Fuel Poverty Seminar - October 2009 The Health Action Zone in partnership with Moyle District Council, Ballymoney Borough Council and Coleraine Borough Council hosted a successful and informative fuel poverty seminar on the 23rd October. The seminar took place in Tilly Molloy’s Community Centre in Armoy and was attended by a range of delegates from across the community, statutory and voluntary sectors. Guest speakers included Professor Christine Liddell, a leading expert on fuel poverty and its impacts on children, Paul Wallace from National Energy Action, and the Fuel Poverty Co-ordinator for the Northern Area, Jackie Frazer. Presentations given by these speakers are now available to download from the HAZ website. |
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Professor Christine Liddell illustrated that from birth children show significant benefits from being cared for in warm homes. They have better weight gain, less crying and distress, a reduction in respiratory illnesses and allergies and improved long term cognitive development. Children living in warm homes miss fewer days off school and are able to do their homework in a quiet warm room and have anticipated improved educational attainment. Also presenting at the seminar, Angela Welsh, Manager of Causeway Citizens Advice Bureau and Barbara Gray, Energy Efficiency Advisor for Moyle and Ballymoney, highlighted a number of cases where partnership working had led to real benefits for local residents living in fuel poverty. The case studies highlighted positive outcomes including increased income through benefits, improved energy efficiency measures and replacement home heating systems installed in client’s homes through the Warm Homes Plus scheme. In bringing the seminar to a conclusion, Paul Wallace of National Energy Action NI illustrated the importance of energy efficiency measures such as loft and cavity wall insulation and draught proofing to make sure we are getting the most out of every penny we spend on expensive fuels. |
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The main aim of the seminar was to increase understanding, skills and knowledge of frontline staff, local elected representatives and community leaders who regularly come into contact with people at risk of, or living in, fuel poverty. Delegates will now be better equipped to signpost people to sources of information and available resources that can alleviate fuel poverty and its effects. Feedback from the seminar indicates that this is now likely to happen. Joan Stephenson, Co-ordinator for Good Morning Carrickfergus, commented: “A number of our clients at Good Morning Carrickfergus are elderly, vulnerable and experience social isolation, and many are likely to experience fuel poverty. This event has profiled the support that is available locally for our vulnerable clients. As a result of this event I intend to promote the fuel poverty support that is available through our local council and refer clients that are eligible for any additional assistance.” |
Guest Speaker Presentations 23rd October 2009 Christine Liddell Presentation / Paul Wallace Presentation / Jacqui Frazer Presentation (click to download)
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