MICRO PROJECT From July 2022 to December 2022 we will run at least 12 Energy Cafes. These provide a relaxed, informal and easily accessible environment where people who are struggling to pay energy bills can get some basic energy advice from trained volunteer Energy Champions. Information is offered on saving energy in the home, signposting to grants and discounts is given and help is offered with changing to a greener and cheaper energy tariff. The project will be run by 12 recently trained local volunteer Energy Champions. People who get energy advice at the cafes will also be given LED lights to fit in their homes and Energy Champions will demonstrate the use of draught excluders, reflectors for behind radiators, and other small, inexpensive energy-saving measures For those interested, they will demonstrate how to use our (separately funded) thermal camera to detect heat loss in the home.

What we'll deliver:

• 12+ Pop Up 'Energy Cafes'

Why it's a great idea:

This project will tackle the root cause of our social challenges in Redbrindge. Rising energy prices are adding to fuel poverty which already exists in Ilford and putting pressure on many families. The wards surrounding Ilford Town Centre (Loxford, Ilford Town Centre, Clementswood) are areas of multiple deprivation. (LB Redbridge Annual Health Report 2020). Loxford ward has the highest levels of child poverty in the Borough (44%) and has some areas where 62% of children are in poverty. Another huge social challenge is how to respond best to the Climate Emergency and the need to move away from fossil fuels in the way we heat our homes. “An energy café programme costs much less than a home visit service. Funding and resources allocated to fuel poverty alleviation programmes are typically very restricted, and the best use of resources entails matching clients to the type of intervention that will best respond to their needs for the lowest cost."

Steps to get it done:

• Receive micro grant from Redbridge Council

Research has shown that Energy cafes are an effective, low cost and community-led way of addressing fuel poverty: http://www.cied.ac.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Energy-cafes-policy-brief-web.pdf