By Press Release
More than 140 Island residents gathered at the Riverside Centre on Wednesday, October 23, for this year’s Winter is Coming event, hosted by local fuel poverty charity, The Footprint Trust. The annual event brought together 19 organisations dedicated to providing essential guidance and resources to those facing winter-related challenges, with information and aid available across areas such as housing, health, utility costs, and community support.
“The energy team at Footprint Trust is thrilled with the event’s success,” said Steve Howes, Senior Energy Guide at The Footprint Trust. “It’s inspiring to see so many organisations committed to helping Islanders. We spoke to over 50 people during the event and are now arranging specialised home energy reduction follow-ups with nine households. For those unable to attend, they’re welcome to contact us on 822282 for free assistance that can help save them hundreds on energy bills.”
Among the participating organisations, specialised groups such as local housing associations, Barnardo’s, Pan Together, and Pyle St Pantry offered face-to-face guidance and provided winter preparedness packs. Pensioners were assisted with Pension Credit applications with Citizens Advice, veterans connected with tailored support, and Healthwatch promoted their upcoming Health Roadshow. Read Easy, a new charity supporting adult literacy, arranged practical presentation for the students of People Matter IW, and Living Well Early Help met attendees to offer support, assistive equipment, and information on a broad spectrum of social issues.
For those concerned about heating costs, The Footprint Trust and the National Energy Foundation (NEF) provided in-depth advice on reducing winter utility expenses. Additionally, The Footprint Trust distributed low-energy light bulbs and thermometer cards, while SSEN shared critical energy resilience information for power outages. Homeowners interested in making their homes more energy efficient were guided by Future IOW on available grants.
Embracing Age highlighted their programs aimed at reducing isolation among older residents in care homes, including card writing and pet therapy initiatives, while Two Saints and Paragon offered support for those experiencing homelessness and domestic abuse, respectively.
With the help of local charities and dedicated volunteers, Island residents are now better equipped to face the winter season.