Warmer Neighbourhoods

During 2004/05 Northern Neighbourhoods Health Action Zone implemented an energy efficiency pilot entitiled ‘Warmer Neighbourhoods’ across eight HAZ neighbourhoods, in partnership with National Energy Action (NEA). The project consisted of 3 elements which aimed to get information about fuel poverty and energy efficiency into local areas.

The first element consisted of inter-active and participative workshops with local residents providing fuel poverty facts, energy efficiency tips and information about the Warm Homes grant.

The second element of 'warmer neighbourhoods' provided one to one support to older residents in the target neighbourhoods. A specialist Fuel Poverty Advisor made home visits to over 50 older and vulnerable residents. During these planned visits residents were given advice on how to reduce heating costs and access grants for improved home heating systems.

The third element of the programme made small grants available to participating community groups to enable them to come up with creative ways to keep the energy efficiency message alive and to connect it into their communities. The grant enabled communities to develop their own innovative ideas and projects. Some of these projects are outlined below:

Glebeside
Glebeside Community Association produced a wall mural that highlights simple ways in which residents can save energy e.g. turning off electrical equipment and using energy efficient light bulbs. The group also produced and distributed an energy efficiency quiz to young people in Ballymoney to survey attitudes and knowledge amoung young people towards energy efficiency matters.

Larne

Larne Community Care Centre targeted children aged 8-12 years, through a poster competition and discussion session, to promote energy awareness at home and in the community.

Antiville and Craigyhill planned an outing for approximately 30 young people to the Ecos Centre in Ballymena. This provided the young people with an opportunity to consider how energy efficiency can make a difference to the environment in a fun and interactive way.

Ratheen Greenvale and Sullenboy

Ratheen Greenvale and Sullenboy used their grant to purchase and supply energy efficient lightbulbs to residents in their neighbourhood, prioritising older people and lone parent families. The volunteers also used this as an opportunity to discuss fuel poverty issues with the residents and distribute leaflets on energy saving tips.

New Mossley

New Mossley Community Group had just taken over a lease from the Housing Executive for a community base. The funding allowed them to make the space into a more comfortable meeting environment by purchasing oil and electricity. The Community Group received additional support with Maxol Direct who contributed extra heating oil to help reduce running costs of the community house and ensure the comfort of residents using the house in forthcoming community events.

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