Warm and Well End of Project Report

INDING A VOICE & END OF PROJECT REPORT
OCTOBER 2020
esidets raise awareness and Well

hange perceptions with Cold

ealities - moving images

Warmnd stories of fuel poverty.

Tackling fuel poverty with people living with disability

National Lottery Community Fund

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT COMMUNITY OUTREACH FINDING A VOICE PEC PALS

Unhurried conversations. Learning and laughing How Cold Realities and Art See our person-centred
How we're taking on fuel together. Sharing ways to and Energy launched approach to volunteering
poverty side by side. impove homes, finances and creative ways to share and how it's changed
wellbeing. stories, hopes and ideas on a both PEC and its Pals.
fairer energy system.

PAGE 2

TABLE OF
CONTENTS

03 An introduction

04 Supporting people with
disability

05 Community outreach

08 Finding a voice

PEC Pals take the lead

11

WWW.PLYMOUTHENERGYCOMMUNITY.COM

PAGE 3

INTRODUCTION

FUEL POVERTY AND DISABILITY

Warm and Well has reached the end of a four year So what has changed?
programme to tackle fuel poverty alongside those For residents
living with disability. But for residents, and Plymouth 3238 were helped to improve their physical, mental and
Energy Community, it's just the beginning . financial wellbeing.
This report highlights key activities, new 512 households became a total of £500k better off in the
relationships and the learning we're continuing to first 12 months after being helped.
build on, in the face of the toughest social conditions Of those:
in living memory. 88% said their mental or physical health improved.
84% met their energy bills better
In 2016, there was little capacity for local services to 83% felt more confident and skilled in managing energy.
support the people most vulnerable to fuel poverty 64% made changes in behaviour to manage energy
at home. A lack of awareness in how to manage better
energy, meant bills were rising and so was debt. For PEC
There was a lack of understanding among decision- 44 became highly involved in creating community
makers of what living in fuel poverty actually looked solutions as PEC Pals
and felt like, as well as a gap for a coordinated, One is a Trustee on the PEC Board
community led effort to address it. One is employed as a PEC energy advisor
16 helped to develop PEC Homes - creating genuinely
We brought together 4 areas of work vital to affordable, healthy homes in the heart of Plymouth.
increasing resilience: support for complex For Plymouth
circumstances, community education, opportunities We have a legacy of better partnerships, smarter
to 'find a voice' and imagining solutions alongside working and more resilient services for those in fuel
supportive residents through PEC Pals. poverty.

PAGE 4 'A VERY HUMANE SERVICE'

SUPPORTING When things seem overwhelming, our
PEOPLE advisors say 'let's take this on together'
and the impacts can be life-changing.

In total

512 households supported long term
£500k better off in the first year after support
88% report better physical or mental health

PAGE 5 "IT IS A VERY HUMANE
SERVICE. I WAS TREATED
OVERVIEW
WITH DIGNITY.
LISTENING, TALKING AND IT HAS MADE A HUGE
CHANGING TOGETHER DIFFERENCE TO MY LIFE"

Living in fuel poverty is difficult. And it can also PAULINE'S STORY
be frightening if you are living with a long term
condition or disability that limits your daily CASE STUDY
routine. Imagine choosing between shopping for
food and keeping the heating on, when you know Pauline told us she had 'no-one left' after the
that a lack of either will make your health worse. person she cared for passed away.
The stark reality of fuel poverty drains people of She couldn't manage her energy bills and things
hope and dignity. were escalating. She lived in a cold, damp home
making her health worse and bailiffs were visiting
PEC advisors have developed a person-centred so often she hid.
way of supporting residents in their own homes. For 18 months we built trust and tackled each
This is the place they say they prefer to see us and issue together so Pauline felt back in control.
we quickly learned to listen first. This meant Her energy debt was paid by a charitable grant,
training advisors in social issues not directly advice and funded measures made her home
related to fuel poverty, but which are often found warm, dry and cheaper to run. We helped her set
in homes - including mental health awareness, up and keep to a payment plan for Council Tax
suicide prevention, learning disability awareness, too. As things improved, Pauline wanted to share
conflict resolution, equalities and dementia. We her experience and went on to help others in fuel
wanted to be able to understand what we were poverty by taking part in 'Cold Realities' - a
told and to respond well to it. campaign to raise awareness of the truth of fuel
poverty.
Today, each unhurried conversation gives people Life is very different for Pauline now, who goes to
the time they need to share their stories, a singing group each week and has new friends
difficulties and hopes without embarrassment. she is happy to invite home.
And we've seen that feeling heard is the first step
towards change for the better. Residents say it
allows them dignity, to feel more in control of
their future, and to work with us to to maximise
income, lower bills and tackle cold, damp homes.

During Covid-19, we continue to fight to keep
that person-centred focus and the ability to visit
the home for anyone who would become
excluded without it.

Tackling fuel poverty isn't just about money and a
warm home. It's also about regaining hope and
control. Advisors have built up close contact with
organisations and groups that tackle isolation,
mental health and distress, as well as loneliness.
We also offer opportunities to get involved in our
work, completing the transition from feeling
'helpless' to empowered, For some, like Pauline,
the effect was transformative.

PAGE 6 BUILDING CONFIDENCE

COMMUNITY With a little shared knowledge and
OUTREACH some simple steps, you can change
things for the better - for you, your
friends and your family.

3238 people supported one to one
85 community events held
44% who 'filled their CUP' changed energy use

PAGE 7 "YOU EXPLAINED
THINGS SO CLEARLY
HIGHLIGHTS AND I FELT COMFORTABLE
TO ASK QUESTIONS...
COMMUNITY POWER! THERE IS SO MUCH THAT I

We reached 3238 residents with personalised DIDN'T KNOW!"
one to one support that helped them take
control and change their circumstances for Fill Your Cup
the better. We did this by visiting existing
social groups, community events and holding C - CLAIM WHAT YOU ARE ENTITLED TO
drop-ins with organisations that support U - USE POWER WELL
people living with disability. P - PAY LESS FOR WHAT YOU NEED

We also delivered Fill Your Cup sessions to T LEARNING
community groups, workplaces and over
330 frontline workers. PSST...PASS IT ON!

We use the mnemonic CUP - one that proved Fill Your Cup sessions started as a Warm and
very effective in helping residents to Well tool that became part of PEC! All Energy
remember ways to tackle cold, damp homes Advisors can now deliver sessions for partners,
and high bills. It led to changes in behaviour local businesses and online during Covid 19, as
that improve circumstances over time and we continue to support the community.
helps people to pass the information on to
friends and family.

-  94% of attendees felt more confident to
   support people in similar situations
   after coming along
-  44% made positive changes themselves.

"I'VE GOT A SMART METER NOW!
I HAD NO IDEA HOW MUCH CERTAIN
HOUSEHOLD ITEMS WERE TO USE.

IT'S REALLY SURPRISING.
THANK YOU."

PAGE 10 From photo exhibitions raising awareness of fuel
poverty, to exploring solar energy. Residents are
FINDING A finding creative ways to lead change.

VOICE The images on this page come from Cold Realities - a photographic
exhibition created by families living with disability and in fuel poverty. 

COLD REALITIES "This is the nightmare.
I said 'I have to get away. I

can't live here anymore.'
I haven't been well."

PAGE 9 "SURELY ONE NECESSARY CONDITION
OF PROGRESS IN ERADICATING FUEL
HIGHLIGHTS
POVERTY IS THAT EVERY
FINDING UNFAIRNESS AND FUNDHOLDER, DECISION-MAKER AND
TACKLING IT TOGETHER
THOUGHT LEADER HAS TO GO WITH
Spending time with residents, listening and CLARE MAINS TO MEET HEATHER."
understanding their stories reveals systemic
unfairness. These issues are related to fuel Adam Scorer, Chief Executive,
poverty, but are not addressed well in current National Energy Action
fuel poverty strategies. We have been able to
share these with local and national partners "YOU ARE TAKING THE RHETORIC
and decision makers - working together to AND TURNING IT INTO REAL LIFE
make positive changes.
PRACTICE. IT GIVES ME HOPE."
Warm and Well spoke at National Energy
Action's annual conference in 2018. The event Stephanie McInley,
was attended by 350 charities, energy Smart Energy GB
suppliers, local authorities and policy makers.
PEC's speech focused on the lived experience
of a resident called Heather who was
struggling to find grants and help to stay warm.
PEC urged attendees to collaborate with
community led groups and to create an
improved fuel poverty strategy that puts:
- People first
- Trust in the community, and
- Seeks simplicity in policy.

Our collected insight is now sought at a
national level. And PEC has advised at an All-
Party Parliamentary Group on Vulnerability,
Fuel Poverty and Carbon Monoxide and also at
Energy Supplier round tables on vulnerability.

PAGE 10 Cold Realities appeared at
both the UK and
HIGHLIGHTS
the Scottish Parliament.
Creative opportunities help people find the
confidence to get involved in energy issues, RAISING AWARENESS
where before they felt unable to. NATIONALLY

We created Cold Realities alongside
Plymouth residents in fuel poverty, a
photographic exhibition that caught the
attention of national charities, energy
suppliers and MPs. It went on to appear in a
national publication, at a Parliamentary
Reception in London, at an All Party
Parliamentary Committee and also in
Scottish Parliament with charity Energy
Action Scotland. It continues to set the tone
for events that bring stakeholders and energy
suppliers together to discuss better ways to
tackle fuel poverty and Plymouth residents
are affecting the change they need.

We work closely with Art & Energy CIC to
explore new energy technologies creatively
with residents. We made solar powered art
together that exhibited at the Illuminate
Festival of Light in Plymouth in 2019 and we
are now working to raise confidence to talk
about the Climate Emergency and a fairer
energy system. The resulting mass-
participation art installation will be shown in
Glasgow during COP 26, where world leaders
are meeting in November 2021. 

LEARNING

GETTING 'HANDS ON' IS
REBALANCING THE POWER

From photography to cutting and soldering
solar cells, we see that creative opportunities
enable people to participate... giving
residents the time and space needed to
explore energy issues. The results are
empowering and people who are less able to
represent themselves are learning new skills,
breaking down barriers and finding their
voice. 

PAGE 11 AMBITION, ACTION AND
BETTER SUPPORT IN THE CITY.
PEC PALS
PEC Pals are taking over! See how Pals became even
more involved in the work we do to tackle an unfair
energy system and fuel poverty.

44 people became trained PEC Pals
16 PEC Pals engaged in new PEC Homes org
One PEC Pal is now a Trustee!
One PEC Pal is employed as a PEC Advisor

PAGE 12 "I AM VERY HAPPY TO SAY
IT MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE TO ME.
HIGHLIGHTS
I FEEL VERY PRIVILEGED
PALS TAKE OVER TO BE WORKING FOR PEC AND
MAKING A DIFFERENCE TO PEOPLE’S
44 PEC Pals were actively involved in both PEC LIVES EVERY WORKING DAY."
and Warm and Well's activities in the city. And
for some, that involvement has progressed to a LEARNING
whole new level!
The more we share our knowledge and vision,
When PEC Pals started in 2016, we had no idea the greater chance we have of improving
that our new idea - a guided collaboration with resilience to fuel poverty in the city. 
residents - would become an essential part of We are bringing the PEC Pals programme to
PEC and how it is run. We had an ambition to Student Social Workers at the University of
share our knowledge of fuel poverty and the Plymouth - to encourage a legacy of
energy system with the community and from awareness and understanding. PEC will
there, hand the reigns to Pals and ask how they continue to take students on
wanted to be part of the solution. work placements, so that they gain valuable
experience of fuel poverty and services to
Four years on and Pals are starting to shape  prevent it.
everything we do.
They are: PG speaks at PEC's AGM
on being a Pal and
Providing help to fuel poor residents at
home, installing draught proofing and taking community action.
curtains.

Informing consultations on new PEC
activities - like the launch of PEC
Community Homes to build affordable, low
energy houses responding to the local
housing need.

Choosing to develop their energy skills and
even work with us - like Didier, who is now
an Assistant Energy Advisor.

Becoming Trustees - like Owen who
is helping to shape new charity PEC
Trust's long term vision and goals. 

Owen is our new Trustee!

PAGE 13 Owen Ryles, PEC Pal and
now PEC Trustee
HIGHLIGHTS
What made you want to become a Trustee?
"BEING INVOLVED WITH Being involved in the PEC Pals programme
PEC, AND THE PEC PALS made me think about the best way that I
PROGRAMME, HAS PROVIDED could support the aims and objectives of PEC.
ME WITH A WONDERFUL With the creation of PEC Trust, and my
OPPORTUNITY TO LEND background in managing the Plymouth
PRACTICAL SUPPORT" Athenaeum charitable society, I thought that I
could help most effectively by sharing my
What made you join PEC Pals? knowledge, skills and experience in this area
Having met members of the PEC team at the as a Trustee.
launch of the Sustainable Earth Institute and
then attending a talk on the work of PEC, I was The Plymouth Athenaeum promotes learning
inspired to get involved with the PEC Pals in science, technology, literature and art. It has
programme. It seemed an excellent, practical crossovers with PEC’s aims and objectives, and
opportunity to get involved and make a I believe the experience I bring from managing
difference. the Athenaeum and the programme it
operates, can be of benefit to PEC.
Was it what you imagined it would be?
Yes, the immediate and practical benefits to As a fellow of The RSA (The Royal Society for
the recipients of PEC’s work highlighted what the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and
an excellent job PEC and the PEC Pals Commerce) and the Linnean Society, I am
do. engaged in discussion and projects related to
energy sustainability, climate change, the
What difference has it made to you? environment and natural sciences. This can
My involvement with PEC Pals made me far also benefit PEC Trust.
more aware of what I could do individually,
and as part of a collective effort, to improve
energy sustainability, our environment and the
circumstances of those experiencing fuel
poverty.

The brilliant work that PEC and the
PEC Pals undertake in...the city of
Plymouth inspired me to want to
contribute more to its work.

PAGE 14 Didier Cavrot, Assistant Energy
Advisor at PEC and PEC Pal.
HIGHLIGHTS
What sort of people join in?
"I HAD NO IDEA BEING A PEC PEC Pals are from all walks of life, ranging
PAL WOULD LEAD TO from University professors to retired
WORKING WITH PEC" electricians, front line workers and last but not
least the people who have actually benefited
What made you join PEC Pals? from the support of PEC before, and who want
I had just given my notice at work after 17 years to be able to give back and contribute to the
and enrolled on a Master in Marine Renewable community themselves.
Energy at the University of Plymouth. I felt that
joining PEC Pals would be constructive and What difference has it made to you?
relevant to my course. Firstly, the experience has made me realise
how many people still struggle to meet their
Was it what you imagined it would be? basic needs and how much hardship there is
Yes and no!  Yes, in the sense that I joined a out there.  It is hard to believe this can still be
group of people (both staff and other PEC pals) happening in one of the richest countries in
that were like-minded and wanted to do good the world.  
and make a difference. And no, in the sense For me, I am very happy to say that from a
that it brought up a social dimension I was professional point of view it made a huge
almost unaware of.  Up to that point, I had not difference.  When a vacancy for an Assistant
realised the scale of the fuel poverty and fuel Advisor came up, I was selected for an
debt issues that so many people face. interview and then offered the position.  I feel
very privileged to be working for PEC and to
Is it similar or different to volunteering? be able to make a difference to people’s
I was expecting to be involved more in lives every working day.  
traditional volunteering activities as part of
PEC Pals.  But instead I attend activities like the
AGM, ‘getting to know your city’ visits and
workshops like Art and Energy that allow me
to explore much wider topics.  

What sort of things do Pals do?
One of Plymouth Energy Community’s
strengths is to draw on the expertise and time
of its Pals, whether they are retired plumbers or
electricians willing to use their skills during
home visits, or people offering time to help at
the curtain bank.  Others contribute to
workshops, or simply point people in need to
the PEC team to help them address energy-
related issues they may be facing.

PAGE 15