CHANGEWORKS (ENERGY ADVICE)

Organisation Aims and Activities

1. Type of organisation

Voluntary sector service provider

2. Client Group

All

3. Secondary advice?

Yes

4. Aims

Changeworks is part of a UK wide network of centres providing free, impartial and expert advice to householders to help reduce energy use and save money in the home. It provides information, advice and assistance on a wide range of energy related matters

5. Activities

Advice is given on a wide range of topics, including:
- heating systems and heating controls;
- insulation;
- draught proofing;
- condensation dampness;
- energy running costs;
- low cost and no cost ways to save energy;
- grants and special offers;
- energy billing problems; and
- renewable energy technologies.

By taking Changeworks advice, most householders can make their home warmer and more comfortable, and cut their annual fuel bill by up to £200 per year.
The organisation also gives talks and takes part in energy-saving promotions.

6. Information and Advice services

Please see document Information and Advice Services in documents box at RHS of this page

Contacts and delivery methods

7. Contact details

Changeworks
36 Newhaven Road,
Edinburgh
EH6 5PY
tel 0800 512 012       Fax:  0131 555 2768    e-mail: advice@edinleac.demon.co.uk

8. Service delivery methods

Telephone Advice: Yes 0800 512012
Appointments: Yes
Outreach: Ad Hoc client briefings and regular education work in EL Schools
Home Visits: Yes
Out of Hours: Will conduct home visits out of hours if necessary
Via e-mail: Yes

9. Opening Hours

Monday-Friday 9-5 (office)

Staffing, Funding and Training

10. Staffing

1 Full time 

11. Funding

Local Authority & UK Government

12. Quality Assurance

In House scheme EEAC

Referrals

13. Formal referral policy - receiving?

No

14. Formal referral policy - making?

No

15. Informal reciprocal referral arrangements?

Yes

16. Referral procedure

No formal referral process is necessary. Clients can refer themselves or be referred by third parties (i.e. Housing Officers, Health Visitors) A referral process does apply, however with the Warm And Well scheme run from this office and available across the Lothians. This scheme allows health and social work professionals to help clients access grants to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.A referral form is available in the documents list on the RHS of this page.

17. Requirements

No special requirements, just an overview of the energy issues for the client. An interview and assessment will be given.