A NEW initiative to support people in fuel poverty is being launched in Coventry.
The Stay Warm in Willenhall project will see Green Doctors – trained energy advisers from environmental organisation Groundwork – embedded into the local community.
Support for residents from the new project will be available at the John White Community Centre, The Karis Centre and The Hagard Centre.
The project will aim to increase access to individualised support, including energy advice, energy saving measures for the home and personal warmth items.
In Coventry North East, one quarter of households live in fuel poverty – almost double the national average.
Stay Warm in Willenhall will aim to train local residents to identify and support other people suffering from fuel poverty after the project’s completion through an Energy Champion programme.
Volunteers will be recruited and trained to support the project, helping to improve its reach among under-represented groups.
Training will include identifying fuel poverty and basic behaviour change advice to reduce energy consumption.
Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, said: “Our Green Doctors see the devastating impact that fuel poverty has on households every day as families continue to struggle to keep their homes warm.
“They also see the relief when people are given the right support, based on the needs of their home and circumstances.
“The Stay Warm in project allows this intervention to go one step further – creating a safe space for people to get support while empowering local people to help their friends, relatives and neighbours.”
The project forms part of a £340,000 fund from Cadent Foundation as part of the Stay Warm, Stay Well programme with Groundwork, with funding distributed to projects across England.
Ranjit Blythe, Managing Director of Cadent Foundation, said: “The ongoing challenges associated with the cost of living means that this winter is going to be difficult for millions of households across the UK. This is why we develop programmes that provide year-round support to fuel poverty with our trusted charity partners.
“We are proud to partner with Groundwork to ensure local communities not only get the help they need now but are equipped with the tools to make behavioural changes that will have a long-term impact on their energy consumption.”
