MCFly asked Liz Boylan of Neighbhourhoods NW to tell us about a new programme to help people learn how to get their community involved in renewable energy schemes.

“Developed in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust, this course is aimed at increasing the number of community-led renewable energy schemes in the North West. It also aims to improve people’s energy awareness on a domestic and community scale. This is your essential first step to getting your community involved. The programme has been delivered all over the North West with attendees ranging from individual community members, to local authority and housing association representatives, volunteers and councillors.”

The course is an ideal opportunity to learn from and with like-minded people. The course is aimed at level 2 to encourage as many people as possible to participate and a variety of assessment methods are used to keep writing to a minimum.

You’ll come out with
• Improved energy awareness and energy efficiency
• Knowledge of renewable energy technologies
• A stronger understanding of the community context including ownership and funding
• An increased awareness of how to take your community renewable energy project forward

It’s a two day, interactive learning programme, delivered by a qualified and experienced trainer. There’s free supporting information and a variety of methods of delivery including practical exercises, group discussions and networking opportunities. And you emerge with an accredited qualification

Who should attend this programme?
• Community members interested in renewable energy
• Community members taking forward a community renewable energy scheme
• Community members looking to share this knowledge and information with their own and other community groups

Here’s some comments from people who’ve been through the course-
• ‘If a community were thinking about renewable energy projects, it is a very good course to start with’
• ‘Very useful information delivered at a great pace’
• ‘Very useful, especially to be able to take back to neighbours etc’
• ‘Excellent content delivered at right level’

Interested? Then contact Liz Boylan at lizb@neighbourhoods-nw.co.uk or visit www.neighbourhoodsnw.co.uk