Developing warm spaces’ capacity to provide energy advice and support

Warm spaces have become a vital source of support for communities across the UK, providing not only a warm and welcoming environment, but also opportunities for social connection, practical assistance and access to trusted advice. 

Over an 18-month project, National Energy Action (NEA) worked with Northern Powergrid, Northern Gas Networks, National Grid Electricity Transmission, National Gas, Egnida and the Energy Innovation Centre to explore how warm spaces can play a greater role in helping people access energy advice and support. The project focused on communities across Yorkshire and the North East of England, with particular attention given to those with higher prevalence of fuel poverty, social isolation and digital exclusion. 

The project combined research, sector consultation and real-world testing to understand what works best when delivering energy-related support through trusted community spaces. It brought together the experiences of warm space providers, volunteers, partner organisations and service users, helping to build an evidence base for sustainable, community-led support. More than 100 organisations contributed to the research, while 30 organisations took part in the Open Doors Support Network, which tested practical approaches to delivering energy advice within warm spaces.  

The final project report explores the importance of warm spaces, why they are effective settings for delivering energy advice, the challenges faced by providers, and the impact that tailored support can have on both organisations and service users. It also shares lessons learned from the Open Doors Support Network and provides recommendations for future policy and practice. 

Alongside the report is a Support Action Plan. The Plan translates the project’s findings into practical guidance. Designed for both existing and prospective warm spaces, it sets out a series of recommendations to help organisations deliver effective energy advice and support. Covering areas such as partnerships, training, communications, funding and service delivery, the action plan provides a roadmap for creating sustainable, accessible and trusted support services within community settings. 

Together, these publications provide a comprehensive evidence base and practical toolkit for organisations looking to strengthen their support offer, improve access to energy advice, and help communities stay warm, well and connected. 

Explore the findings and recommendations 

Whether you are a warm space provider, community organisation, local authority, funder or energy advice practitioner, these resources offer valuable insights into how trusted community spaces can help tackle fuel poverty, reduce isolation and improve access to energy support. 

Read the Final Project Report to learn about the research, evidence and impact of the project, and download the Support Action Plan for recommendations on delivering energy-related support through warm spaces. Together, these documents provide practical insight for developing stronger, more sustainable community support services.