Warm Start, Healthy Futures
Warm Start, Healthy Futures is a targeted programme designed to support organisations working with families and young people across the North West and East Midlands. Delivered by National Energy Action, the project provides expert training, energy advice, and community engagement to tackle fuel poverty and its impact on children.
Why this project matters
Fuel poverty has serious and long-lasting effects on children’s health, wellbeing, and educational attainment. With over 6 million children affected, families living in cold homes face increased risks such as respiratory illness, poor mental health, and disrupted learning.
This project equips organisations with the knowledge and tools to:
- Identify families at risk
- Support healthier home environments
- Improve outcomes for children and young people
Funded training for frontline professionals
National Energy Action provides fully funded, expert‑led training for staff and volunteers working in health and social care, education, safeguarding, and wider community or family‑support roles.
Our interactive 2.5‑hour session is delivered by experienced trainers and includes a detailed reference manual. The training explores the causes and risks of fuel poverty, the health impacts on pregnant individuals and children living in cold homes, practical ways to reduce energy waste, and how to signpost households to the right support.
To learn more or book a place, visit Warm Start, Healthy Futures or email trainingadmin@nea.org.uk if you’d like to arrange in‑person delivery.
Community energy advice and family support
Our project development co‑ordinator can work directly with your organisation to deliver tailored energy‑advice sessions, community events, and family‑friendly activities.
We support families with understanding tariffs and bills, reducing energy use, keeping homes warm and free from damp and mould. Onward referrals and signposting for those needing, warmth packs, further support and assistance to access grants, fuel vouchers, crisis funds, food banks and benefits advice. The aim is simple: helping families stay warm, save money, and reach the support they need.
For partnership enquiries, contact phil.povey@nea.org.uk (North West) or helen.carter@nea.org.uk (East Midlands).
Schools, workshops and teacher CPD
Schools play a vital role in identifying and supporting families affected by fuel poverty. We offer CPD training for teachers, educators and safeguarding leads, providing practical guidance on recognising at‑risk families and understanding how cold homes affect learning and wellbeing.
Student workshops (Years 3 and 4)
Our engaging, curriculum‑linked workshops explore energy use in the home, health and the environment, and positive actions children can take. We can also support parent sessions, assemblies and coffee mornings to reach the wider school community.
To enquire about workshops, complete our short form once available: School workshop enquiry.
Get involved
Whether you’re a community organisation, school or support service, we can work with you to deliver meaningful support to families and expectant parents. Contact shelly.mcdonald@nea.org.uk to discuss opportunities.
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