Charity recognises Calderdale ‘heat hero’
National Energy Action (NEA), one of the UK’s leading fuel poverty charities, and ScottishPower, are recognising the work of NHS health improvement specialist Judy Stewart for her work as an energy champion.
Judy, who works for the South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s health improvement service in Calderdale, is being awarded the title of ‘heat hero’ for the work she does to go above and beyond to help people who are suffering from the effects of fuel poverty.
Fuel poverty is defined as the need to spend over 10% of household income on fuel costs to maintain adequate warmth for health and comfort.
NEA awards emphasise the vital role champions within the community play in the delivery of the Government’s Green Deal and Energy Company Obligations.
Judy works as an NHS energy champion and during the last four years has worked tirelessly within health and social care to identify people who are fuel poor and need help. Judy was also responsible for securing £100k from a PCT fund to form a crisis fund to assist households in Calderdale access central heating, boiler repairs, insulation and other energy efficiency improvements where no other help was available.
Speaking about the award Judy said, “I am delighted to be chosen as a Heat Hero by NEA and ScottishPower, it is worth all of the hard work when you know that you have helped people in the local community to stay warm in their homes. It is a team effort though, and colleagues in our local NHS and adult health and social care department deserve the credit too.”
The Heat Heroes of England and Wales have attended a celebratory event held in the House of Commons, where Judy was presented her award by MP for Halifax Linda Riordan.
Maria Wardrobe, director of external affairs at NEA said, “Community engagement is vital to the success of the Coalition’s challenging plans and individuals like Judy have demonstrated how they have helped vulnerable people achieve more affordable energy bills, congratulations to all of them.”
Neil Clitheroe, CEO, ScottishPower Retail & Generation, added, “ScottishPower was delighted to support the Heat Heroes campaign to recognise the work that goes on day to day within communities across the UK. The significant contribution made by individuals like Judy is vital to ensure help gets to those people most in need.”