglia (Norwich). These sessions are free to attend and you can just turn up without having to register. Check the Scope website to find out when they are going to be in your area.
Group Talks:
If you’re part of a local group or organisation, you can invite Scope’s energy advisors to give a talk. You can also ask them to attend coffee mornings or community events to share personalised advice. To arrange a session, you will need to email Scope directly.
Remote Support:
For those disabled people who are unable to attend in-person, Scope offers the Disability Energy Support service via telephone or email. This service is available to any disabled person or households across England, Scotland, and Wales. You can contact Scope for further help.
Additional Resources That Scope Can Help You With
Scope also provides advice on carbon monoxide safety. Plus, they offer resources on the Priority Services Register and tips for maximising income and benefits. These resources are available through their community engagements and online platforms.
By using these services, disabled people and their families can get vital support to manage energy costs. As a result, they can improve energy efficiency and enjoy a safer, more comfortable home.
Is the Scope Community Disability Energy Advice Service Free?
Yes! The Scope Community Disability Energy Advice Service sessions and all the advice they are provide are free with no cost to disabled individuals or their family. This initiative is designed to provide immediate and accessible support to disabled individuals and their families, helping them manage energy costs and improve energy efficiency.
How to Contact the Scope Community Disability Energy Advice Service
By Phone: 0808 801 0828
By Email: [email protected]
The Scope Community Disability Energy Advice Service service operates Monday to Friday: 11 am to 4 pm. For more information please visit the Scope’s Disability Energy Support page.
For the most current information and any updates to their drop-in session schedule, please visit Scope’s Community Disability Energy Advice page.
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