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9
Fuel Poverty
This workshop was presented by Bruce Gillham, who
attended a course at Trafford Hall two years ago and
received a grant for an initiative to help his community.
Bruce used his grant to buy 30 slow cookers for people
who were reliant on food banks. He also taught people
affordable, healthy recipes which could be replicated at
home using their slow cookers. This provided struggling
people with a fuel-efficient means to cook affordable,
nutritious meals. Bruce’s project enabled disadvantaged
people to significantly reduce fuel and food costs; this benefitted around 200 people. Bruce’s
story prompted discussion about different ways to reduce the impact of fuel poverty, and how
people could make a difference in their communities.
What are the areas of need that need to be addressed by training?
Education and awareness were identified as the main areas of need to be addressed by
training. Delegates thought that there should be training around;
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how to save money to afford bills
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how to access appropriate advice
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awareness of energy costs, e.g. the cost of leaving a light bulb on for an hour
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helping people plan-ahead their lifestyles
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energy saving tips e.g. wearing extra clothes, draft insulating, heating efficiency, fitting
more efficient shower heads, use of timers, smart meters and energy efficient light
bulbs
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hands-on, practical training
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energy-efficient cooking techniques e.g. using steamers and slow cookers
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water efficiency techniques
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solar energy advice and guidance
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sharing accurate, practical information; e.g. how to change your provider if you are on a
meter
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empowering people to share their own knowledge and expertise
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links to food banks and collaborative approaches – joined up training for joined up
community solutions