Fair Frome has begun hosting energy efficiency advice sessions for local residents after receiving a £1,995 grant from E.ON’s Energising Communities Fund. The funding has also made installation of a new heating system in the organisation’s main office and food distribution point possible.
Following on from a draught-proofing workshop held earlier in the year, the Fair Frome Centre is hosting monthly group and individual sessions as well as home visits, where appropriate, delivered by Anna Francis, resilience officer from Frome Town Council.
Fair Frome will actively promote the sessions through its network of local support agencies who refer clients to its food and furniture banks. Sessions include sharing information on efficient use of heating and hot water, working out the cost of your energy and identifying potential ways to lower your energy use at home.
Fair Frome is a community organisation offering a range of services to local people, in addition to the food and furniture banks. It also organises a range of community events, reaching around 3,000 people annually with the help of 30 volunteers.
Its main office and food distribution point, housed behind Frome Town Hall, were poorly insulated and without central heating. Staff, volunteers and service users were dependent on inefficient portable electric heaters. The funding from E.ON has enabled the installation of a more efficient and effective heating system, which is also cheaper to run.
Wendy Miller-Williams, co-ordinator at Fair Frome said, “Fair Frome strives to enable greater financial, educational, social and health equality for people in Frome and the surrounding area. We’re recognised as a community hub, and have evolved to best serve the local need.
“Last year, we felt it was important to find a proactive way to educate people about how they’re using their energy and encourage energy efficiency in their homes by promoting fuel-saving habits. We’re working with Anna Francis, resilience officer for Frome Town Council, who can impart the practical knowledge that people could apply to their everyday lives.”
Suzanne Roe, E.ON’s corporate responsibility and community relations manager said, “There are simple steps that people can take in their homes to make sure they’re using no more energy than they really need. It’s not about going without, or reducing your comfort at home, but understanding how you’re using your energy and what you can do to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
“Fair Frome is established in the community and well-placed to target local residents who may benefit most from the energy efficiency advice. For us, it’s about identifying the best way to get the message out, and we’re pleased to help support these kinds of projects, which can have a really positive impact, through our Energising Communities Fund.”
Frome residents wishing to access energy efficiency advice should get in touch with Anna Francis at Frome Town Council via francisa @frometowncouncil.gov.uk or on 01373 488579.
