Working together for warmer, fairer communities: African Challenge Scotland and Home Energy Scotland

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This spotlight article highlights some great collaboration between voluntary organisation African Challenge Scotland and Home Energy Scotland, helping to support diverse communities in the areas of fuel poverty and sustainability. The spotlight has been provided by Home Energy Scotland, which offers free advice and support to help make homes warmer, reduce energy bills, and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. 

Strong partnerships are at the heart of community-led change – and the collaboration between African Challenge Scotland and Home Energy Scotland is a shining example of what’s possible when organisations come together with a shared purpose.

African Challenge Scotland, founded in 2013, is a voluntary organisation committed to building stronger, more inclusive communities. Its work centres on tackling poverty – including fuel poverty – while promoting educational, cultural, and sporting links between African communities and the wider Scottish population. Their approach is proactive, flexible, and deeply rooted in the needs and strengths of the communities they serve.

Since 2017, Home Energy Scotland has partnered with African Challenge Scotland to support minority ethnic communities in Glasgow with free, impartial advice on energy use, saving money, and reducing carbon emissions. Through workshops, advice stands, and community events, this partnership is helping families take control of their energy bills and build resilience in the face of rising costs.

An example of a recent event was a vibrant community fun day in Springburn, where African Challenge Scotland brought together a range of third sector and public organisations to offer support and celebrate local connections. Home Energy Scotland was there, providing practical guidance and friendly advice to attendees – many of whom are navigating complex challenges around energy use and affordability.

African Challenge Scotland places a strong emphasis on partnership working, recognising that collaboration is key to overcoming barriers and reaching those who are often excluded from mainstream services. By working with organisations like Home Energy Scotland, the community group can extend its impact and offer tailored support to minority ethnic groups, including those who are harder to reach and may be experiencing isolation.

Ronier Deumeni, African Challenge Scotland Founder, reflects:

"Our ongoing partnership with Home Energy Scotland is a real success and greatly benefits black and minority ethnic families in Glasgow. The activities and workshops that participants experienced through our programme helped them to learn about themselves and gain the skills and confidence to realise their dreams and improve their life. The specialist frameworks and practical guidance collected together here helped leaders and volunteers to provide participants with a programme that supports their development.

We paid attention to what each participant enjoyed doing and what they struggled with. We asked them to list their strengths and weaknesses during the one-on-one meetings held to support their household carbon footprint reduction. We evaluated their performance in the project, based on the tasks assigned to them. Through our project, participants are better able to identify ways to take control over their lives and build resilience. They learned new skills that will enable them to reduce their carbon emission and energy bills, and to manage their money and set a budget. This will help them to understand their spending habits, monthly income and overall financial position.

We will continue to work with Home Energy Scotland to enhance energy efficiency and zero-emissions heating solutions for Black and ethnic minority communities across Glasgow. This engagement aims to improve digital resources, offer in-depth support for home upgrades, and expand Green Homes Networks so that people can learn from others' experiences."

Scott Driver, senior partnership officer for Home Energy Scotland’s Strathclyde and Central advice centre, summarises that:

“Working in Partnership with African Challenge and other organisations really does help our customers reach a positive and sustainable future. Successful collaboration with key stakeholders extends the reach of our service and the support available to those within our communities that need our help the most.”

Together, African Challenge Scotland and Home Energy Scotland are helping to shape a future where communities are empowered, informed, and supported to thrive – no matter their background. Through partnership, shared purpose, and practical action, they are building bridges between services and people, creating spaces where everyone can live well, feel heard, and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable Scotland.

Home Energy Scotland welcomes opportunities to collaborate with organisations that share its commitment to tackling fuel poverty and supporting inclusive, sustainable communities. To explore partnership opportunities and find out how to work together, organisations are encouraged to get in touch.

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