MEMBERS of a community centre are now being served with heating efficiency tips alongside their tea and cake.

The Bridge Centre on Bradford Street, Bolton, has set up a special information drop-in service thanks to a £2,000 grant from energy firm E.ON.

Staff and volunteers at the community centre, which is based at Bolton’s Bridge Church and also partners with a food bank, found that many of the people attending activities there were asking for help with reducing their fuel costs.

The service provides information on energy tariffs, tips on using only the energy needed at home, and information about other avenues available to help with energy costs.

Anna Cooke, manager at the Bridge Centre, said: “We’d long recognised the need for energy advice, but only since receiving the grant from E.ON have we been able to get the service up and running.

"As well as providing one-to-one advice on saving energy at home and efficient use of heating systems, we’ve given out low energy lightbulbs, draught-proofing materials and reflective radiator panels.”

Café regular Elsie Cookson, aged 62, said: “I enjoy going along to the Bridge for my coffee and toast, there’s a great atmosphere and everyone is welcome. I’ve also had the Government’s ‘Warm Home Discount’ energy bills rebate scheme explained to me and received energy saving advice.

“What’s more, I didn’t know that I was entitled to Pension Credit, but since claiming that, I also got the winter fuel payment, so I’ve really been helped by these energy advice drop-in sessions.”

Amy Cross, senior community relations executive at E.ON, said: “So many members of the local community pass through the Bridge Centre each week that this is a really effective way for us to help pass on simple changes that people can make at home to reduce their energy use without affecting their comfort.

“We realise that sometimes the very people who need our help are among the most reluctant to approach us, but through the E.ON Energy Action Fund and by working with established community groups in Bolton like the Bridge Centre, we’ve been able to better reach them.”

Since 2013, E.ON’s Energy Action Fund has distributed in excess of £75,000 to more than 40 community groups to support projects resulting in the reduction of energy use, the generation of energy from renewable sources or the provision of energy advice locally.

Full details of E.ON’s community relations work can be found at eonenergy.com/about-eon/community