“The popularity of this programme shows how much local communities value having a local space to gather, hold events and support community clubs and projects. Through the pandemic and the energy crisis CSE has seen how important it is that these community hubs can stay open, with many of these buildings now providing a warm space for those unable to heat their homes during the coldest months. It’s rewarding to hear how such simple improvements such as installing LED lighting or adding insulation can support community groups to save money on their energy bills, reduce their carbon emissions and create a more comfortable space for their local residents to use. With round 7 of the TRCBP now offering free energy awareness training to current and previous applicants, we hope that we can reduce the stigma associated with fuel poverty and support communities to use their knowledge to help their communities to save money and have warmer homes this winter.”

“This money will go a long way in helping us to transform a rather disused part of our youth club into somewhere welcoming, engaging, and fun to be in for young people and the community. We can say a fond farewell to the very inefficient strip lights that have been languishing there for decades! I’m just grateful that people are doing the work on this. The last couple of years, hard as they’ve been, have opened the discussion and reduced the stigma when it comes to fuel poverty. It’s so important for people to have these tools, especially when it comes to navigating the often frustrating and opaque world of bills, tariffs, metres, etc.” –