Power for People – Q&A Session

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Half of all UK households could face fuel poverty this winter due to the rapidly rising costs of energy bills.

The community energy sector has such potential to make a big contribution to relieve this mounting pressure. But regulatory barriers stand in the way. Now more than ever, we need to enable community energy groups to sell their clean power to local households so that money we pay for our energy is redirected into local communities.

Last week we organised the introduction of a legislative amendment that would do this to the Government’s Energy Bill, currently proceeding through Parliament. The amendment is soon to be debated and voted on in the House of Lords.

Whether or not we win this vote, we will need to encourage MPs and the Government to back what we are calling for when the Energy Bill comes to the House of Commons. Are you wondering how you can help?

On Thursday 15th September, we will be hosting our first ‘drop in’ Q&A session with our team of expert campaigners.

Drop in anytime between 5:30pm and 6:30pm to have your questions about the campaign answered.

Whether you want an update on campaign progress, or you are not sure what to ask of your MP – no question is too small.

To join us, click this link on 15th September at 5.30pm (no registration required).

These informal Q&As will take place every other month.

Remember: we are still here to answer your questions in-between Q&As, just email us at info@powerforpeople.org.uk.

Bromley Open House Festival

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Heritage and architecture are being celebrated in Bromley this week as a record number of Bromley buildings open their doors to visitors looking to explore the borough’s fascinating history.

Over 20 attractions will open in Bromley for the Open House Festival between Thursday 8 September and Wednesday 21 September.

Attractions in Bromley include Camden Place, an 18th Century mansion that once housed Napoleon lll; The Old Palace at the Civic Centre, formerly the official residence of the Bishops of Rochester; Scadbury Moated Manor, the Tudor structure allowing special public access for the first-time following specialist repair works earlier this year; and the world-famous, Grade I listed Crystal Palace dinosaurs, where guided tours around the Park and a number of family activities will be held.

Bromley are a borough partner for Open House festival, which is now in its 30th year. Other Bromley venues participating in the Open House Festival include Bromley Little Theatre, which originally housed a Victorian bakery and stable; Bethlem Royal Hospital, to include a visit to the onsite Museum of the Mind and art gallery; and St Mary’s Church Bromley, which will host a number of events during the period, including from the Rock Choir.

To find out more about these events, including how to book some of the exciting tours and activities involved, visit the Open House website

London Fire Brigade – Book Your Free Home Fire Safety Visit

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What is a home fire safety visit?

We believe that successful firefighting starts with prevention. So we have introduced a service where we can visit you, a loved one, or someone you care for at home to provide personalised advice about fire safety. It’s totally free, available 24/7, and we will even fit free smoke alarms during the visit if you need them.

On the day

We’ll visit your home at the arranged time, and share our expertise. The visit is friendly and informal, and there’s no need to tidy up or provide refreshments – we’re here to keep you safe, not for the tea!

After a chat about fire prevention, we’ll ask you to show us around your home so we can provide personalised advice on:

  • Cooking and smoking
  • Heaters and heating
  • Candles and fireplaces
  • Detection systems (smoke and heat alarms)
  • Bedtime checks
  • What to do if there is a fire

Free smoke alarms

If you need them, we will also provide and fit free smoke alarms in any room where a fire might start. This can be done on the day.

Extra help and support

Depending on your personal circumstances, we might also suggest extra help and support from other organisations. This could be to discuss things like fire retardant bedding or linking a smoke alarm to your Telecare system.

Click here to book a Free Home Fire Safety Visit.

NHS Volunteers for the Autumn Covid Booster Vaccine

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The NHS is calling for volunteers as it relaunches the Covid-19 booster programme ahead of the winter months.

The initiative will target those clinically at risk from the virus and people aged 50 and over, a total of 26 million people, NHS England said.

Volunteers are needed to help with the smooth running of vaccination sites.

Chitra Acharya, who has volunteered for the NHS in the past, said it’s an incredibly rewarding role: “I have particularly enjoyed doing my bit as a steward volunteer to help protect my community from Covid, and I have met some brilliant people along the way.

“I will be continuing in my role for as long as I’m needed as it’s one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.”

Here’s what you need to know, plus how to sign up.

What is the volunteer role?

The NHS is looking for people to become steward volunteers, which help at vaccination sites with non-clinical tasks, including moving patients through the process and identifying people who require additional support.

Shifts are flexible across a variety of centres around England. Expenses are covered and no previous experience or qualifications are required.

If you’re considering becoming a volunteer, you need to live in England, be over 18, and be available to do at least one shift per week, which is four hours long.

You also need to have a smartphone as tasks will be sent directly to your phone via the GoodSAM app.

When you turn up for your shift you’ll be given a full briefing, as well as a high vis jacket.

If you’ve volunteered before, you don’t need to sign up again. The NHS advises checking for shifts in your area via the app.

How do I sign up?

If you’re interested in volunteering, you can sign up on the NHS Volunteer Responders site.

Catherine Johnstone CBE, chief executive of the Royal Voluntary Service, said volunteers are a “huge asset” to the NHS.

“We are extremely proud of the tremendous contribution that they have made to keep our nation safe to date,” she said.

“Ahead of the upcoming booster rollout, the NHS now needs more people to step forward and join the remarkable team of volunteers in this incredibly rewarding steward volunteering role.

Any time you can offer at all will make an invaluable difference to the health of the most vulnerable people in your community this winter.”