Fuel Debt Network meeting
The Pitch
Problem statement
NEA is applying to fund an event to increase partnership work across the South West Water region. The Fuel Debt Network Meeting aims to support a broad coalition of organisations that have a range of different responsibilities but all share a common commitment to finding solutions for vulnerable householders living in the communities in which they operate. The ongoing, unprecedented energy crisis means millions more households are facing fuel and water poverty and/or debt, and so this meeting will be a vital source of information sharing and networking for community organisations to best support people. The event will showcase innovative provision and best practice in dealing with issues.
Solution
By holding this event in the South West Water geographical area this allows specific regional issues to be addressed, regional projects to be profiled and regional partnerships to be developed. This event will provide examples of local, regional and national good practice and offer an important networking and information exchange opportunity for the organisations attending. By delivery a fuel debt network meeting we can help to maintain the capacity of these diverse networks to tackle fuel and water poverty and debt by sharing best practice and providing information on current policy developments. This funding will contribute towards staff time to prepare, promote and deliver this event.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
NEA has established links and is experienced in delivering this type of project. Attendance at the similar meetings like the South West fuel poverty forum is typically around 40 regional representatives per meeting. Organisations that are specifically targeted to attend the events include: housing associations, local authorities, advice agencies, not-for-profits, and community groups. NEA will utilise their regional and local contacts to book speakers to provide the most relevant and up-to-date information for partners working in the fuel and water poverty field. NEA has capacity to deliver this in February/March 2024. NEA will work in collaboration with South West Water if successful.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Staff time to deliver event | £1,500 |
| Direct costs - refreshments and venue | £500 |
Beneficiaries
40 people
Who will benefit
Expected impact
By showcasing innovative provision and best practice in fuel and water policy advice this better informs community partners able to assist households across the South West with accurate information. By promote dialogue, discussion and understanding of current issues affecting energy consumers this helps NEA shape policy developments and campaigns on behalf of attendees. This event will allow networking which assists with the development of partnerships and helping to identify local best practice for dissemination to a wider audience. With support organisations well informed, for example, aware of current South West Water schemes to help customers, frontline staff will be able to better support the wider community. It is thought 40 professionals will attend the event but these will go on to support vulnerable communities.