Many people we support in Argyll and Bute are facing, like many, the strain of rising energy bills, soaring cost of living and potential power cuts. Having seen increasing incidences of people turning their heating off or struggling to keep warm and safe during a power cut, Carr Gomm staff wanted to respond practically.
‘Keep Warm Boxes’ will be put together and delivered to residents across Argyll and Bute throughout the winter months.
These boxes contain items to keep people warm in emergencies, including a hat, blanket, and a hot water bottle as well as a torch and a radio. Carr Gomm staff will be available 24/7 to deliver these boxes directly to people’s doors. People can also request one on behalf of others.
The Keep Warm Boxes are funded by donations to Carr Gomm, and are managed by Futures, our staff innovation programme which funds ideas submitted by staff for improving the support we offer in our services.
“The boxes have been spurred on by the amount of people we see who have been turning their heating down to an unsafe level,” explained Denise Murdoch, Senior Operations Manager for Carr Gomm’s Argyll and Bute services. “We want to keep people comfortable throughout the winter months and so we greatly appreciate people’s support for this campaign. We can’t heat people’s homes, but we can keep the person warm.
It is believed that these boxes will be a lifeline, particularly for older, isolated and vulnerable residents.
Anyone who would like to request a box for themselves or for another, or to donate to the boxes can get in touch with Carr Gomm at warmbox@carrgomm.org or call Denise Murdoch on 07966048186.
To help us keep as many people warm and safe this winter, please do consider giving a one-off or a reoccurring payment to our Keep Warm Box appeal. Your support goes a long way to helping stomp out loneliness and isolation, in whatever form it takes, across Scotland.
