Getting Switched On
It is not yet winter!
Autumn Leaves
We could say this is a bad thing – so many more cloudy days to come – but I, instead, will opt to romanticize these last few weeks of Autumn. There are still trees clinging on to their bright orange leaves, and I (I'm going to out myself as an American) have been brewing up hot apple cider in the evenings. My hair smells like cinnamon when I leave the house! It’s glorious.
This month I have also been acquainting myself with the Switched On project at the Environment Centre. During these chilly months many people in Swansea struggle to keep their homes warm. The fuel cost has risen dramatically in the last few years, and many older homes don’t keep the heat in. The aim of the project is to help people when the temperatures drop, while also reducing energy usage.
I spoke with Nia, a lovely member of the Switched On team, about the work they do. I learned about the many resources and external funding sources they connect people with when they are struggling to pay their energy bills and keep their homes warm. These contacts may provide economic support or even help retrofit people’s homes.
Additionally, multiple people on the team, including Nia herself, are qualified to provide energy assessments. These help households understand the capacity of their homes to retain heat, and help determine what could be done to improve the energy efficiency.
One way the Switched On project helps with this, is through supplies provided to those vulnerable to the cold. These include radiator reflectors, keys, warm packs and draught excluders. In mid-November I went to an event being held at the Bonymaen Community Center where the team was giving out these supplies and other resources. I met Haritha there, as she chatted and assisted loads of interested community members. When I arrived there was a crowd around the table. Haritha didn’t even have time to take off her coat! She was doing a fabulous job, taking time to speak with each person individually. Many people there expressed concern about the temperature in their homes.
This project sits quite perfectly at the intersection of material support for individuals, and a broader sustainability agenda. By helping people navigate rising energy costs, the Environment Centre is working to reduce household energy consumption. Even something like sealing up doors and letterboxes can have a big impact.
It was heartening for me to see the engagement between the Switched On team and the community here in Swansea. The work they are doing really helps people! In the midst of the cost of living crisis, it is vital that communities come together to support one another.
In 2024 it was reported that 34% of households in the UK are at risk of living in a cold home. This can be particularly dangerous for older people and those with chronic health issues. During these cold months check on your friends and neighbors, and if you or anyone you know is struggling to stay warm, come by the Environment Centre to get some support.
If you’re unable to keep up with your energy bills, are older, or have disabilities, there are programs that can help. Drop in during the Switched On hubs open hours – Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday between 10-3pm– to chat with the team. The hub just moved, and will be reopening at the Environment Centre on December 3rd!
Switched On Information