Graeme Dey, MSP for the Angus South Constituency, held a drop-in winter advice surgery for constituents on Friday, 2nd November at Kirrie Connections.
With representatives from Police Scotland, Home Energy Scotland, Citizens Advice Scotland, Age Scotland, Kirrie Connections and Angus Carers’ Centre on hand to offer advice, the event offered an opportunity for residents to gain expert advice on how to prepare for winter.
Kirriemuir and Dean Councillor Julie Bell was also in attendance to speak to people about any concerns they had.
Graeme Dey MSP commented:
“I would like to thank Cllr Julie Bell and all of the organisations who attended the winter advice surgery to provide advice to constituents.
“It is so important to keep warm and safe during the coming winter months. This event offered an opportunity for residents here in Angus South to speak with the experts and gain an understanding of what help is available to them, their family and their friends.
“I know that a lot of helpful advice was given to constituents. If any constituents were not able to make it along on the day and would like to raise any issues, they should not hesitate to get in touch with my office.
Local Councillor for the Kirriemuir and Dean ward Julie Bell remarked:
“I’m grateful to local services who came along to this event to help us link up with our citizens, or provided us with materials. We were able to point people in the right direction for a range of issues they’re experiencing, from fuel poverty, to mobility, to social isolation. Feedback from those who sought help has been fantastic – they especially found it a great benefit to meet those services face-to-face.”
Jim Eadie, Age Scotland’s Housing Policy Officer said:
“Age Scotland was delighted to take part in the recent Winter Advice Surgery which was hosted by Graeme Dey MSP in Kirriemuir.
“Events such as these provide a valuable public service by bringing together organisations who are able to offer information and advice which can be of direct benefit to older people.
“As winter approaches Age Scotland sees our attendance at such events as a vital part of our outreach work. This allows us to provide “top tips” to older people on how they can stay warm and well during the winter months as well as signposting them to other agencies who can help them reduce their energy bills by switching their energy supplier, or check their benefit entitlements and hopefully put money into their pockets.
“We hope that the local residents who attended the event will have picked up valuable information and are now making positive changes which will allow them to stay warm and well during winter and maximise their income all year round.
“We know that not everyone will have been able to attend the Winter Advice Surgery but you can still call our free and confidential phone Helpline on 0800 12 44 22 and discuss how you may be able to save money on your winter energy bills.”
