A national fuel poverty initiative aimed at improving the lives of thousands of young people and pensioners living in Manchester has been praised by The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Alison Frith, during a recent visit.
The RESPECT project run in joint partnership between National Energy Action (NEA) and Community Service Volunteers (CSV) will run for 15 months and has received almost £80,000 from British Gas which was match funded by V, the young peoples volunteering programme. It aims to provide advice and help to vulnerable households living in fuel poverty.
The advice will be delivered by young and older volunteers who will receive vital training on fuel poverty issues
and will then work directly with their peers in local communities, encouraging interaction and respect between people of different age groups and backgrounds whilst helping to overcome the issues of fuel poverty.
Jenny Saunders, Chief Executive of NEA, said: "All too often an emphasis is put upon the lack of respect between the young and old. The RESPECT project has been developed to encourage interaction between all ages and backgrounds; working together to highlight that fuel poverty can affect anyone and does not discriminate between ages and cultures."
Cold, damp homes seriously affect the health of all people, increasing the risk of colds and flu, infections such as bronchitis, as well as increasing blood pressure leading to strokes and heart attacks, trips and falls. Living in fuel poverty causes excessive stress and isolation and can lead to long-term depression and anxiety.
The project will work with volunteers training them to recognise the signs of fuel poverty and giving them the confidence and knowledge to be able to offer advice and guidance on how to overcome these problems, communicate energy efficiency issues effectively and to raise awareness and understanding of the impact of poor housing conditions on health.
Christine Tate, Head of Corporate Responsibility at British Gas said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for British Gas employees to enhance and use their energy knowledge to give something back to the community.
"Communication skills, team working, coaching and mentoring are all key business skills which the project is helping them to develop and bring about a sustainable difference to people living in cold, damp homes."
Fiona Gowen, RSVP Assistant Director at CSV said: "CSV is passionate about volunteering and the RESPECT project is an exciting opportunity for volunteers to make a big difference in Manchester. Similar CSV projects in London and Scotland have reaped huge benefits for young and older people, saving them money on fuel, improving their energy efficiency and linking them to help available elsewhere. And, of course, this all helps the environment, a vital consideration in these times of climate change.
"Thank you to British Gas and V for their support and for recognising the importance of this vital initiative."
Terry Ryall, Chief Executive, v said: "v is delighted to be co-funding this project, supporting volunteering and the benefits it brings.
"We know from our research that, contrary to certain stereotypes, young people care about their community, care about the environment and care about making things better. We believe this project will unleash young peoples' talents, while at the same time bringing valuable support to older people in Manchester."
ENDS
Notes for Editors
- NEA is the UK's leading fuel poverty charity campaigning for affordable warmth in the homes of vulnerable people. For further details visit http://www.nea.org.uk
- For more information on the RESPECT project please contact Denise Howell Training and Partnership Manager on 0191 261 5677 or email denise.howell@nea.org.uk
- Fuel poverty is defined as when a household is required to spend more than ten per cent of its income on total fuel use.
- NEA's Press Enquiries to Lesley Tudor-Snodin, Press Officer at NEA on 0191 261 5677 or e-mail lesley.tudor-snodin@nea.org.uk