FAMILIES facing fuel poverty and food hardship in Fife have benefitted from support from Kingdom Housing Association.

The social landlord and charity helped 1,090 customers access over £778,000 of support in the last year through its Tenancy Sustainment Services.

During March, £15,600 in funding will be available to the Money Advice Team to help 104 households struggling to purchase food.

Those in need will benefit from Scotland Loves Local vouchers to spend on items while they are offered income maximisation and budgeting advice.

Energy advisors will also continue to work with those experiencing fuel poverty by providing small home energy efficiency measures such as light bulbs, draft excluders and radiator foil thanks to a £125,000 grant.

They will also be providing carpets and curtains to help insulate properties and reduce energy costs.

Bill Banks, Kingdom Group Chief Executive, said: "Helping improve the lives of the people within our communities is something that has always been extremely important to me and I’m glad that as the cost of living crisis continues we’re able to offer ongoing support to those who need it most.

"Kingdom’s mission is to provide more than a home and our range of tenancy support services, including advocacy and advice as well as financial support, helps us deliver on that mission."

A General Finance Fund has also been made available to both Kingdom Housing Association tenants and Kingdom Initiative tenants aimed at providing short-term financial assistance to those experiencing critical or emergency hardship.

These can be used to help with the cost of food, household bills, or baby and child expenses.

Richard Barnett, Kingdom’s Tenancy Support Services Coordinator, said: "At Kingdom Housing Association we are fully committed to providing help to any customer impacted by the cost of living crisis.

"We are increasingly seen by funders as having an important role in distributing funding to those requiring urgent short term interventions.

"We are also extremely fortunate to have a number of core services providing advice and support to tackle the underlying causes of hardship."

Additional funding was provided by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and the Scottish Government.

Kingdom Housing Association customers can find out more about financial support and services available by calling l 01592 630 922 or emailing tssteam@kha.scot.