An energy advice session was held at the town’s food bank recently, educating local people on how to keep warm at home and save money by reducing their energy use.
Carbon Reduction Champion Jessica Thimbleby from the local community solar group Wiltshire Wildlife Community Energy (WWCE) joined a busy session at Melksham Foodbank on 3rd February, speaking to people about everything from draught-proofing and insulation to reducing damp to avoid mould. She also answered questions about ways to make homes more comfortable during the chilly winter months.
The session was part of WWCE’s Keeping Warm This Winter programme, designed to provide practical advice to those struggling with fuel costs, as well as signposting people to further support. Since 2022, more than 700 people across the county have been helped through pop-up energy advice sessions, many of which have been held in Melksham.
“One of our energy group’s core aims has always been to deliver benefits to local people, so I’m pleased that we’ve been able to bring back our Keeping Warm This Winter programme for a third year,” explained WWCE chair Julian Barlow.
“The energy crisis continues to plunge huge numbers of people into fuel poverty, with dire consequences for their physical and mental health. Last winter, we delivered around 20 of these sessions, supporting some of the most vulnerable in our communities. I hope we’ll be able to replicate that success over the coming months.”
Jessica will be back in town in March, attending Carer Support Wiltshire’s regular Carers Café at The King’s Arms Hotel.
Pictured: Melksham Food Bank team at the session
