Diane Simone from the Care & Repair Team at Blackpool Coastal Housing is named a Heat Hero!

Diane Simone from Blackpool was named a Heat Hero at a special awards ceremony at the Houses of Parliament held recently.

The Heat Heroes Awards are open to individuals across England and Wales and celebrate those who go above and beyond to get the recognition they deserve – for helping people in their community live in warmer homes.

Held in partnership with Scottish Power and the charity National Energy Action, there were some very strong candidates, but the judges managed to select 15 worthy winners.

Not-for-profit organisations including local authorities, health and social care agencies, voluntary and statutory agencies and community groups were encouraged to nominate staff and volunteers for the award.

Maria Wardrobe, Director of Communications and External Relations at National Energy Action, said: “Each year I am bowled over by the passion and tenacity that our Heat Heroes demonstrate, always going above and beyond what is expected of them in their job or as unpaid volunteers.

“It was a delight to meet them and be able to say well done and thank you on behalf of those they help.”

Gillian Noble, Sales Director at Scottish Power, said: “Scottish Power is delighted to be sponsoring the Heat Heroes Awards for the sixth year.

“The hard work and commitment shown by these dedicated people within their communities is crucially important in helping to tackle fuel poverty. On behalf of Scottish Power I’d like to congratulate all the nominees and winners.”

The winners were shining examples to others in their communities.

Blackpool Coastal Housing Director of Housing Services, Maggie Cornall, said: “We were all delighted to hear that Diane was nominated and won the “Heat for Hero’s” award from the National Energy Action and Scottish Power presented at the House of Commons.

“Many residents within Blackpool face fuel poverty and suffer from inadequate heating systems and a lack of insulation. The work that Diane does to help some of our most vulnerable customers is exemplary.

“She has a sympathetic and caring approach along with a tenacity to seek out sources of funding to allow improvements to their homes so they can become safe and comfortable to live in.

“The impact of this work cannot be over-estimated reducing the risk that vulnerable people face with becoming ill with a variety of respiratory conditions and hypothermia.  Well done Diane – you are a true Heat Hero!”

For more on Heat Heroes go to: www.nea.org.uk/award-schemes/heat-heroes-awards-2017