DOZENS of elderly residents have benefited from a grant scheme to teach them about energy safety and saving money.

Botcherby Community Centre, just off Warwick Road in Carlisle, was among a select few to receive money from the Community Partnering Fund - a grant scheme delivered in partnership by Northern Gas Networks (NGN), Northern Powergrid and Leeds Community Foundation.

The fund allowed grass roots organisations, such as the city community centre, to bid for funding which can be used to help deliver benefits to their communities.

The windfall has allowed the community hub to introduce educational workshops and training - which has been hailed by staff as having an “immense impact” on those who have received it.

A total of 46 residents took part in a level two debt awareness course, delivered by National Energy Action, plus a dementia friends awareness session, delivered by trained colleagues from Northern Gas Networks.

The funding also supported the centre to create a short film on the importance of recognising the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide.

Helen Fisher, manager at Botcherby Community Centre said: “The funding we received from the Community Partnering Fund has been incredible and has had an immense impact on the local Carlisle community.

“The awareness sessions have been paramount in promoting energy safety and saving.

“There is no doubt that all those involved in the training sessions have learned something new and have been encouraged to make a difference in their own home, as well as passing on information about fuel poverty, energy saving and safety to their family and friends.

“We received excellent feedback from attendees, with many choosing to check energy comparison sites at home, resulting in home energy savings of more than £400 in some cases.

“The Community Partnering Fund has allowed us to start working on a number of new opportunities, including a project with adults with learning disabilities to guide them on scripting, performing and producing a film about the dangers of carbon monoxide when camping.”

Those who took part have also been able to use their new skills to help others.

“One volunteer with a community association in Carlisle has been a keen participant in the project, having attended and received a level two accreditation in fuel debt advice, as well as becoming a willing dementia friend.

“She is now an advocate and provides advice and support for those struggling to pay their energy bills and shares safety advice with residents,” Helen added.

It is estimated the community centre’s funding has reached more than 100 people.