Martin attended the Heat Hero awards ceremony to congratulate Emma Blackburn on the hard work she has put in over the past year on projects such the North and North East Lincolnshire Warm Homes Scheme and South Humber Energy Efficiency Partnership.
Working for Community Interest Company YES Energy Solutions, Emma plays a crucial role in helping vulnerable customers qualify for funding through the company’s energy efficiency schemes.
Emma won the award for giving extra care and attention to residents who are elderly, in ill-health, or isolated and providing the extra help they need to access funding for energy efficiency measures such as A-rated boilers and insulation.
The Heat Hero awards are an annual event that celebrates individuals that have made a significant commitment to reducing fuel poverty, hosted by fuel poverty charity NEA.
Emma said: “This award is a complete shock and to be invited to the Houses of Parliament to be congratulated is a huge honour.”
“It’s amazing to be surrounded by the other winners who do great work helping people in fuel poverty, and I’m proud that I can be amongst them.”
CEO of YES Energy Solutions, Duncan McCombie said: “Emma is always very modest in her work but her delicate handling of each resident on a case by case basis is a wonderful example of how to be approachable and human on the other end of a phone.
“Emma’s skill is that she understands people. She knows how to convey advice, how to offer support, and how to make people laugh – all of which is essential in helping vulnerable people in the crisis of fuel poverty.”
Martin Vickers said: “I was pleased to meet Emma to congratulate her on receiving the Heat Hero award and for her commitment to helping vulnerable people in North and North East Lincolnshire meet their energy needs.”
