About HEET
HEET is a 'not-for-profit' Industrial & Provident Society (No. 28988R) with exempt charity status (No. XR31966). We are managed by unpaid trustees consisting of local residents and professionals with an interest in furthering the aims and objectives of the organisation. We have a flat pay structure, with all employees being paid at the same rate.
Funding
HEET's services are free of charge to our customers to ensure they continue to be accessible to low-income households that are in most need. We receive grant support from public bodies (local authority, Ascham Homes, Police, and London Fire Brigade), charitable trusts, and private sector sponsorship.
Background & History
HEET arose out of the Local Agenda 21 (LA21) process in Waltham Forest and the desire of local residents to see more community action to tackle the problems of climate change and fuel poverty.
In 1998 the LA21 Energy Conservation group commissioned three committed residents to carry out a series of advice sessions to raise awareness of energy conservation issues and promote the take up of government insulation grants. HEET was set up by Tom Ruxton in 1999 as a vehicle to develop these advice sessions into the Energy Roadshow.
Energy Roadshows
Each year HEET delivers over 100 hours of energy advice in a number of different locations in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. Venues for these roadshows include shopping centres, health centres, libraries, places of worship and community centres, as well as a large number of voluntary and community sector events. Attendees are given low-energy light bulbs and a short questionnaire that helps us provide appropriate information and allows us to check their eligibility for energy efficiency, heating and security grants.
Climate Change Awareness
Linked to the roadshows we have more recently been touring the 'Climate Gym' that enables individuals to work out their carbon emissions to see how lifestyle changes can reduce these emissions to sustainable levels. Find out more about calculating your carbon emissions, by trying one of these carbon calculators.
Filling the gaps in existing services
Roadshows have provided us with a continual dialogue with local residents. This has kept us informed about their needs and the gaps in available services. We have responded by developing our own services, which include:
- Enabling Works - HEET carries out door, window and roof repairs where this enables the fitting of energy efficiency or security measures under a grant.
- Over 60s - HEET provides free services to anyone aged over 60 regardless of whether they claim benefits, because they are the group most vulnerable to fuel poverty, burglary and fire.
- Condensation - HEET carries out work to eradicate the widespread problems of condensation and mould growth which are often linked to respiratory illnesses.
Security & Fire Safety
The Police and Fire Service have commissioned HEET since 2003 and 2006 respectively to carry out security improvements and fire safety checks for our customer group.
Prescribing Healthy Homes
There is a clear link between physical and mental ill health, and cold, damp and insecure housing. Over the last few years we have built up a network of health and social care workers who refer clients/patients to us. (More information for health and social care professionals.
Where we are now
HEET employs five people and has a reliable group of six session workers who deliver the roadshows. We often have at least one volunteer trainee gaining working experience with our installers. Our annual turnover is in the region of £100,000 - £200,000.
