Funding secured to accelerate climate action in Sefton
Thanks to National Lottery players, Sefton Climate & Retrofit Action Project (SCRAP) has received £866,548 over five years from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK.
This comes from the Climate Action Fund, a £100 million commitment over 10 years from The National Lottery Community Fund to support communities across the UK to take action on climate change and involve more people in climate action. This forms part of one of the funder’s four key missions in its 2030 strategy.
The money will be used to support a five-year programme to promote climate action with a range of community groups and the general public in Sefton.
There will be a big focus on:
- fuel poverty
- energy saving
- domestic retrofit
- green jobs
- green transport
What is the SCRAP project?
Our vision for the SCRAP (Sefton Climate & Retrofit Action Project) is to break down the barriers preventing our community actively participating in climate action. Helping build a community that is resilient and educated on climate change and the impacts it has on the health and finances. To equip them with the knowledge and confidence to take positive and achievable steps on climate change particularly in their homes, careers and community.
Through this project we will initially engage the community using innovative technology making learning fun and interactive via Immersive Room spaces - interactive touch walls and interactive floors. In the first of its kind, a bespoke immersive experience will be designed to educate the community on practical climate action they can take. Compromising of sections on retrofitting homes, low cost/ no cost actions, green transport and green jobs, not only improving their knowledge, skills and prospects, but increasing household income, boosting the local economy, improving health, reducing fuel poverty levels and in turn tackling climate change.
After completing the immersive climate action experience, users will be presented with a ‘Climate Champion’ certificate and information pack for future reference, as well as being able to access the following advice and training;
- A free quarterly climate change newsletter that provides information on the latest climate news, opportunities and developments.
- Become an active member in a Community Energy Group (CEG). We will be creating and supporting a community energy group until they are experienced and established enough to operate independently.
- Detailed 1-2-1 advice and information on how they can retrofit their homes to make them more energy efficient. Support will be given to access local and national grants/ funding streams to enable these works, advice and information will also be given on behavioural change and how small changes (low cost/ no cost) they make at home and in their community can have a big impact on climate change, health and finances.
- Further training on green jobs. Creating a clear pathway to progress in the green job industry by working with local training providers and employers working in the industry.
Who is the project for?
Whilst everyone in Sefton is welcome to benefit from the project, the particular groups being targeted are those that need the most support to engage with climate action and in turn are most likely to be negatively affected by climate related issues;
- Low income & unemployed
- Youth
- Elderly
- Disabled and Carers
- Energy inefficient homes
What outcomes is the project expected to deliver?
- Knowledgeable, empowered, and proactive community. Increased awareness and understanding of climate change and the changes residents can make at home (behavioural and physical measures), when travelling, through career opportunities and in their community. Sharing this information with friends and family and reducing climate anxiety.
- Established Community Energy Groups - that will aim to deliver community energy projects and have a voice in local plans.
- Warmer, healthier and energy efficient homes. Increased installation of energy saving and retrofit measures in homes reducing fuel poverty levels and CO2 emissions.
- Increase number of people aware of green job and training opportunities, resulting in a more skilled local workforce.
- Increased income through lower bills, green job opportunities and referrals to other support agencies such as benefit checks.
When does the project begin?
The project begins 1st April 2025. It is a community led project and therefore the community will help shape the Immersive Experience and the project plans. Staff are currently being recruited and once in post, activity will ramp up.
How can I get involved?
If you are interested in finding out more and being kept informed about this project, stay signed up to this newsletter or email energy@sefton.gov.uk