VSA, the social care charity supporting the people of Aberdeen and North-east Scotland, has announced that its fuel fund enabled over 2000 Aberdonians to heat their homes over winter.
According to the Aberdeen City Council anti-poverty and inequality committee paper* 26% of people in the city live in fuel poverty.
The charity's fuel fund supports individuals and families to heat their homes by providing support to pay their bills. The fund dates back to 1928 when VSA used to deliver bags of coal to those in need. The days of dropping off coal are long gone, however, the need to provide support to people struggling to afford to heat their homes continues.
bp, the global energy producer, generously made a significant donation to the charity's fuel fund in 2023 to help support those in need in the local community.
With the support of the fund, the charity has been able to support over 2,000 families and individuals living across the North-east by working closely with other charities including Aberdeen Cyrenians and CFine. By working together, the charities ensured that the funds were distributed across communities in the city and shire to get to those who needed it most.
One recipient said: “This will take so much pressure off me. With the price of gas and electricity and having a 4-bedroom high ceiling roof with four kids, this will really help. I can’t thank you enough.”
Another stated: “You have no idea how much this is going to help me with my gas and electric bill. I’m forever grateful. I can finally relax, which will also help my mental health, thank you so much.”
Aimée Anderson, director of marketing, innovation and business development at VSA.
Aimée Anderson, director of marketing, innovation and business development at VSA, said: “We are incredibly grateful to bp for donating a significant sum towards this fund. We all know how deeply affected our communities are by the cost-of-living crisis so this will go some way to easing the financial burden of everyday costs.
"The increased price of gas and electricity are causing a huge financial strain on people, and sadly some families are having to make decisions such as heating their homes or feeding their children.”
Sue Freeth, CEO of VSA, says: "For decades, VSA has helped generations of Aberdonians heat their homes and we are still here to help provide support when people need our help, but organisations such as bp make this possible. Fuel poverty in Scotland is a very real problem and can have devastating effects.”
Sue continues: “Even people and families who are working are having to be helped with basic living costs and this is not a problem which is going to go away. There is a vital need for continuing funds this year as cost pressures on families increase. VSA remains committed to enhancing the lives of individuals in Aberdeen and beyond, and this vital funding pot will support the most vulnerable people on our doorstep.”
Kathryn McKee, head of communications and campaigns, UK, of bp, says: “In 2023 we responded to the cost-of-living crisis by donating to a range of organisations across the UK that help support some of the most vulnerable people in society.
“As part of our long-standing partnership with VSA we are delighted to have been able to contribute to the VSA Fuel Fund which has benefitted so many people in Aberdeen City and Shire.”
The VSA Fuel Fund is currently closed but please check the website for updates: https://www.vsa.org.uk/our-services/financial-support-grants/fuelfund
The charity is actively working to secure additional funding and resources to reopen the fund as soon as possible. If you or your company can support the Fuel Fund please contact fundraising@vsa.org.uk