Warmer Together Lewisham
Energy bills are a worry for everyone, but even before recent price rises one-in-five Lewisham households were unable to meet the cost of heating their home according to Government data. We call this fuel poverty.
A new initiative, Warmer Together Lewisham is asking for donations to support those struggling to keep warm this winter in Lewisham. South East London Community Energy (Selce) provide practical advice for people overwhelmed by energy bills. This new fund will train local champions and local community groups to understand fuel poverty and to reach out to our most vulnerable households and provide energy and cost saving advice and support.
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The issue
Ever since lockdown we have seen a massive increase in fuel poverty: for many energy bills increased because they were home all the time and are using more energy. Households have rapidly exhausted funds and been unable to top up their meters and access the energy services we all rely on to cook, refrigerate food, take a hot shower, or run appliances. This has been compounded by rising energy costs resulting in energy debt and people having to choose between heating their homes and feeding their families.
That’s why Lewisham Local has teamed up with South East London Community Energy (Selce) and Lewisham Healthy Homes Partnership to create the Warmer Together Lewisham Initiative and fundraise to support their work tackling fuel poverty in Lewisham. We will train community leaders and food bank volunteers to become Warmer Homes Champions to ensure Lewisham’s most vulnerable residents can access energy advice to keep their homes warm through winter.
The Crowdfunder
The crowdfunding campaign will go live at 12pm on Tuesday October 26th and run at least until Christmas. There will be a launch event held online on Friday October 29th at 11am for anyone interested to understand more about fuel poverty, what it is, what support is currently available for people in Lewisham, and the fundraising campaign Book your ticket via Eventbrite.
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The Launch Event
Come along to our launch event on Friday 29th October 11-12pm online to hear more about this initiative, fuel poverty and what we can do about it. Register your place here.
Dr Giovanna Speciale CEO of Selce says about the initiative: “We are seeing a tragedy unfold: low income households are being squeezed: they are having to economise on all those things that most of us take for granted: a warm home, hot water and electricity for appliances. This project will enable us to capitalise on the power of community and work with our wonderful community groups to provide vital advice and support to those most in need of our help“
What Sam Hawksley, Director of Lewisham Local, says about the initiative:
“We’ve seen the huge difference SELCE’s work makes to people who are struggling with their energy bills in Lewisham. As a local charity that encourages local giving, we wanted to support them to do more. We know how generous Lewisham’s residents are, and we hope that by getting the message out there, people will be inspired to back this campaign.”
To donate:
Donate to Warmer Together Lewisham Here
You can also donate by cheque payable to ‘Rushey Green Time Bank’ and mark the back ‘Lewisham Local/ Lewisham Warmer Together’ and send to: Lewisham Local, Unit C, PLACE/Ladywell, 261 Lewisham High St, SE13 6NJ.
Struggling with your Energy Bills?
If you’re in debt on your fuel bills, or looking to save money by not heating your home call 0808 169 1779 or visit https://cact.org.uk/swtw
If you’d like more information about the initiative or the launch, don’t hesitate to get in touch: hello@lewishamlocal.com