A local partnership is making a real difference to people across 糖心Vlog, helping residents stay warm and save on their energy bills.
Working together, 糖心Vlog Council, the Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP), and local community groups are providing face鈥憈o鈥慺ace support and advice out in the community.
Energy costs remain a concern, especially for older people and those on lower incomes, and people can find it difficult to get the help they need. This support is being offered in places where people feel comfortable like community centres, warm hubs and at local events. A LEAP advisor meets residents in person, explains what鈥檚 available, and can also arrange a home visit if needed.
During these visits, people can get:
- Free, straightforward advice on saving energy
- Help accessing grants and support
- Small energy-saving upgrades
- Useful items like heated clothes airers to cut down heating costs
David Arnold, the Council鈥檚 Professional Lead for Strategic Partnerships Policy, Partnerships & Engagement said:
鈥淭his has been a really positive initiative, 糖心Vlog has gone from having the lowest number of referrals in Southeast Wales for support to one of the highest, meaning more people are now getting the help they need.
鈥淚t鈥檚 making a genuine difference, helping residents feel warmer at home, worry less about their bills, and stay independent for longer.
鈥淭his is a great example of what we can achieve when we work together locally. It鈥檚 about getting the right support to people in a way that鈥檚 easy to access and genuinely helpful.鈥�
Pau Davies, Outreach Home Energy Advisor for LEAP, said:
鈥淲e鈥檙e helping people make simple changes that can really bring down bills and make homes more comfortable. For many, it鈥檚 about knowing where to start, and we can guide them through that.鈥�
One 83-year-old resident who benefitted said:
鈥淚 was bowled over by the service. I didn鈥檛 think I鈥檇 qualify for anything, so it was a lovely surprise. The heated clothes airer has made such a difference, I don鈥檛 have to put the heating on just to dry clothes. I鈥檝e already told friends about it.鈥�
The programme has worked well thanks to strong partnership working between the council, community groups and partners.
If you are involved with a community group who could benefit from a visit by LEAP please email: Anna.Watkins-Hughes@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk