Citizens Advice South Hams Energy Advisor receives national award in the House of Commons
Lin Etherden from Citizens Advice South Hams was presented with a national Heat Hero Award at a ceremony on the 23rd January in the House of Commons. The awards are organised by fuel poverty charity National Energy Action and recognise people for going above and beyond in helping their clients to reduce their fuel bills and to stay warm and healthy at home. There were 15 other awardees from across the UK at the ceremony, all recognised for their energy advice work with vulnerable clients.
Lin was nominated for the award in recognition of the hundreds of local people she has helped over the last couple of years. She is passionate about social justice and is proactive in reaching the most vulnerable in the South Hams. Lin helped to save an average of £703 per household in energy, income maximisation and other savings. £184,000 in debt was also written off due to her intervention.
Lin is a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor and helps householders sort out their fuel bills, reduce fuel debt, apply for grants for home improvements and link up with other support services. Lin said, “Hidden beneath the beauty of the South Hams are properties that are poorly insulated, often difficult to heat and troubled with mould and damp. Fuel poverty is a real concern in our part of the world and it’s really important that people come forward to seek help.”
