A new partnership between energy advice charity Scarf and national mental health charity Change Mental Health will ensure people across Scotland can access the right support, with a streamlined approach to make getting help much faster.
The two organisations have launched a formalised two-way referral pathway, designed to strengthen the support available to individuals who may be struggling with the cost of living, energy bills, or mental illness.
“We repeatedly see how financial worries impact mental health. It's unfortunately very common amongst vulnerable people struggling with fuel poverty.” said Dave Sims, Contracts & Commercial Manager at Scarf.
“This partnership is about making sure that when someone reaches out to either of us, they’re met with a joined-up response. Whether it’s mental health support or help with energy costs, we want to take some of the pressure off and make it easier for people to get the full range of support available.”
Through this new partnership, client-facing teams at both charities will work closely together, referring individuals between services where appropriate and ensuring wraparound support. Scarf will provide access to energy advice, practical support, and help to access available funding. Change Mental Health will offer tailored mental health services and financial wellbeing support.
“The National Advice Service are delighted to work alongside Scarf in the hope we can help as many people as possible when it comes to ensuring they have access to the right support at the right time” said Emma Morrow, Service Manager at Change Mental Health.
Change Mental Health supports people through life with mental illness, offering practical, personalised support while campaigning for policy change and working to tackle stigma.
Scarf is a registered charity and social enterprise that works in partnership with local and national government, private sector and other third sector organisations to help lower fuel bills and carbon emissions. Founded in 1985, the organisation operates from offices in Aberdeen and Dundee to deliver a range of energy-saving services to householders, communities and businesses across Scotland.
Both organisations emphasise the importance of a connected approach – one that ensures people get the right support at the right time, without being passed between disconnected systems.