Latest news with #CertasEnergy
The Herald Scotland
31-07-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Polmont community hub garden in the running for £30k transformation grant
Run entirely by unpaid volunteers, the hub has already become a lifeline for the community, serving hundreds of local residents each week. Organisers want to expand that reach even further by investing in outdoor spaces and infrastructure that support community resilience, education, and sustainability. Kenny Alexander, the hub's volunteer sustainability manager, said: 'Our vision is rooted in the idea of people looking after each other and the planet. Whether it's growing food, offering a space to connect, or creating a place where people can learn new skills, we're focused on building something long-lasting and meaningful. This is about future-proofing our community.' The funding would support groundwork and growing space development across two acres of open land behind the hub. Volunteers have already set up composting facilities and are working with local volunteers to plan social gardens, outdoor classrooms and seasonal events like turnip carving at Halloween. The Community Bloom Fund was launched by off grid energy distributor Certas Energy to support impactful grassroots projects across the UK. Winners will be decided through a public vote. Richard Billington, managing director of Energy Solutions at Certas Energy, said: 'The team at Polmont Community Hub stood out for their passion, determination, and commitment to sustainability. The way they're combining climate action with community wellbeing is genuinely inspiring. This kind of project shows just how much can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.' With more homes being built in the area and demand for community services growing, volunteers say now is the time to invest in spaces that bring people together, promote resilience, and build for the future. Kenny added: 'This is about so much more than a garden. It's about growing hope, connection, and resilience in our community. With support from the public and Certas Energy, we have the chance to create a lasting legacy that nourishes both our people and the planet for years to come.'
Scotsman
22-04-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Scots Struggling to connect with community, survey finds
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now A new survey released today by Scottish Fuels, part of Certas Energy, has shown that less than half of Scottish homeowners (49 per cent) think their community is thriving, with 1 in 4 people (26 per cent) reporting that they never engage in community activities. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The national survey shows that Scots aren't alone in facing challenges when it comes to community connection. However, they are the least certain about how to better engage with the community. Nearly one in five people (19 per cent) in Scotland said they don't know how to get more involved in their local community. The survey also showed that those living in rural areas across the UK are 23 per cent less likely to feel engaged with their community than their urban counterparts, highlighting an added challenge for Scotland's many rural communities. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Off grid energy distributor Scottish Fuels, part of Certas Energy, is on a mission to change this through its £30,000 Community Bloom Fund. Richard Billington, MD of Energy Solutions at Certas Energy (quoted) Scottish Fuels which serves rural communities across the country, is offering community groups within the UK a chance to receive £30,000 in funding to help improve a local shared space or initiative. The fund can be used to spruce up community centres, refresh local parks or sponsor local sports teams - anything that will bring communities and the people within them closer together. Richard Billington, the MD of Energy Solutions for Certas Energy, explained: "The fact rural communities are so disengaged is upsetting, especially for a country like Scotland, where 98 per cent of the land mass is considered rural. We see every day the power of community, and we wanted to do something to bring this back across the country. That's why we created the Community Bloom Fund. 'With more than 70 per cent of people saying that their local community projects would benefit from additional investment, we can't wait to see the impact it has.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Whether it's parent and baby groups, gardening clubs or local community centres that host different events, having easily accessible and thriving community initiatives can make such a difference, especially to those in rural areas." The Certas Energy team volunteering to support Domestic Abuse charity, Phoenix Rising in 2024 To be in with a chance to secure the funding, community groups are invited to apply by 28th May 2025. Applicants should share a summary of the work they do and explain how they would use the funds to support the local project. Apply by visiting:
Scotsman
22-04-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Scots struggling to connect with community, survey finds
The Certas Energy team volunteering to support Domestic Abuse charity, Phoenix Rising in 2024 A new survey released today by Scottish Fuels, part of Certas Energy, has shown that less than half of Scottish homeowners (49 per cent) think their community is thriving, with 1 in 4 people (26 per cent) reporting that they never engage in community activities. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The national survey shows that Scots aren't alone in facing challenges when it comes to community connection. However, they are the least certain about how to better engage with the community. Nearly one in five people (19 per cent) in Scotland said they don't know how to get more involved in their local community. The survey also showed that those living in rural areas across the UK are 23 per cent less likely to feel engaged with their community than their urban counterparts, highlighting an added challenge for Scotland's many rural communities. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Off grid energy distributor Scottish Fuels, part of Certas Energy, is on a mission to change this through its £30,000 Community Bloom Fund. Scottish Fuels which serves rural communities across the country, is offering community groups within the UK a chance to receive £30,000 in funding to help improve a local shared space or initiative. The fund can be used to spruce up community centres, refresh local parks or sponsor local sports teams - anything that will bring communities and the people within them closer together. Richard Billington, the MD of Energy Solutions for Certas Energy, explained: "The fact rural communities are so disengaged is upsetting, especially for a country like Scotland, where 98 per cent of the land mass is considered rural. We see every day the power of community, and we wanted to do something to bring this back across the country. That's why we created the Community Bloom Fund. 'With more than 70 per cent of people saying that their local community projects would benefit from additional investment, we can't wait to see the impact it has.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Whether it's parent and baby groups, gardening clubs or local community centres that host different events, having easily accessible and thriving community initiatives can make such a difference, especially to those in rural areas." To be in with a chance to secure the funding, community groups are invited to apply by 28th May 2025. Applicants should share a summary of the work they do and explain how they would use the funds to support the local project.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'Heating oil supply crisis has left me anxious' says woman with incurable cancer
An Isle of Wight woman with incurable cancer is among the many Islanders struggling to heat their homes, the County Press can reveal, amid growing "anxiety" and concern over oil supply issues. Sarah Waldron, from Chillerton, has been unable to source new oil for six weeks, leaving her "distressed" her tank could run dry at any minute. The issue has prompted Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson to pen a letter to the Minister for Energy, asking the government to "urgently review the situation". Like many other residents living in rural parts of the Island, Sarah relies on an oil tank to provide heating and hot water to her home. Read more: Islanders left without heating as major oil supplier 'pauses operations' Isle of Wight company Solent Fuels suspends deliveries Solent Fuels, a leading supplier of kerosene oil on the Island, recently announced it was 'pausing operations', blaming the combination of restricted credit and unpredictable supply, placing the company in a "financially unsustainable position." Sarah ordered through the firm at the beginning of February and was initially quoted two weeks. More than a month later, and after being reassured she would be on the 'next urgent batch', the oil never arrived. Sarah then contacted Certas Energy, which told her there were delays due to increased demand. Oil tank in Sarah's garden (Image: IWCP) Sarah, who has secondary cancer, told the County Press: "A bath for me everyday is really important because it just eases the pain a little bit. "We haven't put the heating on in ages. Luckily we've had nice weather and haven't needed and we've got something in the lounge to heat that. "I am really anxious about it." Sarah said her husband contacted Solent Fuels disclosing her cancer diagnosis and the firm gave "a partial refund". She has now resorted to ordering from mainland firm, Tank Topper and is awaiting delivery. Sarah is one of many affected Islanders who have contacted the County Press over the last week. Sophie Ross, from Upper Adgestone, said she has spent the first three months of the year living without much heating or hot water. Solent Fuels has not responded to request for comment but in a letter to customers, CEO David Grannum, the former boss of Isle of Wight Fuels, said: "We understand that this news may be concerning, especially for those of you who rely on us for heating oil, farm diesel and commercial diesel. "Please be assured that our commitment to the Isle of Wight community remains unwavering." Despite residents' concerns, Certas Energy said "it is not currently experiencing any known supply issues" A spokesperson said: "We remain well stocked and continue to work to supply customers on the Island as efficiently as the infrastructure allows. "As always, we will continue to keep our supply situation on the Island under review." Joe Robertson MP told the CP he is "very concerned" and has been contacted by several East Wight residents. 'I am in direct contact with both Solent Fuels and Certas to request an urgent update on the situation and the steps being taken to resolve it", he said. Isle of Wight West MP Richard Quigley has not responded to request for comment. Charity the Footprint Trust, which helps Islanders keep warm and well in their homes, said it shared concerns about shortages. Speaking to the County Press, Laura Stitchbury offered the following advice: "Alternative temporary heating is likely to be from electric, plug in heaters, which, whilst costly to run, will provide emergency warmth. "Plug in oil filled radiators are best for space heating, whilst halogen heaters are a lower cost solution for heating a person in a limited space. Care should be taken that heaters do not present a fire hazard. "You can warm up through use of hot water bottles, heated blankets and electric blankets. "And of course, keeping curtains drawn when it gets dark and draughtproofing will help to keep warmth inside your home. "Our team of energy guides are helping by providing emergency heating for low income homes and assisting with energy reduction." A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Council said: "We are aware of some issues around the supply of domestic heating oil on the Island, whilst customers transition from one supplier to another. "Customers were advised by Solent Fuels to contact alternative companies and as a result will need to meet the terms of delivery of a new supplier. 'Any resident that is concerned around the cost of heating their home, including those who depend on heating fuel deliveries, can visit our Cost of living pages. "If you are a vulnerable adult and feel that you need further assistance or know someone who is, please call our Adult Social Care team on 01983 823340 for help and information.''
