This Volunteers’ Week, we’re celebrating all our incredible volunteers and their amazing contributions towards supporting people in fuel poverty.

The Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) is truly fortunate to have such an exceptional cohort of volunteers. They give a generous amount of time, energy, and passion, and their contributions are absolutely essential to our mission. Their dedication, knowledge, and lived experience deeply enrich our organisation and help shape the impact we’re able to make. Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.

This year, our volunteers attended 48 events, reaching over 400 clients and engaging in a range of in-depth conversations.

Our volunteers undertake a variety of important tasks, including assisting with home visits and energy advice, attending events to promote our services, and providing administrative support. In the last year alone, we have delivered six training sessions for our volunteers to make sure they have the confidence and knowledge to support us in these tasks. As a result of this, over the past 12 months our volunteers have supported our advisors on 100 home visits, providing crucial assistance to those who need it.

We offer roles to our volunteer based on their experience and interests, and the amount of time they can commit. If you are interested in volunteering with us, get in touch here.

Jake has been with us for almost five years. Here, he shares his experience on what volunteering with CSE has been like for him

Why did you become a volunteer for CSE?

Before working with CSE, I took early retirement from a role in local government which involved mitigating fuel poverty and improving housing standards. I viewed this volunteering role as an opportunity to fulfil this professional interest whilst helping people.

What has been fun to work on?

I have particularly enjoyed being involved in giving one-to-one advice to people in their own homes. This lets us to get into the details of people’s energy costs and debts and provide direct support. It also means that we can survey the home and advise on getting funding for major works and install small measures such as draught proofing.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve helped with?

I’ve really enjoyed giving advice to the owners of historic buildings. I live in a World Heritage City in a Grade II listed flat, so the restrictions around retrofitting these kinds of properties are personally interesting to me and also quite frustrating.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering?

My advice to someone thinking of volunteering is to perhaps think about what aspects of your present or past work you enjoyed the most. Think about how much time you can devote to any one organisation; the timing of your availability and if the work is not regularly scheduled how much notice you require. Then go and find a match.

Karin first volunteered with us 10 years ago. Here, she shares her thoughts on working at CSE.

Why did you choose to become a volunteer with CSE?

I had previously been a volunteer for Citizens Advice for several years, which often brought me face to face with people in fuel poverty. As I was always interested in renewable energy and doing my own little bit for climate action, and I had gotten advice myself from CSE when hosting an event in the past, I decided to volunteer with CSE.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering with CSE?

My own special preference is doing a so-called “energy quiz”. This is designed to see how aware people are about their own energy use, and the actions they can take to reduce their own carbon footprint and energy bills. I also go to a local food bank, where I can give advice to people who are really struggling to pay for their energy. It is hugely rewarding when you feel you have made a difference to somebody’s life in a small practical way, especially if occasionally you get an honest “Thank You”!

I have learned a huge amount about this subject as well, and have been able to follow my own advice and reduce my own energy consumption considerably, by insulating my own house and installing various energy saving devices like solar PV and a heat pump.

What have you been up to recently in your volunteering?

A few weeks ago I was the guest speaker at a local Women’s Institute group and did my normal Energy Quiz with them. It resulted in a really lively Q & A session and a far ranging debate about energy related topics. They are even going to suggest me as a guest speaker for other Women’s Institute groups! I came home feeling really excited and alive.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering?

I can thoroughly recommend volunteering. Find a cause which is close to your own heart and interests and share your knowledge or practical help with others! I am often involved in energy related chats with members of other social groups which I frequent, such as sports clubs or a local Farmers Market. This has enlarged my circle of friends and acquaintances considerably.