An ex-lorry driver from Cleethorpes has been invited to an awards ceremony in the House of Commons next month for helping local people affected by fuel poverty.

David McGuire, 58 is one of 14 people across the UK who have been nominated as a Heat Hero 2014 for delivering energy advice and information sessions to people in sheltered housing.

Last year David talked to 720 people at 30 different locations about keeping warm and well by using electricity economically and keeping the bills down in his role as community lead for North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group’s disability and mental health work group.

Supported by the Older People’s Health and Wellbeing Programme, it was the first time the series of talks had been delivered for people in North East Lincolnshire.

“I enjoy going round and talking to people about ways they can get their fuel costs down. Normally the room goes quiet when I say that excess winter deaths have risen to 30,000, but it’s nothing to be frightened of because there are ways to stay warm during the winter without spending a fortune on bills,” said David.

“It’s a great opportunity to go to the House of Commons and meet other people who have been helping others too. I’m hoping to do a similar thing in the spring and help people stay cool in case of a heat wave.”

David will be attending the Heat Heroes Awards ceremony on 8^th April 2014.

Sponsored by ScottishPower, the awards aim to recognise individuals within communities in England and Wales who have made a significant contribution to helping those struggling with the effects of fuel poverty. This can be through work or through voluntary activities outside the workplace.

David took part in a training programme by the National Energy Authority before delivering the information sessions.

ENDS

For further information about the North East Lincolnshire CCG visit www.northeastlincolnshireccg.nhs.uk or follow @NELincsCCG on Twitter.

Notes to editors:
1. NHS North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group was established in April 2013, following the Government’s health reforms, and is made up of 30 GP practices in Grimsby and Cleethorpes

2. The CCG is responsible for health and social care services for over 165,000 people in Grimsby and Cleethorpes

3. NHS North East Lincolnshire CCG is the only CCG in the country to have responsibility for both NHS and Adult Social Care

4. The CCG is made up of people who understand patients’ needs best, including doctors, nurses and health professionals from thirty GP member practices

5. The CCG actively listens to local people and partners to decide what health services are needed for local people

Media contact NHS North Yorkshire Commissioning Support Unit: 0300 303 8394
Issued by:

Sarah Howells
Shooting Star PR
01522 528540
sarah@weareshootingstar.co.uk
@shootingstarpr
@sarahhowellspr
[NHSNorthEastLincsCCG05Heathero]