Help us keep homes warm!
Join the Energy Challenge...
What is the Energy Challenge?
CSV RSVP needs your help to keep homes warm. An exciting project has been operational for several years in London and Scotland, where specially trained volunteers give FREE energy saving and home warmth help and advice to those in need.
CSV RSVP has teamed up with ExxonMobil, National Energy Action (NEA) and Energy Action Scotland (EAS) to help end the shame of poorly heated households.
Over four million people in the UK suffer from cold homes, especially in the winter months. Countries such as Russia and Finland have fewer problems than we do!
Cold homes can make us unhappy, ill or even worse. With energy prices on the rise the Energy Challenge couldn’t have come at a more important time.
Where will the project happen?
The Energy Challenge project is running in the London boroughs/areas of Barnet, Brent, Camden, City of London, Hackney, Harringey, Tower Hamlets and Lambeth, and in Scotland from Edinburgh to Aberdeen (and during 2008 we shall start to move west to Glasgow).
We are looking for volunteers to train with us in energy awareness:
Energy Challenge volunteers will receive either a one-day or three-day training course (the latter being a City and Guilds course). They will then be able to carry out home energy advise sessions, covering all aspects of energy use, and to assess any potential for grants to supply insulation, draught proofing or new central heating systems.
Volunteers will give out thermometers, CFLs (energy saving light bulbs) and energy advise booklets during home visits.
Energy Challenge volunteers will give between a half-day and two days per week to the project and will:
- promote the project in their boroughs by talking to community groups and others
- recruit other volunteers who work with or know vulnerable people that may benefit from home energy saving improvements. Volunteers may, for example, be RSVP befrienders or community workers and will be trained to recognise a poorly heated home
- take referrals and with permission, carry out a home energy audit leading to practical improvements. They will be able to help the person access other means of support, for example, financial advisors.
In this way, we hope to make a positive difference to the lives of those who suffer from cold homes.
Working together
We hope you agree that the Energy Challenge is a vitally important project. We need your help to make it a success.
RSVP’s volunteers are our greatest asset and the project places you at its heart. The London Energy Challenge Coordinator is based at CSV RSVP’s main office in London's Kings Cross and will work closely with volunteers, providing full support, help and advice.
The Scottish Energy Challenge Project Development Officer is based at CSV RSVP's offices in Cowgate, Edinburgh. Both will work closely with volunteers.
The Energy Challenge offers you the opportunity to take part in an exciting, topical and vital project. In addition, it offers the possibility of developing and using new skills and knowledge. You can also make good friendships across your community.
CSV RSVP recognises the great work done by its volunteers across the country, making a difference in so many ways. Why not join the Energy Challenge to further our success?
Get involved!
To find out more about how you can help, please contact:
coluby@csv.org.uk (England)
swilkie@csv.org.uk (Scotland)