Community Support
Our core aim is to make Thurso a better place to live, work and visit for all and that includes supporting our community at all times. In recent years when hit by crises that support has magnified. We provided support during Covid-19 to over 500 households in Thurso through meal deliveries, shopping, prescription drop offs and wellbeing packs.
Now in 2023 we are supporting our community through the Cost of Living Crises. We are active members of the Caithness Poverty Action Group working with organisations across the county to alleviate poverty and also work with partners on mental health initiatives. We are always here to offer support and where necessary signpost members of the community to further support.
Cost of Living Crises Support
We recently received funding from the TNL Community Cost of Living Community Anchor Fund to support households in Thurso and North West Caithness through this difficult time. The funding enabled us to make grants in the form of food or energy vouchers to eligible households throughout the Thurso and North West Caithness Highland Council Ward. The vouchers were for £50 per household and could be issued as an energy voucher if you use a pre-payment meter or a food voucher if you pay for your energy by billing.
In addition to funding for vouchers we also had funding under the same scheme to purchase warm or low cost cooking equipment for households. This could include electric blankets, warm bedding or cooking equipment like an air fryer or slow cooker which are proven to use lower amounts of energy than conventional cooking equipment.
Whilst handling applications we were also able to discuss circumstances with community members and if they were happy for us to do so made referrals for further support.
Through this project, we were able to support 210 households with vouchers and distribute 150 warm items to help reduce costs.
This funding is now closed and unfortunately we aren’t able to take any more applications.
However, we know that the cost of living crisis is continuing to affect our communities. To provide long-term support Thurso Community Development Trust has received funding from SSE Renewables Community Fund and we are working alongside Highlands & Islands Climate Hub. Together we are developing resources and training for community organisations across Highland. The aim is that we can all feel more confident helping those who are struggling to get support.
