The link worker programme hosted by the Health and Social Care Alliance (the ALLIANCE) has extended its partnership with a gas distribution network to help people with long term health conditions access affordable energy.

Initially launched in March 2022, the collaboration with provider Southern Gas Networks (SGN) is now set to run until August 2026, looking to ensure Scots can keep their homes safe and warm.

The ALLIANCE says this partnership has been ‘significant’ in helping links workers break down barriers for people living with long term health conditions.

This includes increasing awareness of the support services offered to people in the energy industry, sign-posting and helping individuals access this support through.

The partnership is backed by a total investment of £597,443 and aims to reach 26,000 households across Scotland.

Glasgow Centre for Population Health and the Glasgow Disability Alliance have called for urgent and sustained action to support disabled people through the cost-of-living crisis, outlining the need to uplift financial support to meet energy costs.

This partnership provides extra funding to the ALLIANCE’s Links Worker programme, which focusses on addressing the impact of social factors on people’s health and wellbeing.

Susan Young, Chief Officer of Operations at the ALLIANCE commented:

“This partnership has been significant in helping break down barriers that stop people getting safe and affordable energy.

“By working together with SGN and with the funding for food and fuel vouchers, our Community Link Workers have been able to reach and support individuals and families who are most in need. We look forward to this partnership growing and continuing to make a difference in the lives of people across Scotland.”

This comes as part an ongoing commitment from the network to support ALLIANCE and other community organisations to help existing support services reach people during the cost-of-living crisis.

Speaking with healthandcare.scot, one ALLIANCE community link worker explained that the work spans from tackling fuel and housing concerns to food, relationships and mental health.

Margaret Hamilton, Community Partnership Manager at SGN, said:

“We’re committed to keeping our communities safe and warm and we know people with health conditions are uniquely impacted by higher-than-average energy costs.

“By working in a joined-up way with the ALLIANCE, we’re able to reach those who are really struggling and provide much needed energy advice.

“Through building strong connections, we can help vulnerable households get much needed help.”

Read more: Glasgow link workers protected for three years; Realistic medicine to help the climate; ‘Unprecedented' crisis in community health and care; Community link workers can't solve inequalities alone; PHS: Poor transport is widening health gaps Research: NHS would gain from scrapping two-child cap; Scheme for GPs to help lost patients extended

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