A Dumfries and Galloway Council led scheme has led to over 300 elderly people in full poverty being assisted with word burning supplies this year.
Overseen by the Council’s Criminal Justice service, the Winter Warmth for older people project provides a free kindling and logs service to elderly and vulnerable people across Dumfries and Galloway. The scheme runs from October to March each year, and offers those serving community payback orders the opportunity to help those who need it most in our communities. A key part of the community payback order scheme is that our Council can offer robust provision for offenders, whilst tackling problems within communities of the region, such as fuel poverty.
Elderly and vulnerable people are offered kindling and logs to burn on their open fires, and in doing so offer them the chance to avoid high cost bills of coals. The wood is delivered to their homes after being prepared by the offenders completing the payback orders. The scheme is very well received by those who are completing the payback orders and by those people who are in receipt of the free wood for burning. Offenders completing their orders commented;
“I think the project is brilliant – helping the elderly keep warm over the winter months.”
In a recent survey carried out, nearly 90% of the residents who receive the supplies said that delivery rate frequency was good or excellent, with over 80% rating the quality of supplies received as excellent. One resident said;
“The lads are very friendly and helpful. Thanks to this scheme I receive benefits I didn’t know I could get. I would lose my independence if it wasn’t for this scheme as I’m now not fit enough to cut my own logs. First class.”
On a recent visit to the Community Payback Office, Social Work Services Committee Vice Chairman, Councillor Ted Thompson saw for himself the wonderful work that the offenders do in preparing the wood for burning. Councillor Thompson said;
“One of our Council’s key priorities is protecting our most vulnerable people. Schemes like the community payback orders, and in particular this project with the logs and kindling allow our Council to achieve this. The orders have shown to be an effective method of reducing re-offending rates, and the elderly and vulnerable are receiving a free service that keeps their houses warm throughout the winter months. When you speak to both the offenders completing their orders and those who receive the wood parcels, you can clearly see the difference it makes at both ends of the product line. I would like to wish everyone involved a warm, safe festive period.”
