NHS Western Isles awards capital grant funding to support ‘Warmth Without Worry’ project

NHS Western Isles has awarded Point and Sandwick Trust (PST) £15,994 in capital grant funding to purchase a dedicated Dampness and Mould Response Vehicle strengthening delivery of their ‘Warmth Without Worry’ project.

Data gathered by Point & Sandwick Trust’s Energy Support Unit highlights persistently high levels of fuel poverty across the PST area. With energy tariffs expected to rise, there are concerns that the number of households affected will increase further. Evidence gathered also shows that dampness and mould are significant issues locally, closely linked to health vulnerabilities, heating challenges, and poor housing conditions.

Fuel poverty is widely recognised as having serious impacts on health, including:

• worsening respiratory conditions,
• cardiovascular problems,
• mental health issues,
• weakened immune systems,
• arthritis and joint pain.

The ‘Warmth Without Worry' project will provide tailored financial, physical, and behavioural support to help households navigate the challenges of energy use. By assessing actual energy consumption against modelled use, the project will offer bespoke energy support crisis grants that align with individual household needs, thereby alleviating fuel-related stress.

The vehicle will support the delivery of practical interventions aimed at reducing the impact of fuel poverty, dampness and mould, all of which are recognised contributors to poor physical and mental health. Funding preventative initiatives of this nature supports wider efforts to improve health outcomes and reduce health inequalities across communities.

Stewart Wilson, Energy Support Unit Manager, Point and Sandwick Trust, said: “This funding from NHS Western Isles will make a real difference to the practical support our Energy Support Unit can provide. Having a dedicated vehicle means our technician can respond more quickly to damp and mould issues and carry the equipment needed to tackle smaller problems before they become more serious.

“We see first-hand the connection between fuel poverty, cold and damp homes and people’s health, so this is a really valuable addition to the wider support we’re providing through Warmth Without Worry.”

NHS Western Isles Board Chair, Gillian McCannon, said: “The Warmth Without Worry project is an excellent example of how practical community-based support can make a real difference to people’s wellbeing. We’re really pleased to be supporting the Point and Sandwick Trust with this funding. Fuel poverty, dampness and mould can have a significant on people’s health, and addressing these issues at an early stage can help prevent more serious problems developing.

“Having met two members of the team, Kenny and Stewart, who carry out the maintenance work, it was clear to see what a significant contribution this service makes in supporting improvements in helping to keep people warm and improve their wellbeing. Often, it is the little improvements that makes the most impact."

This investment represents a significant step forward in tackling fuel poverty and improving living conditions across the community.

This funding was made available to NHS Western Isles as capital grant funding, separate to revenue and capital core funding allocations for patient care and NHS services/staff. NHS Western Isles understands how difficult the financial situation can be for the third sector and not for profit organisations and bids for Capital Grant funding from NHS Scotland to help support these groups.