The Wise Group
Empowering 2,600 Falkirk households to use energy safely, efficiently and affordably
Our project at a glance
- Strategic priority area: Targeting geographic communities most at risk of fuel poverty
- Support target: 2,600 households over two years
- Duration: April 2024 to March 2026
- Investment: £297,543 over two years
- Forecast SROI: £1.79
I would give Stuart 100 out 10 and he was very understanding and support me step by step. Can’t thank the Wise Group enough and I had never heard about the Wise Group until the gas meeting in the local community. Stuart has given tips and hints to help me lower my usage and advice on what to expect when the gas gets fitted thanks for all the support.
Wise Group beneficiary
Why we’re working together
With close to a third of Falkirk households in the grips of fuel poverty and 16% of its residents living in some of Scotland's most deprived areas, the struggle to afford basic energy needs is a daily reality for many in the region.
We’ve partnered with leading social enterprise the Wise Group to co-design and deliver a comprehensive fuel poverty initiative in the Falkirk region. Together, we’re not only helping to alleviate the immediate financial burden of high energy costs for households, but we’re working to tackle the root causes of fuel poverty for Falkirk residents.
Project objectives
- Reaching 1,400 Falkirk households with energy advice through community outreach
- Supporting 1,200 fuel poor households with personalised one-to-one energy safeguarding and support
- Helping households in energy crisis with immediate support and longer-term advocacy
- Raising awareness of carbon monoxide (CO) safety, particularly among households newly-connected to the gas network
- Promoting the Priority Services Register and helping eligible residents sign up for the free service
How we’re working together
One-to-one energy advice
We’re delivering personalised energy safeguarding and energy-related advice to Falkirk households through the Wise Group’s successful Home Energy Advocacy Team (HEAT) service. HEAT mentors create individual fuel poverty action plans based on the resident’s unique needs, ensuring that the solutions we provide directly address the household situation. The holistic action plans aim to maximise household income, improve energy efficiency and improve household health and wellbeing.
By providing bespoke, in-depth advice and support with energy issues, we’re able to have the greatest impact on alleviating fuel poverty and helping residents live comfortably in a warm home for years to come.
Community outreach
We’re holding community-based drop-in sessions across Falkirk to provide energy advice and help address fuel poverty. We’re working with community partners to identify key locations that will best reach our target groups. Typically, these community settings include local community centres, faith centres, primary schools and GP practices.
Supporting first-time gas users
We’re currently extending our gas network to five towns in the Falkirk region. As part of our programme, we’re helping households in these towns to understand the process and benefits of transitioning to mains gas to heat their homes. Within these towns there are fuel poor households who own their own home and will struggle to access the financial support for central heating installation. We’re helping these households navigate funding options to ensure fuel poor households are able to benefit from the most suitable heating solution for their homes.
How to get involved
Accessing support from the Wise Group
As one of our VCMA network partners, you can refer your clients in Falkirk to the Wise Group by submitting a short online form.
If you live in Falkirk and need help to stay safe and warm at home, you can get support from a HEAT mentor by completing a quick online form.
Working in partnership with the Wise Group
You can find out more about working with the Wise Group by emailing enquiries@thewisegroup.co.uk
Through this collaboration with SGN, we aim to provide Falkirk households with the tailored advice and support they need to manage energy effectively and safeguard their homes. Our shared mission is to reach the most vulnerable, making sure they have access to critical services and information to overcome barriers, alleviate fuel poverty, and reach positive destinations. We will do this through our relational mentoring approach, offering tailored, individualised support for individuals from mentors with lived experience of the barriers they are facing.