Lone-parent families, larger families and households affected by disability are among those most frequently seeking help with energy costs in Scotland, according to the country’s national children’s charity.

Children First, which delivers energy advice and support on behalf of British Gas Energy Trust, says financial hardship, often including rising energy bills and debt, puts increasing pressure on families already struggling to make ends meet.

The charity has supported more than 175 families and 383 children since October 2025.

Families supported through British Gas Energy Trust-funded work are receiving a range of support alongside energy advice, including help with benefits and debt, tariff checks, food and fuel assistance, and warm home items such as blankets and space heaters where heating in the home is inadequate.

The charity combines practical assistance with ongoing, relationship-based support. This can include fuel bank vouchers for households facing an immediate energy crisis, support accessing foodbanks and supermarket vouchers, and regular contact through phone calls, emails, text messages and home visits.

Simon McGowan, Assistant Director at Children First, said: “Families worried about energy costs are often facing much bigger challenges. At Children First, we see that the families most affected are lone-parent families, larger families and those supporting a child or parent with a disability.

“Every day our teams support parents and carers struggling to afford the basic essentials their children need, while facing additional pressures such as poor mental health, domestic abuse, family separation, caring responsibilities or insecure immigration status.

“Energy concerns rarely happen in isolation. That’s why our approach seeks to support the whole-family by providing practical, emotional and financial help that helps with immediate issues but goes beyond that too – so that families can thrive in the long-term.”

The charity’s approach can make a significant difference to families facing multiple challenges.

Philip, a kinship carer to his grandson Leon, was struggling with energy costs after stopping using his gas heating in an attempt to save money. Unaware that standing charges were still building up, he accumulated more than £1,700 of energy debt while the family relied on costly electric heaters and experienced damp and heating problems.

A Children First Warm Homes Advisor worked with Philip’s energy supplier and housing provider to restore the gas heating. The family also received essential household items, including carpets, curtains, and bedding as well as a cooker through the British Gas Energy Trust White Goods Fund, while support was provided to ensure the damp issues were addressed.

Children First also helped Philip access wider financial support and continues to work with him to resolve the energy debt.

The result is a warmer, safer home and a more positive outlook for Philip and Leon.

Philip said: “I was really struggling financially and couldn’t afford the basics that Leon needed before I got in touch with Children First.

“Now I’m getting help to sort out the problems with my energy bills and have had help with my wider finances too. I don’t need to say no to Leon anymore when he asks for things that he needs.

“It’s been more than financial help we’ve been getting. We’re now part of a wider support group of kinship families who are in the same boat and it’s been really good to meet up with them. The kids do activities and it’s been great for Leon.”