Scarf – Challenge Poverty Week 2026
Posted: 08 October 2026, in News
Scarf is an environmental and social enterprise based in Aberdeen. It supports people and communities across the North East of Scotland to reduce energy costs, improve energy efficiency and live in warmer, healthier homes.
A big part of what it does is about making sure people aren’t left struggling on their own when energy costs become difficult to manage.
We spoke with Tricia Gray, HR Manager at Scarf to find out more about their approach to Fair Work.
How does your organisation support those experiencing poverty in the community?
For us, Fair Work is about more than simply having a job. It’s about people having secure, fairly paid work where they are respected, supported, and have a voice.
We aim to practise what we promote. We pay the Real Living Wage, offer good annual leave and flexible working, and invest in our people. We also recognise that people have lives outside work and that a good employer should understand that.
Through our wider work, we also help people facing high energy costs, fuel poverty and difficult financial circumstances. Our teams work directly with people in their homes and communities, helping them find practical ways to reduce their energy costs and access the support available to them.
What challenges do you face to your work around tackling poverty?
The biggest challenge is that the need is greater than the resources available. We work in a sector where funding can change and contracts can come and go, while the underlying need doesn’t disappear. Poverty is also rarely about one thing. Energy costs, housing, health, employment and household finances can all be connected, so the support people need isn’t always straightforward.
Do you have a short testimonial to share?
One of the most rewarding things is hearing from people who tell us that, because of our support, they are warmer at home, less worried about their energy bills and feel that someone has listened to them.
For us, that is what makes the work worthwhile.
Here is our latest video with testimonials https://youtu.be/owMaELBFc1I?si=Y_6LBF_Re3eWwO-Y
What one change would most help you support those dealing with poverty?
Longer-term, more secure funding would make a huge difference. It would allow organisations like Scarf to plan properly, retain experienced staff and continue building trusted relationships with the communities we support, rather than constantly having to respond to short-term funding pressures.