The Footprint Trust charity are continuously busy, finding ways to help us save energy and cash. Here’s the latest news from Ray Harrington-Vail. Ed
A local project to help young families in the Isle of Wight reduce their fuel bills takes to the road thanks to a major funding boost by the ScottishPower Energy People Trust (SPEPT) launches on Wednesday.
The Island’s Footprint Trust charity has received £99,000 from SPEPT to help around 1,600 households reduce their fuel bills over the next three years.
Part of the funding will be used to advertise the ‘Energetic – Fueline for Families’ project on the back of a double-decker bus which it is hoped will show local people ways they can save money, and reduce their carbon footprint, by being more energy efficient.
Creating Energetic Champions
The donation will also be used to recruit and provide free training to parents to become ‘Energetic Champions’ so they can show others how to save energy and signpost them to available support.
Attending the ‘Energetic’ bus unveiling in St Thomas’ Square, Newport on Wednesday will be Neil Hartwell, a Trustee of the SPEPT and David Pugh, the Leader of the Isle of Wight Council.
Neil Hartwell of SPEPT, said: “The Isle of Wight has some of the most poorly insulated homes in the country and fuel poverty is an issue affecting many households, which is why we hope the support we are giving will help to make a positive difference.
“This project which is being run by the Footprint Trust will be able to make a real impact on the lives of many families living on the Isle of Wight and we will be watching with interest to see how the project develops over the next three years.”
Footprint Trust recruiting champions
The Footprint Trust Charity, which is working with the island community to promote the benefits of leading a greener lifestyle, is targeting the ‘Energetic’ project at people aged between 16 to 30.
A series of workshops will take place in schools to provide parents with information on how to save energy, including advice on how to read bills, switch energy suppliers and save money around the home.
Those trained will then be able to apply their new knowledge to their home and share their skills with neighbours, families and friends.
Ray Harrington-Vail, General Manager of the Footprint Trust, said: “We are delighted to receive this funding from the ScottishPower Energy People which will greatly help our efforts to encourage young families to use fuel more efficiently.
“By taking part in our ‘Energetic – Fueline for Families’, we hope to support around 5,000 individuals through a range of measures including providing invaluable free guidance on how they can insulate their homes and save up to £400 off their energy bills.”
The Energetic project also offers free home visits and a helpline – giving guidance on energy and water efficiency. For more details, email [email protected] or telephone 01983 82-22-82.
Image: Left, Ray Harrington-Vail, General Manager of the Footprint Trust and Neil Hartwell – trustee of the ScottishPower Energy People Trust
