Funding and collaboration unite to help vulnerable people take ‘first steps’

When Community Links Scotland launched the West Dunbartonshire Energy Advice Service in 2023, it was in response to a very real and urgent need.

Housing association tenants across the area were struggling to access energy advice and the basic support required to make their new tenancies sustainable. Through a combination of drop-in sessions, home visits, and one-to-one guidance, the service ensures tenants are set up with gas and electricity and are supported to use energy efficiently, saving money while keeping warm and safe.

For many tenants, particularly those moving into a property after homelessness or another period of instability, the challenges went beyond energy advice. Too often, they were stepping into a home with no bedding, no pots or pans, and no means to cook, clean, or even settle comfortably on their first night.

This lack of the most basic household essentials can leave people isolated, unable to thrive, and at risk of losing their tenancies. Tailored starter packs filled with practical items became the bridge between simply having a roof overhead and truly beginning a new chapter.

Five Clydebank-based housing associations, including Knowes, Clydebank, Trafalgar, Dalmuir Park and Dunbritton, and Community Links Scotland secured funding from West Dunbartonshire Council towards the project. The final piece of funding came in February 2025, when Lintel Trust awarded £1,000 to strengthen and extend the reach of this vital initiative through its Small Grant Fund. The additional funding ensured more starter packs could be created and tailored to tenants’ individual needs, making a direct difference to those at risk of hardship and isolation.

Over the last six months, the impact has been significant, with 68 tenants already benefiting, receiving the essential items they need to cook, clean, and live with dignity. Tenants receiving a pack have reported feeling more settled and less isolated, and able to make their house feel more like a home. By meeting immediate needs, the project has helped support stability within the housing system.

Reflecting on the value of this collaboration, Amanda Gauld, social value advisor at Lintel Trust, said: “We are delighted to support Community Links Scotland through our Small Grant Fund. This project provides immediate, practical help to people moving into new homes, while also connecting them to vital local services that support their long-term wellbeing.”

For Community Links Scotland, the project has shown just how powerful it is when funders and housing partners come together with a shared goal.

Louise Bacon, operations director, explained: “This project has demonstrated the real difference that early, practical support can make for people moving from homelessness into secure tenancies. By providing tailored starter packs and personalised energy advice, we are not only helping tenants settle into their new homes with dignity but also laying the foundations for long-term stability and wellbeing.

“The collaboration between funders, housing partners, and local services has been key to reaching those most at risk of hardship and isolation. We are proud to see the positive outcomes for tenants across West Dunbartonshire and look forward to building on this work to support even more individuals in the future.”

Early intervention through energy advice and tenancy support has shown to deliver benefits that extend well beyond the initial funding period. By equipping tenants with the right resources and clear signposting to local advice and support, individuals are more likely to maintain stable tenancies with fewer rent arrears, reduced instances of anti-social behaviour, and greater tenancy longevity. This not only enhances tenants’ health and wellbeing but also creates efficiencies for landlords and service providers, demonstrating how proactive, preventative measures can generate long-term social and economic value.

The work does not stop here. Thanks to this initial funding, Community Links Scotland was able to continue developing partnerships and secure additional funding to expand starter pack provision to reach even more vulnerable tenants. With the right support in place from day one, people moving from homelessness to secure homes can take their first steps with stability, dignity, and confidence.