STOPFORDIAN RECEIVES PARLIAMENT PRAISE FOR BEING A HEAT HERO

Clare Redfern from Stockport Council was named a national Heat Hero by fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) recently for her contribution to tackling fuel poverty in Stockport.

Commenting, Andrew Stunell MP who attended to award ceremony in support of Clare, said -

"I was delighted that Clare was the very first Home Heat Hero to get her award. It's a tribute to her hard work and cheerful energy, and also to the whole team back in Stockport who do their very best to make sure local residents get all the help and support they need to stay warm and safe."

Clare Redfern, Heat Hero, said -

"I am over the moon to be chosen as a Heat Hero by NEA and ScottishPower, it is worth all of the hard work when you know that you have helped people in the local community to stay warm in their homes. It is a team effort though and colleagues at Stockport Council deserve the credit too".

The Heat Hero Award Scheme recognises individuals across England and Wales who have gone 'above and beyond' in helping people who are living in fuel poverty in their local community. The Awards are supported by ScottishPower.

Over ten years Clare has gone the extra mile to help the fuel poor of Stockport and worked wonders in terms of raising the profile of energy efficiency in the borough.

Since 2008 Clare has successfully brought £13,765,397.00 of measures into Stockport. She has been involved in the development of Stockport's Local Assistance Scheme who commented 'Clare's friendly and approachable manner and excellent communication skills means that she relates to vulnerable people so well, always seeking to find creative solutions to individual problems often going above and beyond what is required'. This is not just a job for Clare it's about the people and how best she can make their lives easier. She is not afraid to speak her mind and fight for the poor and vulnerable.

Maria Wardrobe, Director of External Affairs, NEA said: "Our heat heroes' are vital to the lives of people in their communities. Many fuel poor households are isolated and vulnerable and difficult to reach, it is important that we give credit to people like Clare who are working tirelessly to help these people to stay warm and well in their homes."