COUNCIL EMPLOYEE NAMED ‘HEAT HERO’

Clare Redfern from Stockport Council has been named a national Heat Hero by fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA), for her contribution to tackling fuel poverty in Stockport.

The Heat Hero Awards, supported by ScottishPower, recognise individuals across England and Wales who have gone ‘above and beyond’ helping people who are living in fuel poverty in their local community.

Over 10 years Clare has gone the extra mile to help the fuel poor of Stockport and raising the profile of energy efficiency in the borough. Since 2008 Clare has successfully brought over £13 million of measures into Stockport. She has been involved in the development of Stockport’s Local Assistance Scheme who said, ‘Clare’s friendly and approachable manner and excellent communication skills means that she relates to vulnerable people so well, always seeking to find creative solutions to individual problems often going above and beyond what is required’.

Clare (left) said:

“I am over the moon to be chosen as a Heat Hero by NEA and ScottishPower, it’s worth all of the hard work when you know that you have helped people in the local community to stay warm in their homes. It is a team effort though and colleagues at Stockport Council and our partners Stockport Homes, Age UK Stockport and Familylink deserve the credit too”.

Maria Wardrobe, Director of External Affairs, NEA said:

“Our heat heroes’ are vital to the lives of people in their communities. Many fuel poor households are isolated and vulnerable and difficult to reach, it is important that we give credit to people like Clare who are working tirelessly to help these people to stay warm and well in their homes.”   

A fuel poor home means a household is unable to afford to heat their home adequately for health and comfort and often leads to multiple issues including poor health, poor housing quality and poor wellbeing.

Stockport Council has advice, support and access to grants available to assist residents who are in fuel poverty. This includes making homes more energy efficient and checking to see if residents are eligible for any discounts on electricity bills or financial assistance with heating or insulation improvements.

For further advice, support and access to grants visit www.stockport.gov.uk/killthechill.