Energy Outreach Project
supporting devon's communities through the challenges of the energy crisis and increasing cost of living
Devon Communities Together is here to provide help and support to people via our fully trained Energy Champions, as part of the Energy Outreach Project (funded by Citizens Advice).
how can we help?
1. community energy presentations
Nowadays, we are all worried about our energy bills. We can come to your Village Hall or other community space and provide a tailored presentation about the ways in which you could save energy and access additional support.
Who are the presentations for?
Are you on a village hall committee or involved in a similar organisation? You may wish to arrange a presentation as a service to your community. It could make a difference to people's wellbeing throughout this period.
Alternatively you could encourage some of your users/contacts to invite us along to one of their events. We can attend coffee mornings, lunch clubs, village markets, as well as bespoke events. We are happy to undertake repeat visits to locations and organisations we have helped in the past.
We offer drop-in sessions with our Energy Efficiency Champions, and these sessions are much shorter in length approx 15 minutes. Look out for our open drop in sessions across the county, they're free, and a free fleece blanket with every session.
Also, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for up to date sessions.
Depending on your community's needs, we can cover topics including:
- The energy market and energy costs
- Understanding fuel poverty
- Government support for households
- Industry support for households
- Warm Homes Discount eligibility
- Home energy saving
- Switching energy suppliers
- Priority Services Register
- Getting further advice
- Investment in home energy saving
- The pros and cons of Smart Meters
- Devon Oil Collective
- Carbon Zero – new energy sources
- Obtaining further help with energy affordability
Our presentations will take around 40 minutes and there will be time for questions and the opportunity to request individual support. To book a presentation, email anderson.jones@devoncommunities.org.uk, martin@devoncommunities.org.uk, or call 01392 248919.
2. FREE Energy advice sessions
October
Honiton Library, 50 New Street, Honiton, EX14 1BS: Tuesday 29th from 9:30-11:30am
Glenorchy Job Cafe, Glenorchy Church Hall, Exeter Road, Exmouth EX8 1JL: Thursday 31st from 9:15-12:00pm
NOVEMBER
Holsworthy Food Hub, Bodmin Street Methodist Church (The Manse North Road, Holsworthy, Devon EX22 6HF: Friday 15th from 12:30-2:00pm
Cost of Living Event run by CVS Teignbridge, Town Hall North Street, Ashburton PE10 9EA: Wednesday 20th from 1-4pm
Holsworthy Food Hub, Bodmin Street Methodist Church (The Manse North Road, Holsworthy, Devon EX22 6HF: Friday 22nd from 12:30-2:00pm
Seaton Library, 23 Queen Street, Seaton EX12 2NY: Monday 25th from 9:30-12:00pm
West Hill Parish Council, Royal British Legion (West Hill) Clubhouse, School Lane, West Hill, EX11 1TX: Tuesday 26th from 10:00-11:00 (Group presentation) and from 11:00-12:00 (drop in session)
Oak Apple Cafe, Membury Village Hall, to the right of the church, Membury EX13 7AF: Friday 29th from 1:00-3:00pm
December
Torrington Town & Community Hall, The Town Hall Office High Street, Great Torrington EX38 8HN: Wednesday 4th from 12:15-2:15
Gittisham Village Hall, Gittisham, Honiton, Devon EX14 3AB: Thursday 5th December from 5:00-6:30pm
Colyton Library, Corner Of Market Place & South Street, Colyton EX24 6NQ: Thursdays 5th and 12th from 10:30-12:30pm
Holsworthy Food Hub, Bodmin Street Methodist Church The Manse North Road, Holsworthy, Devon EX22 6HF: Friday 13th from 12:30-2:00
January
Barnstaple Library, Tuly St, Barnstaple EX31 1EL: Wednesday 8th from 10:00-1:00
Bideford Library, Bideford Arts Centre, The Quay, Bideford EX39 2EY: Thursday 9th from 11:30-1:00
FEBRUARY
Torrington Library Castle Hill, South Street, Torrington EX38 8AA: Monday 3rd from 10:00-1:00
Holworthy Library, North Road, Holsworthy EX22 6HA: Monday 3rd from 2:00-5:00
3. 1-2-1 support
We are also available to work with individuals or households to look at specific ways you can mitigate against the impact of energy costs and explore ways in which you could access additional financial and wellbeing support.
For a confidential chat, please email anderson.jones@devoncommunities.org.uk, martin@devoncommunities.org.uk, or call 01392 248919.
4. WARM FLEECE BLANKETS
We are very lucky to have received a grant of £7367 from the National Grid Community Fund to give away FREE fleece blankets, to keep you warm and snug the coming months. All of this is available to people who attend a 10 minute personal advice session from either of our Energy Champions at a 1-2-1 session, community presentation or meet and greet.
Interview with Martin Rich
Anderson interviews Martin about his top tips and advice for preparing and managing household heating bills for winter. If you would like to book for an appointment or join our free one-one advice sessions, you can contact us on 01932 248919 or email anderson.jones@devoncommunities.org.uk or martin@devoncommunities.org.uk.
Resources
Read about our talented Energy Champion Anderson Jones and how he saves money on energy bill usage in his home: https://www.devoncommunities.org.uk/news/day-life-energy-champion-anderson-jones
Please help us spread the word!
Even if you don't feel you need support, you may know somebody who does. Please share our contact details and this website with anyone who may benefit from our support. We can also provide flyers, posters and text about the support that's available - if you would like any materials to share in your community, please contact marketing@devoncommunities.org.uk.
