Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity, will use the funding to offer intensive face-to-face support to families in the area who need it most. The charity will work in partnership with the local authority to support families at an early stage to help them avoid a crisis.

The funded project will enlist a dedicated energy advisor to visit families in their homes, listen to their concerns, and support them with making changes to maintain a safe, warm home. They will also provide financial wellbeing advice, offering support across topics including debt, welfare rights, income maximisation and budgeting, to help strengthen their financial position moving forward.

The Trust funds over 40 projects across England, Scotland, and Wales, ensuring money and energy provision is reaching underserved communities across Britain. These projects can help on several topics, from understanding bills to budgeting support to income maximisation.

Simon McGowan, assistant director at Children First, said: “We are hugely grateful to British Gas Energy Trust for this funding to help families keep their children warm, safe and well this winter. As well as being a strain financially, money worries can have a huge impact on children and families’ mental wellbeing. This funding will help us offer families in Inverclyde the emotional, practical and financial support they need, including tailored energy advice and support in partnership with the local council.”

Tracey Talbot, interim CEO of British Gas Energy Trust, said: “We are delighted to be funding Children First, which has been providing support to children and families in Scotland for over 140 years. They offer a range of holistic support, helping improve multiple areas of clients lives with the aim to building a better future.

“Their enduring presence and the trust they’ve built over the years means they are a recognised and important resource for communities in Scotland. This funding will help them provide important face-to-face support to families in Inverclyde, adding to their range of support already available.”