Our MCAS Energy Officer, Abhinav Ojha, alongside our colleague Valery Masawi from Changeworks, delivered two energy-saving workshops with the LINKES women’s group—a community organisation based in the north-west of Glasgow.
Across the sessions, Abhinav and Valery worked with 22 community members, introducing different types of home heating systems and sharing practical ways to use energy more efficiently. The workshops focused on helping participants reduce their energy bills while also addressing common household concerns, such as damp and mould. Group members were encouraged to ask questions throughout, and 1‑to‑1 support was provided for those requiring more intensive help. Where appropriate, participants were also referred to further support available through Changeworks.
All sessions were supported by an interpreter to ensure everyone could participate fully, and warm packs were distributed to all attendees. These packs included easy-to-use items to help participants put energy-saving behaviours into practice at home, such as draught-proofing tape, energy-saving light bulbs, shower timers, and hot water bottles.
Feedback from the workshops was overwhelmingly positive. Ninety-two per cent of participants reported feeling very confident in understanding their home energy use after attending the sessions, and 100 per cent committed to making behaviour changes to save energy at home.
Participants commented:
“Very good information, thank you,”
“I understand my energy usage much better after today.”
In addition, we were pleased to share funding with the LINKES women’s group to support a celebratory community meal for Eid. It was a pleasure working with the group, and we are delighted that the workshops had a positive and meaningful impact on the women involved.