Service will help on Christmas cost of living concerns

The Switched On energy awareness hub - formally opened in High Street on November 17 - offers free advice and guidance on keeping fuel bills as low as possible.

Its new programme of special activities puts a close focus on topics such as green gifts, DIY draft excluders, low-cost festive crafts, fuel payment support and grants for home energy efficiency projects.

The service is funded by Swansea Council and operated by the Environment Centre Swansea.

Council joint deputy leader Andrea Lewis said: "Switched On's High Street base is an accessible and convenient location for people of all backgrounds to seek advice on how they can cope with the cost of living crisis."

Forthcoming activity by Switched On includes:

Nov 19-20 from 10am-Green Fair at The National Waterfront Museum.

Nov 24, 1-3pm-Upcycled draft excluder making. A free drop-in session at Switched On.

Dec 15, 1-3pm-A free drop-in session at Switched On when visitors can make festive crafts from upcycled material.

Dec 17, 9am-3pm-Open Day. Switched On visitors can find out about fuel payment support and grants for home energy efficiency improvements.

Rhian Corcoran, manager of Environment Centre Swansea, said: "People concerned about the costs of fuel are visiting our city centre hub or community events."

Partners and supporters have included energy network operator National Grid Electricity Distribution, the National Energy Agency, fuel poverty specialist Warm Wales, council departments, youth charity Swansea MAD, EON Energy, City Energy and Yes Energy Solutions.

Switched On: Swansea Community Workshops, 208 High Street, every Thursday and Friday from 10am-4pm.

More: www.environmentcentre.org.uk/switched-on

Photo: The new Switched On energy awareness hub.