A FREE, one-day session to learn about developing community-based energy initiatives will be taking place in the Hove Town Hall, Hove on 24th of January 2008. Notes by Moyra Martin
I attended this free one-day training course at Hove Town hall and can thoroughly recommend it to anyone interested in energy issues.
The course was provided by Community Action for Energy (CAfE) which “promotes and facilitates local community–based sustainable energy projects through advice, support and training”.
At first I was rather daunted to discover that I had the least energy know-how in the group which included energy professionals and experienced volunteers but I was reassured by the facilitator, Anne that many participants on their courses start from scratch. It was helpful to meet people like Philip Wingfield who is Home Energy efficiency officer at B&H council and Chris Rowland who is heading up the TTLewes energy group.
The day was divided into 5 sections:
1) Intro to CAfE.
CAfE is a network of like-minded people with an interest in community-based energy projects.
Membership of the network is free and offers:
Community helpline 08701 261 444 for free support and advice
A website www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
The community support network for one to one advice and consultancy.
Travel bursaries
Training courses
A guide to energy efficiency projects
Case studies
Newsletter
E-news update
Annual conference
2) Getting your project started.
Researching: community statistics, needs, interest groups, voluntary organisations, vulnerable members of community etc.
Developing aims and objectives
3) Making your project work.
Team building, organisation, tips for good management, project partners, communication and publicity methods
4) Funding your project.
Funding sources and grants (extensive list)
How and where to apply
5) Additional information.
Useful telephone numbers, further reading, training websites etc
To conclude, I think they are an amazing group and can be a great help to us.
Notes from 'Making it happen' workshop – Thu 24 January
