Energy Advice Hub Helps Families Cut Household Bills

Blackpool is home to something remarkable — a pioneering community hub, providing free, independent energy advice and helping local residents make sense of the technologies that could save them money for years to come.

Located inside Palatine Library, the Eco Hub is unlike anything else in the North West. Residents can simply walk in, see the latest energy-saving technology working in real life and get independent, expert advice on what could genuinely help their home — with no sales pitch, no jargon and no cost whatsoever.

Recent Impact

Since opening its doors in July 2024, the Eco Hub has been transforming the way Blackpool people think about their homes, their heating and their bills. During this time:

• 1327 homes have been visited
• 1021 households have been directly supported to make their homes more energy efficient
• Green Doctors have attended 107 community events
• The team has provided 183 heated blankets, 157 air fryers, 18 slow cookers, 2 washing machines, 3 fridge-freezers and a cooker
• 1000 winter warm packs have been distributed across Blackpool
• Residents have saved £111,377 through behaviour change advice

In a town like Blackpool, where so many families are dealing with the pressures of rising energy costs, this kind of resource is invaluable.

Chris Webb, MP.

Seeing is Believing

Blackpool MP Chris Webb recently visited the Eco Hub to find out more about its pioneering approach to energy advice, community support and sustainable living. Mr Webb, described the visit as genuinely eye-opening.

“What struck me most was how the hub brings together innovation and community need in one place,” he said. “Residents can walk in off the street, see real technologies in action and get independent, expert advice tailored to their own home and circumstances. In a town like Blackpool, where so many families are dealing with the pressures of rising energy costs, this kind of resource is invaluable.”

Cutting Bills

The hub itself has been converted to run almost entirely on clean energy and inside, residents can get hands-on with the very technologies that are helping households across the country slash their bills — from solar panels and modern heating systems to insulation, draught-proofing and energy-efficient lighting.

And crucially, there’s always someone there to explain it all — in everyday language, without the hard sell.

Funding Available

The Eco Hub’s team of specialist advisors and Green Doctors are there to help. Whether you’re a homeowner, a private renter, or you’ve never given a moment’s thought to energy saving technology — they’ve heard every question and there isn’t a wrong one.

What surprises many visitors is the money that could be available to them. Blackpool residents may qualify for significant grant funding — meaning improvements like insulation or a new heating system could cost far less than expected. For some households, the work could be completely free.

The team can check your eligibility on the spot, for free, with no obligation to do anything afterwards.

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What the Eco Hub Offers

Drop in and you could get:

• Honest advice on what would actually make a difference for your specific property
• Help with grants and funding, which many Blackpool households qualify for without realising it
• Hands-on demonstrations — see heat pumps, solar panels and insulation for yourself, with experts on hand to answer every question
• Practical support with bills right now
• Home visits if you need them — because not everyone finds it easy to get to the library

There’s no catch. We’re not trying to sell anything. We just want to help people understand what’s out there and whether it could help them.

Groundwork is the environmental charity that runs the hub alongside Blackpool Council and Cosy Homes in Lancashire. Emma Halliwell, who is the Green Doctor Lead in Blackpool said the reaction from local people had been overwhelming.

“We see people who are anxious about how they’re going to heat their home, as well those who just want to understand their options — and we’re here for all of them. There’s no catch. We’re not trying to sell anything. We just want to help people understand what’s out there and whether it could help them. And very often, they’re amazed by how much support is available.”

It’s Free. It’s Local. And It Could Make a Real Difference.

Whether you want to cut your bills, understand your options or just check out some impressive technology — the Eco Hub at Palatine Library is well worth a visit. It’s open every Monday and Thursday from 10am.

You can call them on 01253 226477 or email blackpoolecohomes@groundwork.org.uk for more information.