Friday night was a proud moment as we were awarded Highly Commended  for the Fuel Poverty Action Award at the National Community Energy Awards ! This award recognises our funding support for Act on Energy, our incredible local energy advice charity that helped over 700 households in Stratford and Warwick Districts through their "Complex Case Worker" initiative. Over the last two years, HECE contributed £70,000 to pilot this program, delivering tailored energy advice, access to grants and practical solutions to tackle energy costs and fuel poverty. Read our April news story for a detailed look at how HECE supported Act on Energy's Complex Caseworker programme, the incredible outcomes it achieved and how district councils have since expanded the initiative due to its success. A huge congratulations to Energise Barnsley for also winning in this category, and a huge thank you to the judges, Community Energy England, and all the fantastic community energy groups across the country for their vital contributions over the past year.

Heart of England Community Energy  (HECE), a community energy company based in Stratford-upon-Avon, has been shortlisted for the Fuel Poverty Action Award at the national Community Energy Awards. HECE's nomination stems from its significant support of Act on Energy , a local charity focused on providing energy advice to vulnerable households. Over two years, HECE has contributed more than £70,000  to the pilot of Act on Energy’s ‘Complex Case Worker’ initiative , which delivers free, personalised energy advice to individuals facing complex energy-related issues in South Warwickshire. This initiative aimed to ease the financial strain of energy costs for local residents. John Stott, local resident and Chair of HECE, said: “We’re truly pleased to be shortlisted. It endorses, in a national sense, all the work we’re doing to support those facing hardship and social deprivation in Stratford and South Warwickshire. It's rewarding to be able to use the money earned by selling solar electricity to help those in need within our community. We welcome funding applications from South Warwickshire communities aiming to reduce carbon emissions and relieve poverty. Our website explains the kinds of assistance we can offer.” The Act on Energy pilot achieved remarkable outcomes over the two year funding period: 723 households assisted , exceeding the target of 400. Over 250 individuals benefited from personalised home visits A cumulative £226,541 in savings and income gains was achieved for participants through energy efficiency measures and grants. 467 individuals received ongoing support via phone and online platforms to help manage energy-related challenges. 410 households benefited from small grant measures, including draught-proofing, energy-efficient lighting, fuel debt support and boiler servicing. The Complex Case Worker initiative has not only helped individuals meet their immediate energy needs but also empowered them with knowledge and tools for reducing long-term costs. By facilitating grants and improving housing conditions, Act on Energy have helped beneficiaries establish a more sustainable and comfortable lifestyle. Stratford District Council Leader Susan Juned, one of HECE's directors, explained: “I am district councillor in a Ward where many residents have needed assistance with heating bills and costs. Often the cases are complex and require assistance from a number of other services. The complex case worker has been really helpful in helping people to seek other sources of advice and grants to meet the cost of living or improve their housing problems as well as helping them to reduce their immediate heating bills.” The pilot programme prompted Stratford and Warwick District Councils  to commit funding for two Complex Case Worker positions through to at least spring 2025 . HECE is arguably one of the most successful in the UK’s clutch of community energy groups. Operating a 15MW solar array  near Stratford-upon-Avon, the organisation manages over 60,000 solar panels that generate an impressive 13.5 million kWh of clean energy annually. Beyond their significant climate impact, these projects generate substantial income from electricity sales to the grid—often totalling millions over their lifetime. HECE invests its surplus income into community and carbon reduction projects across South Warwickshire, focusing on alleviating fuel poverty, tackling social deprivation and promoting environmental sustainability. The Fuel Poverty Action award, will be presented by Community Energy England on November 22. It celebrates community energy organisations that address the complex challenges of fuel poverty and energy efficiency across England. For more details on Heart of England Community Energy projects and impact, see: www.hecommunityenergy.org

Heart of England Community Energy is proud to provide money to Citizens Advice South Warwickshire  (CASW), a local charity making a significant impact. CASW provides free, impartial and confidential advice on various issues, and Heart of England Community Energy supports their grants program by funding their admin team, who identify and facilitate grant funding. The grants cover essential items such as necessities, furniture, clothing, heating, and household appliances, all of which significantly improve the lives of individuals facing financial hardships. This partnership is an effective way for us to contribute to the well-being of our community, ensuring that CASW can continue to provide vital support.   Between July and September, Heart of England Community Energy's funding supported 75% of the grant administration activities , with the grants admin team averaging 15 hours of work per week. As a result of this direct support, 61 grants were awarded to 28 clients, totalling £11,996.15. The assistance included 9 freezers, 14 pieces of furniture (including carpets and curtains), and 6 washing machines, as well as essential items like school uniforms and food vouchers. Since May 2020, Heart of England Community Energy has supported CASW's administrative team’s vital work. During this period, many households have felt the pinch as food and energy prices surged. We hope our efforts over the last four years to facilitate access to essential items have helped to alleviate some of the burdens faced by individuals and families.   For information on help that may be available please click the link to visit CASW webs ite

Quarterly update on Heart of England Community Energy’s performance and community impact. Performance update This quarter's solar energy generation was 2.21% below the expected target (P50 projections). April had the lowest output, producing 1,600 MWh, which was 9.62% below the projected average due to unusually bad weather. However, June was the best month, generating 2,121 MWh, which was 4.76% above target. Overall, the sites performed well, with no major technical issues affecting energy generation during the quarter. 2. Community Impact Crafty Lunch Club C.I.C Heart of England Community Energy’s £5,000 grant to The Crafty Lunch Club CIC has been a game-changer, enabling the group to expand its services and support adults with learning and physical disabilities. The group used the grant to double their hiring space, invest in craft materials, meals, and specialist equipment, making their activities more accessible and enriching. In addition to their beloved craft sessions, the club introduced exciting new activities like karate and dance, adding extra fun to their weekly meetups. This grant has allowed the team to host 30 sessions and benefit 1,350 participants, along with 71 carers . Without this support, the club would have had to limit numbers, but instead, they have created a warm, inclusive, joyful environment with one member calling it "the best day of my week" and carers celebrating the sense of community and fun it brings. This grant has helped build friendships, boost confidence, and bring joy to everyone involved. HECE remains committed to funding CASW , ensuring support reaches those who need it most. We do this through two key avenues: funding their grants administration team and providing a hardship fund. Citizens Advice South Warwickshire (CASW) Between April and June this year, HECE's funding covered 75% of the hours worked by CASW’s grants admin team . This support directly facilitated the distribution of 61 grants, totalling over £11,100, for essential items such as white goods, clothing, and food vouchers. In addition, we approved another £7,500 for CASW's hardship fund in May. This fund helps individuals facing financial challenges, by providing vital items like fridge/freezers, washing machines, cookers, and food vouchers. Through this partnership, HECE are making a meaningful impact on the lives of those who need it most. SolarAid In September 2023, SolarAid received a £7,000 grant from HECE, continuing our support for the Mayi Walas (Shining Mothers) programme in Malawi. This initiative trains women to become solar entrepreneurs, helping them bring affordable and sustainable energy to the poorest and most remote communities. As a founding partner of the programme, HECE has played a crucial role in enabling these women to scale their solar businesses. With the support of HECE’s funding , there are now 143 active Mayi Walas groups in Malawi. They have sold 9,179 solar lights, improving access to clean energy for over 45,000 people. It’s truly remarkable that solar energy generated from HECE's community solar farm is funding solar energy access in Malawi. HECE has increased its funding for the coming year to £20,000, supporting the highest-performing Mayi Walas groups to ‘graduate’ and offer solar home systems on a pay-as-you-go basis to their communities. 3. Looking after our wildlife New Homes and Fresh Clean for Our Birds and Bats! An ecologist recently visited our solar farm and was pleased with the overall condition of our bird and bat boxes but suggested a few improvements. We were quick to act, and during a follow-up visit on August 21st, here’s what we did: Installed two new starling boxes. Replaced an old bat box with a brand-new one. Gave several boxes a good clean, and we were happy to find signs of past nesting. Cleared away vegetation around bat boxes to help encourage bats to use them. These changes will make the site even more welcoming for wildlife. Thanks for your support in helping us create a better home for birds and bats!

Supporting the Mayi Walas with SolarAid Heart of England Community Energy (HECE) is dedicated to tackling fuel poverty both locally and globally. One of their annual beneficiaries is SolarAid , an international development charity working alongside communities in the most rural and hard to reach areas of sub-Saharan Africa to tackle poverty and the climate crisis through access to clean, safe solar lights. Read on to find out more about SolarAid, and the impact of Heart of England’s support during 2023-24. Who are SolarAid? Founded in 2006, SolarAid is an international charity tackling poverty and climate change. For millions of people across sub-Saharan Africa, the working day ends when the sun sets. But SolarAid offers a simple solution: solar lights.  ‘With just the flick of a switch, these lights enable families to earn, children to learn, and the planet to breathe a bit easier’ - SolarAid. Through their social enterprise, SunnyMoney , SolarAid distributes solar lights in Malawi and Zambia, fostering a sustainable solar market that creates local jobs and reinvests in community development. SolarAid collaborates with rural communities, entrepreneurs, and development partners to ensure every home, school, and clinic has access to clean, safe solar power. Their solar lights replace kerosene lamps, offering cleaner, safer, and more affordable lighting. This transition helps reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and enhance safety. SolarAid’s work was recently recognised with the top prize in the International Aid & Development category at the Charity Awards.   Supporting the Mayi Walas In 2023 – 24, HECE continued its support for SolarAid’s Mayi Walas programme in Malawi. The ‘Shining Mothers,’ or Mayi Walas in Chichewa, recruit, train and support women entrepreneurs to run solar light businesses across rural Malawi. As the primary users of household energy and trusted members of vast social networks, there is growing evidence that women are best placed to bring renewable energy to the most isolated communities. As a founding partner of the programme, HECE has played a crucial role in enabling these women to scale their solar businesses. SolarAid provides them with solar lights through interest-free loans funded in partnership with Lendwithcare. After a year, successful Mayi Walas can access larger loans and ongoing support through FEBCO, SolarAid’s micro-finance institution. With the support of HECE’s funding, there are now 143 active Mayi Wala groups in Malawi. They have sold 9,179 solar lights , improving access to clean energy for over 45,000 people. HECE’s funding has been crucial in scaling up these efforts. Over the past year SolarAid have used HECE's funding to implement two key improvements: Motorbike Provision: In the remote communities where Mayi Walas work, roads are often in poor condition, public transportation is lacking, and hiring private transport is expensive. This year, each Business Development Officer (BDO) from Sunny Money, who trains the Mayi Walas, has been provided with a motorbike. This development will enhance the efficiency of traveling to support the Mayi Wala groups. Community Development Officers:  Mayi Wala trainings are now led by Community Development Officers (CDOs), government employees who already operate within the communities and hold relationships with the Mayi Wala groups. Over the past year, SolarAid has trained these CDOs, equipping them with the necessary skills and resources to effectively train Mayi Walas. For more information on SolarAid, the Mayi Walas programme, and how HECE’s contributions have been utilised over the past year, please read the full report below.

A year ago Heart of England Community energy awarded a £5,000 grant to T he Crafty Lunch Club CIC , a social group for adults with learning and/or physical disabilities to meet others and most importantly have fun. This funding has played a crucial role in expanding their services, allowing more individuals to benefit from their enriching activities and essential support. With a growing demand for their services, the group utilised the grant to hire the entire community centre, effectively doubling their available space. This expansion has enabled them to welcome more attendees, including those using wheelchairs and individuals who prefer quieter, less stimulating environments. Beth Clarke, one of the organisers shared: “The £5000 grant has been absolute invaluable to our group and I am excited to share the impact your generosity has had… We have been able to offer a more relaxed room for those who it can be quite overwhelming in the busy room.  To provide a safe, quiet space has been invaluable to so many people who attend.” To accommodate the increased number of participants, the group invested in a wide range of craft materials and activities, providing valuable experiences for the 45 adults who attend weekly. Over the past six months, the number of attendees has grown, with 62 different adults with disabilities participating. As food is a central aspect of their gatherings, the group also allocated part of the grant towards meals, which have been supplemented by generous donations from a local farm shop. Additionally, they brought in local professionals, such as karate experts and dance instructors, to introduce new and exciting experiences! Specialist equipment, including adapted cutlery and sensory items, were also purchased, to support attendees with profound disabilities. Beth added that: “The specialist equipment has meant we can better serve those who attend with profound disabilities.  This equipment is very expensive but in starting to grow our resources we are able to open our group up to people with more varied needs.” The grant has been a game-changer for The Crafty Lunch Club. Without it, the group would have had to limit attendance, but instead they have been able to accommodate an average of 45 adults per week, totalling 1350 beneficiaries over 30 sessions! The group has also welcomed 71 different carers, ensuring the necessary support for those attending. “Without your [HECE’s] geneoristy our group would have had to cap numbers and begun turning people away. We have people travel up to 30 miles each way which demonstrates the need for people in our local area.” - Beth Clarke The expanded space and resources have created a more inclusive and supportive environment. The quiet room has provided a safe haven for those who find the main area overwhelming, while the specialist equipment has enabled the group to cater to a wider range of needs. People who attened the sessions provide the following Feedback to the Crafty Lunch Club: “The Crafty Lunch Club is the best day of my week. I get to see my friends and do a different crafts which I love. We always have so much fun.” - Lauren “Bringing clients to the club has made such a difference to them.  We have seen the people we support grow in confidence and make local friends.  They talk about The Crafty Lunch Club all week!  It’s so nice for us carers to come and do different things too and have a chat with other people too.  We all fight over who can come each week!” - Carer About Heart of England Community Energy's Grant Fund: HECE’s community grant fund  uses surplus income from our solar farms to support an annual small grants fund dedicated to supporting the local community. We are looking to fund two types of projects: Community benefit projects: Initiatives that focus on social benefit, aiming to alleviate individuals from fuel poverty and social deprivation. Carbon reduction projects: Initiatives that have a positive environmental impact, contributing to carbon reduction efforts within our local area. Grant applications are reviewed quarterly. If you have a fantastic project like The Crafty Lunch Club CIC, visit our funding page for more details.

Heart of England Community Energy (HECE) invites local, community-led organisations to apply for grants designed to help achieve their green goals and objectives. To be considered for the latest round of funding, you'll need to submit your application by the end of July. HECE’s community grant fund uses surplus income from our solar farms to support an annual small grants fund dedicated to enhancing the local community. We are looking to fund two types of projects: Community benefit projects: Initiatives that focus on social benefit, aiming to alleviate individuals from fuel poverty and social deprivation. Carbon reduction projects: Initiatives that have a positive environmental impact, contributing to carbon reduction efforts within our local area. All applications should align with one or both of these objectives. Eligible applicants include any group, club, committee, or charity dedicated to improving the lives of local people within South Warwickshire, Stratford-upon-Avon, and surrounding areas. The deadline for applications is the 31st of July , and applications will be considered at a meeting of the board of local directors in August. Not many communities have their own solar farm, don’t miss this opportunity to secure funding for your community project!   Here are some examples of the types of projects we aim to fund: Implementing renewable energy and energy-efficient solutions for local community buildings and schools Projects which improve the well-being of socially disadvantaged people or communities Community-led nature conservation projects Community-led efforts to promote sustainable food practices Community and youth-led activity to help develop a vision and plans for a net zero future. Projects which support and enable people to remove themselves from fuel poverty Nature-based and environmental educational activities For more information, including access to the application form, guidance, and eligibility criteria, please email info@hecommunityenergy.org . We look forward to hearing from you!

Quarterly update on Heart of England Community Energy’s performance and community impact. 1. Performance update After an unusually cloudy spring, our electricity generation fell short of projections by 6.02% this quarter, with sunshine levels 8.35% below the projected average. March proved particularly tough, yielding only 1,080MWh, 16% less than projected, mainly due to unseasonably bad weather. Nonetheless, despite these challenges, our sites operated smoothly without encountering any significant technical issues affecting our generation. 2. Community Impact £40,000+ allocated through the Community Grant Fund Over the past year, our Community Benefit Fund has supported 8 local organisations in Stratford upon-Avon and nearby areas. Among the notable donations: · £3,600 to Bidford on Avon Parish Council for a new Community Fridge and Café, which rescued 1.2 tonnes of food in April 2024 alone! £9,000 to Stratford upon Avon Foodbank to bolster their Christmas Hampers project and sustain ongoing efforts. £2,500 to RSPCA Coventry and District for the Pet Food to Food Banks project. £800 to Napton Environmental Action Team (NEAT) for the purchase of a thermal imaging camera, aiding in the identification of poor insulation, draughts, and damp in local buildings. £5,000 to The Crafty Lunch Club CIC for weekly activities for adults with disabilities and their carers. Through our Community Benefit Fund, HECE aims to alleviate fuel poverty, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance the well-being of socially disadvantaged communities. If you have a project eligible for funding from HECE's Community Benefit Fund or Carbon Reduction Fund, please reach out to info@hecommunityenergy.org. Tackling Fuel Poverty Conclusion of HECE’s funding for Act on Energy’s Complex Case Worker: Impact and Legacy March 2024 marked the conclusion of HECE's two-year project funding Act on Energy's complex case worker in South Warwickshire. Over this period, our funding directly helped 256 individuals through personalised home visits, supported 467 individuals with intensive phone/web-based aid, and facilitated over 147 referrals to partner organisations. The cumulative impact of these efforts amounts to £226,541 in energy efficiency savings and estimated financial gains! Undoubtedly, the project has been a success, providing support and advocacy to numerous vulnerable fuel-poor households across South Warwickshire. Most importantly, HECE’s funding has acted as a catalyst for the Stratford and Warwick District Councils to initiate their own community-based provision. These councils are now funding Act on Energy to run complex caseworker projects directly, expanding the project further! Funding for Citizens Advice South Warwickshire HECE remains committed to funding CASW, ensuring vital support reaches those who need it most. We do this through two key avenues: supporting their grants administration team and providing a hardship fund. Our funding for CASW's admin team, equivalent to 64% of their administrative hours last quarter, enabled the distribution of 44 grants, totalling over £7,870! Our hardship funding has contributed £15,000 over the past year. This enables CASW to assist individuals facing hardship, covering more essential items such as food vouchers, clothing, and appliances like fridge/freezers, washing machines, and cookers. Great Big Green Week in Startford-upon-Avon Join the UK’s biggest celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature this week! The Great Big Green Week started on Saturday, 8th of June and runs until Sunday, 16th of June with over 25 eco-events across Stratford-upon-Avon and surrounding areas. Expect talks, walks, and family-friendly activities organised by climate action groups and charities to raise awareness and inspire community involvement. There are still a few tickets available for a free tour of our solar farm on Friday, 14th June at 3.30pm! Book your spot now and explore a working solar farm, learn about energy generation, and discover our biodiversity efforts. Solar Soft Loans Solar Soft Loans will help HECE turn surplus income generated from our community solar farm into solar panels on the roofs of local schools and community buildings. Our aim is to help organisations that would not have the funds to do it themselves, to install solar panels. The repayment of the Solar Soft Loan is based on a share of the actual cost savings. We will reinvest the loan repayments to create a revolving legacy fund to help fund further local low-carbon projects.

Join the UK’s biggest celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature. The Great Big Green Week runs from Saturday, 8th to Sunday, 16th of June with more than 25 eco-events taking place across the Stratford-upon-Avon and the surrounding areas. During the week, climate action campaign groups and charities will host a variety of talks, walks, and family-friendly activities to raise awareness about climate change and explore how communities can come together to make a difference. Most events are free but require booking via Eventbrite. As part of the Great Big Green Week, Heart of England Community Energy is offering a tour of our solar farm near Stratford-upon-Avon on Friday, 14th June at 3.30pm. Get up close to a solar farm in action and learn how power is exported to the grid. See how panels and inverters work including what's been generated on the day. Also, discover how the land is managed to improve biodiversity! The tour usually takes between 45 minutes to an hour. Feel free to ask us anything about solar energy. To book your spot for the solar farm please click here! Discover the diverse range of local events and activities happening near you by diving into the full Great Big Green Week leaflet below.

Heart of England Community Energy (HECE) continues to channel funding into helping our community reduce its energy consumption and supporting those struggling with the cost of living. Over the last 12 months, the Community Benefit Fund has supported 8 local charitable and community organisations in Stratford-upon-Avon and the surrounding areas. These small grants have directly benefited hundreds of families in need. A donation of £15,000 to Citizens Advice South Warwickshire has enabled the organisation to create a hardship fund to distribute food vouchers, school uniform, white goods and support households with the cost of energy bills and utilities. The support we’ve provided has undoubtedly helped lightened the burden for local families during what has been a financially challenging year. The Crafty Lunch Club received £5,000 to support weekly socialisation, crafts, and themed meals for adults with disabilities and their careers. This project aims to combat isolation and help people with a learning disabilities to feel happier, included and confident! RSPCA Coventry and District Branch got a £2,500 contribution towards the Pet Food to Food Banks project, the project collects pet food donations and delivers them to food banks for owners and animals in need. The cost-of-living crisis means the service is more in demand than ever. The Stratford-upon-Avon Foodbank received £9,000 to bolster their Christmas Hampers project and sustain ongoing efforts. This year, our donation supported the creation of 421 Christmas hampers, brimming with delights like Christmas puddings, cakes, beverages, festive gifts, and essential tinned goods. These hampers benefited 569 adults and 584 children in our community. Further contributions included £3,600 to Bidford on Avon Parish Council for the establishment of a new Community Fridge and Café, aimed at reducing food waste and providing meals to those in need. The Community Fridge and Café is now open on Monday, Tuesday & Thursday mornings, alongside Wednesday evenings. In April 2024 alone, they successfully rescued 1.2 tonnes of food from being wasted! HECE also granted the Napton Environmental Action Team £800 to purchase a thermal imaging camera, aiding in the identification of poor insulation, draughts, and damp in local buildings. Lastly, Shipston Town Council received £600 to conduct energy assessments on three buildings and Hampton Manga Pre-school received £3,600 to enhance their outdoor areas, enriching opportunities for active learning and play. Through the Community Benefit Fund, HECE continues to deploy funds to the community in order to fund projects which support and enable people to remove themselves from fuel poverty and improve the well-being of socially disadvantaged people or communities. The hope is that this support has the triple advantage of reducing fuel poverty, cutting carbon emissions and improving the health of those suffering from fuel poverty. John Stott, Chair of HECE explained "It's very pleasing to be able to use the money earned by selling solar electricity to support those within our community who are in need. This shows how an energy system aimed at combating climate breakdown can also play a pivotal role in addressing societal injustices, helping to right the wrongs in society". If you have a project that you think might be eligible for funding from either HECE's Community Benefit Fund or Carbon Reduction Fund, then please contact info@hecommunityenergy.org.

Over the past two years, Heart of England Community Energy (HECE) has allocated over £70,000 to support Act on Energy's Complex Case Worker initiative, addressing the impact of rising bills amidst the cost-of-living crisis in Warwickshire. The impact of the relentless rise in living costs over the past two years has been deeply felt in our local communities. The onset of the cost-of-living crisis in 2022 sharply increased the prices of energy, food and essential items, exacerbating the struggle for many individuals to make ends meet, keep their homes warm and manage escalating energy expenses effectively. HECE took action by committing to fund a new two-year project with Act on Energy (AoE), totalling over £70,000! AoE, an energy advice charity operating across Warwickshire, have been pivotal in providing essential aid to households navigating these challenges. Our funding, allowed AoE to launch their "Complex Case Worker" programme in South Warwickshire. The "Complex Case Worker" initiative is designed to offer personalised assistance to vulnerable individuals, ensuring they have the time, space, and support needed to navigate their energy needs. By providing information and guidance on energy saving, and facilitating access to essential grants, this initiative aims to ease the financial strain of energy costs for local residents. Moreover, it places a strong emphasis on promoting warmer and more comfortable living conditions, addressing the root causes of fuel poverty head-on. We are delighted to share the remarkable success of AOE's initiative in our community over the past two years: Supporting a total of 723 households against a target of 400, the project has exceeded our expectations. Susan Juned, one of HECE's directors and a district councillor, shared her perspective: “I am also a district councillor in a Ward where many residents have needed assistance with heating bills and costs. Often the cases are complex and require assistance from a number of other services. The complex case worker has been really helpful in helping people to seek other sources of advice and grants to meet the cost of living or improve their housing problems as well as helping them to reduce or pay for their immediate heating bills. I have been very grateful for the support that has been given.” The project's impact is best illustrated through stories like Emma A's* and Henry's*. Emma A faced challenges with osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia while dealing with financial strains renting a flat with her partner. A crucial turning point came when AOE's complex case worker, Alvynne, stepped in. Alvynne's compassionate support not only secured a £300 fuel payment from HECE but also provided essential energy-saving measures such as a slow cooker, draughtproofing, radiator foils, and energy-saving lightbulbs, significantly improving Emma's quality of life. Beyond practical assistance, Alvynne also offered energy efficiency advice, enrolling Emma in the Priority Services Register, and referring her for a fire safety check “Thank you so much for your help. I'm so happy for the help all you kind people do.” - Emma A Henry, a proud 80-year-old homeowner in Stratford, has lived alone since his spouse passed away a decade ago. But just lately, by his own admission he has become withdrawn and is struggling to keep on top of things. When Henry met Susan, a complex case worker from Act on Energy, at a local drop-in service, she quickly arranged to visit him at home. Immediately Susan could feel the cold interior and noticed that bills had remained unopened, piling up on the sideboard. After spending time ensuring Henry understood the advice and guidance that was going to make a real difference to his wellbeing, Susan applied for a new heating grant to address his faulty system. As a temporary fix, Sun fitted some small energy-efficient measures such as a draught excluder, new light bulbs, and provided a heated blanket. Susan also coordinated with Henry's energy suppliers to fit smart meters and clear debt with the help of a small grant. Henry is looking forward to a brand new heating system but is already full of gratitude to Susan. “I call her super Susan. She’s made such a difference. I had no idea I’d be entitled to a new heating system; it will be great to get some warmth again all over and not just in this room. I’m so thankful that she spoke to the energy companies – I suppose I was just in denial hoping it would all get sorted somehow.  Thank you, Susan, you’re a wonder” - Henry * to maintain confidentiality, "Emma A" and "Henry" are not their real names The impact of the project has been significant because, as a result of  HECE’s funding, evidence of need for this type of project was clearly demonstrated. So much so, that both Stratford and Warwick District Councils have now committed to funding similar projects. As we celebrate the success of this initiative, HECE takes pride in paving the way for projects mitigating fuel poverty in our area, and looks forward to their continued growth and success. The entire HECE board extends sincere thanks to all at AoE who made this initiative possible.

New research reveals that well-managed UK solar parks can provide essential resources to combat the decline of bee and butterfly populations. A new study led by scientists at Lancaster University, in collaboration with the University of Reading, sheds light on the potential of UK solar parks to bolster bee and butterfly populations, if managed correctly. Published in Ecological Solutions and Evidence, the research provides the first peer-reviewed field data on insect pollinators at 15 solar park sites across the UK. The increased numbers and biodiversity of pollinators within solar parks were mostly attributed to the presence of a wider range of flowering plant species. As pollinating insects face alarming declines, the study emphasises that solar parks offer a promising avenue to restore crucial resources for these species. This is exactly what Heart of England Community Energy’s land management plan aims to do and we are carrying out annual surveys to confirm progress. "Pollinating insects such as bees, butterflies and hoverflies have been in dramatic decline in recent years and there is a need to restore more resources for these species in our landscapes. One potential option is to use sites such as solar parks to help benefit biodiversity – however, until now empirical evidence has been lacking around how, and which, solar parks might best support pollinators." Hollie Blaydes, Study Lead Author and Senior Research Associate, Lancaster University Read the full study details: 'On-site floral resources and surrounding landscape characteristics impact pollinator biodiversity at solar parks.'