Date : 6 November 2009 Number: P12

Ref: PR/PL/7 66/6

TACKLING FUEL POVERTY IN THE NORTHERN AREA

The Public Health Agency’s Northern Neighbourhoods Health Action Zone recently hosted a successful and informative fuel poverty seminar, in the Northern area.

Local seminar highlights the poor health and well being outcomes for people living in cold, damp homes and raises awareness of sources of support to help alleviate fuel poverty

The event took place in Tilly Molloy’s Community Centre in Armoy and was attended by a range of delegates from across the community, statutory and voluntary sectors.

The event was developed to increase the understanding, skills and knowledge of frontline staff, local elected representatives and community leaders who regularly come into contact with people at risk of or living in fuel poverty. It is anticipated that, following the seminar, the delegates will be better equipped to signpost clients to

sources of information and support available to help alleviate fuel poverty and its effects.

The speakers, who are experts in the field of child poverty, fuel poverty and energy efficiency included Professor Christine Liddell (University of Ulster), Jacqueline Frazer (Fuel Poverty Co-ordinator for the Northern Area) and Paul Wallace (National Energy Action).

Christine Liddell, Professor of Psychology with the University of Ulster, commending the work being undertaken locally to reach children and older residents in fuel poverty said “We know the causes of fuel poverty, we know the size of the problem, we know the impact it has on children and older people and we know how to fix it.” What is vital to complete the picture is making sure we deliver solutions on the ground, which is why local partnerships and community awareness are so important at this moment in time”.

Jacqui Frazer, Northern Investing for Health Partnership Fuel Poverty Co-ordinator provided delegates with a clear definition of ‘fuel poverty’ and an overview of current statistics highlighting the extent of fuel poverty in the Northern area.

Commenting at the end of the event, Jacqui Frazer said “Professor Christine Liddell has clearly shown us today that from birth; children show significant benefits from being cared for in warm homes. They have better weight gain, less crying and distress, a reduction in respiratory illnesses and allergies and improved long term cognitive development. Children living in warm homes miss fewer days off school and are able to do their homework in a quiet warm room and have anticipated improved educational attainment.”

Paul Wallace of National Energy Action NI illustrated the importance of energy efficiency measures such as loft and cavity wall insulation and draught proofing to make sure we are getting the most out of every penny we spend on expensive fuels.

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.”

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors: