Dennis Reeves from Middlesbrough Environment City was named a Heat Hero by fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) recently for his contribution to tackling fuel poverty in Middlesbrough.
The Heat Hero Award Scheme recognises individuals across England and Wales who have gone ‘above and beyond’ in helping people in their community who are struggling to keep warm in their homes. The Awards are supported by ScottishPower.
Dennis has worked closely with Middlesbrough’s partner agencies and health advocates who refer vulnerable householders for help and assistance and are identified through home visits. Dennis is often seen in the community giving advice on energy efficiency and is fully committed to his role and helping those around him.
He has trained a large number of frontline workers to give advice and support to vulnerable energy consumers across Middlesbrough including the elderly and people suffering from mental health issues.
Dennis’s efforts have helped people access free cavity wall, loft insulation, and he has also arranged boiler repairs and grant funded replacement boilers for the most vulnerable residents.
He is involved in encouraging residents to take up benefits advice and switch energy providers through the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) ‘Big Energy Saving Network’ scheme.
Dennis said: “I am thrilled to be named a Heat Hero by NEA and ScottishPower. The work my colleagues and I do to help people in the local community to stay warm in their homes is vitally important and it’s fantastic that we’ve received recognition for our hard work.”
Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald said: “I am delighted that we have people like Dennis working to help vulnerable people in Middlesbrough. As well as reducing energy bills and helping people feel warmer in their homes, Dennis’s work has helped improve the health of residents by reducing their risk of illnesses caused by living in cold, damp homes.”
Maria Wardrobe, Director of External Affairs, NEA said: “Over 4.5 million UK households live in fuel poverty and are unable to adequately heat their homes. Our Heat Heroes are working tirelessly to improve the lives of these people and it is important that we give credit to those like Dennis who are working to tackle fuel poverty within their community.”
Gillian Noble, Head of Energy Services and Obligations, ScottishPower Retail and Generation said: “We are proud to be sponsoring the Heat Heroes Awards for a fourth year.
“The hard work and commitment shown by these dedicated people within their communities is crucially important in helping to tackle fuel poverty. On behalf of ScottishPower I’d like to congratulate all the nominees and winners.”