A blog by Mel Allen, CEO of Navigate Charity, part of the Wis£rmoney Partnership

Leaving the round table meeting, I was filled with inspiration and hope. The room buzzed with energy from representatives of organisations dedicated to maximising their impact within the confines of their service parameters and funding limitations. Despite the diverse backgrounds of attendees, common challenges swiftly emerged, particularly for individuals at risk of or facing fuel poverty in rural areas.

Key barriers were identified; limited access to transport, the inability to engage online due to lack of internet access or equipment, and insufficient digital literacy skills. Added to these were isolation and stigma. In close-knit rural communities where everyone knows each other, asking for help can be daunting. The question arises: how easy is it to seek assistance, especially when you need it the most?

The Mental Health Barrier

A staggering 94% of Navigate clients report having mental health issues, with anxiety being a significant barrier to accessing advice. This statistic raises critical questions about service delivery. How can we effectively support individuals in isolated rural locations who struggle with mental health issues?

The Power of Partnership

The meeting underscored the importance of partnership working, especially in rural areas where clients often have complex needs. Collaboration among organisations to identify and address fuel and household poverty is essential. Having referral partners is crucial for engaging hard-to-reach groups and trying to prevent people falling through the gaps.

What Works?

Reflecting on the discussions, it was evident that organisations are tirelessly working to keep individuals safe and warm in their homes, despite shrinking services and resources. But what truly works? The short answer: it varies for each client and organisation. The discussions highlighted the need for flexibility in service delivery and the importance of funders allowing organisations the adaptability required to operate in an ever-changing environment.

Understanding the client group, local factors, health issues, accessibility challenges, and individual barriers is paramount. What prevents clients from reaching their goals? How can we facilitate their engagement with services? Adapting our approaches to create opportunities for clients to receive the advice they need is crucial.

Key Elements of Effective Service Provision

From the event, I distilled four seemingly simple yet vital elements of service provision of what works in rural communities:

  1. Trust: Keep promises, be honest and transparent, and maintain professional boundaries.
  2. Communication: Engage regularly in ways that suit the individual’s needs. If they can’t read, call them. If they struggle with phone conversations, send an email. Find what works for them.
  3. Listen: Understand what individuals want and need. How can we assist them effectively?
  4. Accessibility: Ensure services are easy to access for your target group. In rural communities Home Visiting is a vital part of service.

Looking Ahead: Key Recommendations

The event highlighted several key recommendations for future action:

  • Long-term Funding: Implementing five-year funding plans to embed projects and services in rural communities. Where continuation funding may be available, funding processes put in place earlier to keep service delivery seamless and protect skilled staff.
  • Government Support: Addressing deficit budgets through price caps, cost of living payments, and housing support to ensure everyone can meet basic needs.
  • Early Intervention and Prevention: Utility providers and suppliers should refer individuals for advice at the first sign of an issue, especially when bills are excessively high or low.
  • Enhanced Mental Health Support: Increasing statutory provision and lowering thresholds for access.
  • Life Skills Education: Providing more educational and supporting roles, such as tenancy support and “money buddies,” to foster long-term behavioural changes and financial management.
  • Accountability for Energy Suppliers: Ensuring better training for their teams to improve customer service.

In conclusion, the round table meeting was a beacon of hope, highlighting the collaborative efforts essential to tackling fuel poverty in rural areas. While much work remains, I left feeling optimistic and inspired by the dedication of so many incredible organisations working tirelessly to support rural communities.

To read more about the roundtables, please click here.