Together Through Winter: How Neighbours and Communities Can Help Each Other Stay Warm

Winter in Scotland can be tough, and with energy costs remaining high, keeping warm continues to be a real challenge for many households. But we don't have to face it all on our own. Our community has tremendous power to help each other through difficult times, and sometimes the simplest gestures make the biggest difference.

The reality we're facing in South Lanarkshire

In South Lanarkshire, tens of thousands of households are living in fuel poverty. For many people, keeping the heating on isn't just a question of turning down the thermostat or using less energy, low incomes, high energy costs and financial pressures make it incredibly difficult to keep a home warm. And for households experiencing extreme fuel poverty, the challenge is even greater.

Overall in Scotland, heating and hot water make up over half of a typical household’s energy bill with households on lower incomes and those living in less energy-efficient homes particularly vulnerable to fuel poverty.

Energy costs continue to put pressure on household budgets. In July 2026, the energy price cap increased by 13%, following a rise in wholesale energy costs. For households already struggling to make ends meet, increases like these can make difficult choices about heating the home, buying food and paying other essential bills even harder.

Simple ways communities can help to keep each other warm

There are many ways that we can help each other though and provide much needed community support. The beauty of this is that it doesn't require grand gestures. Sometimes the most effective help comes from everyday small acts of kindness.

• Check in regularly

A simple knock on the door or phone call to older or vulnerable neighbours can be lifesaving. If someone hasn't been seen for a few days, or if their curtains remain closed, it's worth checking they're okay. People struggling with heating costs often feel embarrassed and won't ask for help.

• Share contacts

Many people don't realise what support is available.

• Hamilton Citizens Advice Bureau offers free, non-judgemental and impartial advice on many issues including energy, money and housing, to help address energy issues and maximise income.

• Home Energy Scotland provides expert guidance on reducing bills and accessing grants, their helpline is completely free, offering information on how to stay warm.

• There are also several warm space venues in our area.

If you've navigated these services, help someone else do the same. Communities usually know best how to reach others who might not be aware of these supports.

• Share tips

  • Simple draught-proofing, such as sealing unwanted gaps around windows and doors or using a draught excluder, can help keep warm air in and cold air out and it doesn't have to cost much.

    
    

  • Opening curtains when the sun is in, and closing them when it sets.

    
    

  • Keeping rooms you use warm, rather than whole house.

    
    

  • If you're comfortable doing so, turning your thermostat down by just 1°C can reduce the amount of energy you use and could save around £90 a year.

• Invite people in

If you're home during the day with the heating on, inviting a neighbour round for a cup of tea gives them somewhere warm to spend a few hours. It sounds simple, but for someone rationing their heating, this can make a real difference.

• Organise practical help

Could you coordinate draught-proofing sessions where neighbours help each other seal windows and doors, sharing skills on how to keep warm? What about a community tool library for items like thermal curtains or electric blankets that people could borrow? These grassroots solutions don't cost much but deliver real warmth.

The power of community this winter

Evidence from across Scotland shows that community-led initiatives make a real difference. The key is removing stigma and making support accessible. Whether it's a church hall offering soup and company, neighbours simply checking in, or being encouraged to contact a local advice centre, people feel less isolated and more able to seek help.

So, if you're reading this and thinking about what you can do, start small. Identify one or two vulnerable neighbours and make a point of checking on them weekly and share information about available support. Or speak with your local community centre about setting up informal gatherings where people can spend time in a warm space.

Fuel poverty can feel very isolating and overwhelming but when we act, even in small ways, we create a safety net that official services alone can't provide.

Staying warm isn't just about building warm homes and energy efficiency, it's also about looking after our community.

Block of snow covered flats in winter, South Lanarkshire, Scotland.