Councils join forces to fight fuel poverty

The ‘Heat, Your Health & Your Home’ seminar was hosted by the Public Health Agency’s Northern Neighbourhoods Health Action Zone, in partnership with both Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Councils.

Held at Mossley Mill on March 10, the seminar aimed to increase understanding and awareness of fuel poverty and the help available among frontline staff, local representatives and community leaders who regularly come into contact with people who are at risk of, or already living in, fuel poverty.

Guest speakers included Jacqui Frazer, Northern Area Fuel Poverty Co-ordinator; Professor Christine Liddell, Professor of Psychology at the University of Ulster and Paul Wallace from National Energy Action.

Professor Liddell presented current local and international research on the impact of fuel poverty on both the physical and mental health and wellbeing of residents.

Her presentation particularly focused on the health and wellbeing impacts on young babies, teenagers and older people.

Jacqui Frazer, Northern Area Fuel Poverty Co-ordinator, provided delegates with a clear definition of fuel poverty and an overview of current statistics highlighting the extent of the problem in the Newtownabbey and Antrim areas.

Paul Wallace illustrated the importance of energy efficiency - getting the most out of the energy used and keeping the heat where it is needed for as long as possible.

He outlined how measures such as efficient heating systems, cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, and heating controls can reduce costs and help to provide affordable warmth.

Fionnuala Close, Health and Wellbeing Manager at Antrim Borough Council and Wendy Brolly, Principal Environmental Health Officer at Newtownabbey Borough Council presented local case studies highlighting the work being done in each council area to alleviate fuel poverty and the positive outcomes which have been obtained for clients in both areas.

Thanking everyone involved in the seminar Colette Rogers, Health Action Zone Manager with the Public Health Agency said: “The Public Health Agency is committed to working in partnership to tackle health inequalities.

“Through the Health Action Zone, we have built strong links with local communities and partner organisations which we will continue to build upon. Collectively, we can make a real impact in local areas to address complex issues such as fuel poverty.”

For further information on Fuel Poverty initiatives taking place in the borough, contact either Wendy Brolly in Newtownabbey on 028 9034 0184 or Fionnuala Close in Antrim on Tel: 028 9446 3113, ext. 1408.