Support to help rural residents 
in fuel poverty

Rural Action Yorkshire (RAY) will host roadshows in Darley and Knaresborough later this months as part of a wider project to help community leaders and residents across Hambleton, Ryedale, Selby and Harrogate to develop emergency and resilience plans.

The roadshows, which are funded by North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate Borough Council, bring together various local services to look at innovative ways to address the issue of people living in cold homes, or in fuel poverty.

Separate sessions are aimed at parish councillors and community leaders, and individuals who might want to find out about how they can reduce their bills, or what they can do to assist vulnerable neighbours.

RAY chief officer Leah Swain said: “Many communities in rural areas are already working hard to help their neighbours in cold weather by gritting roads and paths, but sometimes the needs of older and vulnerable people are missed. This project will support communities to identify what else they can be doing to support these often missed members of the population, meaning a safer, warmer community, and reduced rates of loneliness and isolation in the local community.”

The Keep Warm, Keep Well‟ roadshows take place at Darley Memorial Hall on March 18 and at Chain Lane Community Centre, Knaresborough on March 24.