Energy and Climate Support
Solihull Community Energy & Climate Support Project
MECC Trust is proud to be working in partnership with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and BVSC on the Engaging Diverse Communities in Sustainability project for Solihull residents.
This exciting initiative brings communities across Solihull together to better understand sustainability and find practical ways to reduce energy use at home, helping to lower bills while supporting a greener future.
As part of the project, MECC's team of Energy Advisers is delivering interactive energy advice sessions within local communities, with a focus on engaging diverse faith groups and newly arrived communities, including Ukrainian and Hong Kong residents. These sessions create a space for people to share experiences, learn from each other, and explore simple, practical ways to reduce energy costs in their homes, places of worship, and community spaces.
Alongside the sessions, MECC is creating simple, easy-to-follow top tips leaflets to help people save energy at home, with practical advice they can use straight away.
This project is about more than just saving energy — it's about empowering communities with knowledge, building confidence, and working together to create sustainable change that works for everyone.
Through community events, outreach visits, and local partnerships, MECC Trust engaged directly with residents in accessible and welcoming environments.
Project Activities
Solihull · MECC Trust · May 2026
Community
Energy Engagement Events
5
Outreach events across five communities — building energy literacy and sustainability together.
Hindu Community
5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Holi Festival Energy Engagement at Tudor Grange Park
Key Needs Identified
- Mixed audience: new arrivals including asylum seekers, plus established residents
- Limited understanding of UK energy systems for some attendees
- High interest in reducing energy bills
- Strong interest in solar panels
Action Plan
- Regular one-to-one energy advice sessions by Solihull Council and Community Champions
- Develop simple guides on energy use and payments
- Clear information on solar panels: costs, savings, installation process and grants
- Promote existing support schemes and host future outreach events
- Attend future cultural festivals with information stalls
Solar Panels
Bill Reduction
Grants Info
New Arrivals Support
Hong Kong Community
9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Home Energy Improvements Workshop — Solihull Methodist Church
Key Needs Identified
- Many recent arrivals who are settling into Solihull
- Generally good English, with some language support still helpful
- Strong interest in practical home energy improvements
- Willingness to share knowledge within their networks
Action Plan
- Deliver regular one-to-one home energy advice sessions
- Organise community workshops at churches with Q&A and practical demonstrations
- Provide take-home resources: tips, checklists, and simple guides
- Encourage peer-sharing — support community members as "energy champions"
- Offer follow-up sessions to track progress and deepen knowledge
Home Improvements
Energy Champions
Peer Sharing
Practical Demos
Sikh Community
10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Gurdwara Guru Nanak Community Energy Engagement
Key Needs Identified
- Strong interest in reducing energy bills through simple actions
- Demand for more frequent engagement sessions
- Support for older and recently widowed individuals unfamiliar with bills
- Interest in solar grants and sustainability practices such as composting
- Desire for wider community collaboration
Action Plan
- Establish regular advice sessions at the Gurdwara
- Tailored one-to-one support for older adults and recently widowed individuals
- Workshops on understanding energy bills and accessing solar panel grants
- Practical sustainability sessions: composting and reducing household waste
- Co-design a "Solihull Community Energy Day" bringing multiple communities together
Older Adults Support
Solar Grants
Composting
Bill Advice
Ukrainian Community
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Energy & Sustainability Workshop — Sunflower House, Shirley
Key Needs Identified
- Newly arrived individuals adjusting to UK systems
- Language accessibility is important — English and Ukrainian support needed
- Willingness to share knowledge within the community
- Interest in reducing water and fossil fuel usage
Action Plan
- One-to-one energy advice sessions in English and Ukrainian via interpreters or translated materials
- Resources covering energy saving, water conservation and composting
- Practical sessions on mould removal, cleaning and prevention
- Develop Sunflower House Garden as a biodiversity-friendly space
- Work with social housing providers to support tenants on reducing energy use
- Small group workshops and peer-learning roundtables
Ukrainian Language
Water Conservation
Mould Prevention
Biodiversity Garden
Muslim Community
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Lower Your Energy Bills! – Highlands Masjid Community Event
Event Highlights
- Get easy tips to save energy and reduce household bills
- Learn practical ways to keep your home warm
- Meet neighbours and share useful ideas together
- Friendly and welcoming community environment
- Free event open to everyone in the community
What Participants Receive
- Energy-saving guidance from local community partners
- Advice on lowering energy usage affordably
- Support on keeping homes warm during colder months
- Opportunity to connect with local residents
- Free refreshments available during the session
Energy Saving Tips
Lower Bills
Warm Homes
Community Support
Free Refreshments
Cross-Community Actions for All Groups
These initiatives apply across every community: organise a joint Solihull Community Energy Day, train energy champions, strengthen local council partnerships, and build a consistent, year-round programme of support — not just one-off events.
Joint Community Energy Day
Train Energy Champions
Strengthen Council Partnerships
Consistent Ongoing Programme
Contact: Suwinder Hundal, MECC Trust · SuwinderHundal@mecctrust.onmicrosoft.com
MECC Trust · May 2026Community Energy Advice & Support
Throughout the Solihull project, MECC Trust worked directly with residents to provide comprehensive support across three key areas:
Energy Advice
- Understanding energy bills
- Reducing energy consumption
- Improving home efficiency
- Accessing available support
Sustainability Education
- Promoting sustainable living
- Energy-efficient home improvements
- Environmentally friendly habits
- Climate awareness
Community Impact
- Supporting vulnerable households
- Reducing energy costs
- Improving wellbeing
- Promoting sustainable communities
Project Outcomes
The Solihull project successfully delivered meaningful results that strengthened the community:
Direct support to local residents
Increased awareness of energy efficiency
Reduced household energy costs
Stronger community engagement
Improved understanding of climate and sustainability
Partnership Working
This project was delivered in collaboration with dedicated organisations and community leaders committed to supporting residents:
Solihull Council
BVSC
Brum Energy
Local Community Organisations
Community Leaders
Project Impact
The Solihull Community Energy & Climate Support Project created a lasting positive impact by empowering residents with practical knowledge, improving household wellbeing, and promoting sustainable living.
MECC Trust remains committed to supporting communities across Solihull and beyond through accessible, inclusive, and meaningful engagement.