Fund helping with energy efficiency

CARPETS, curtains and air dryers are a few of the items that Avalon Community Energy has funded for local residents in rented property through 2022.

Its unique Community Benefit Fund supports low-income households in rented property through direct referrals for items that can help improve home energy efficiency.

Its latest report reveals that 15 households were assisted through 2022 from a pot of £3,000 sourced from member donations and surplus profits from ACE’s community solar installations.

The community energy cooperative is urging more local people to become members to assist the fund and be involved in community energy projects.

Madeline Milnes runs the Community Benefit Fund with a group of volunteer committee members. She said: “The Community Benefit Fund has only just started to meet a vast need in Mendip, which cannot easily be addressed by other means. Since launching two years ago it proved that it can make a significant difference and we’d love to be able to do much more for people who are on low incomes, in rented accommodation and are concerned and fearful about rising energy costs.”

Iona, Mendip Citizens Advice supervisor, makes referrals to the scheme and added: “Especially important is the provision of carpets, rugs and curtains which our clients in poverty cannot begin to think about affording. It is shockingly common that our clients are living with concrete floors and I think as winter goes on, your fund will prove to be even more vital.”

SADLY January is a busy period for a family lawyer. Many couples, having stayed together for the Christmas period, realise that the new year will bring changes to the family.

For couples who are married, these changes may include divorce. For couples with financial assets, it will mean a period of uncertainty while they work out how the finances should be shared. For families with children, there will be upheaval while new arrangements for the children to spend time with their parents are established.

It is possible to apply to court for the court to take over, first of all the timetabling of the work and ultimately the decision making either for the financial matters or for the arrangements for children. But for many couples, there are other options.

Remember that the court system exists to administer justice for the benefit of society in general, not just for your own family. When you hand over the decision making to a judge, you are asking a stranger to make farreaching decisions which will affect you and your children for many years. But what other options are available for couples who want to avoid the contested court process?

Here are some ideas to consider when making arrangements about children. Remember though that this advice does not cover situations involving domestic abuse or violence, or where there are serious safeguarding concerns.

Talk. Do whatever you can to talk to your former partner, to see if you can reach an agreement between you. Your romantic relationship has ended, but your co-parenting relationship will continue. Whatever else you do, put the needs of your children first.

Treat each other with respect and courtesy. Your children will learn much from your behaviour and you will be a role model for your children in handling conflict and difference.

Recognise that children suffer more from inter-parental conflict than from the separation itself. Good communication between parents will benefit your children not just now, but throughout their lifetime.

Show your children that their relationship with their parents continues, and that this may in time extend to their parents’ new partners. Give them permission to love, and do not make them feel guilty for continuing to love both parents. Let them talk about their parents.

Seek help for an underlying physical or mental health condition, or for stress reactions. You should not be criticised for doing this, nor should you criticise your former partner for doing this.

Do not bring your children into your own conflict, and never ask them to take sides.

Your children see themselves as half of each parent. If you are unnecessarily negative about the other, you impact upon your child’s own sense of self-esteem.

Your children are not responsible for your wellbeing, nor should you look to them for your own emotional support. Turn to your friends for that but resist the temptation to speak badly of your former partner when your children can hear. Steer well clear of social media. (I often advise my clients to be like the Queen, not Donald Trump!)

Mediation can help you to reach an agreement. A mediator will not make a decision for you but will work with you while you find the right outcome. An initial assessment meeting is an essential first step before issuing court proceedings but should not be used simply for that purpose. Engage fully and be prepared to give and to take in order to reach an agreement. Listen to what your former partner is saying and be prepared to be challenged if necessary.

Remember – you are not looking for the best possible outcome for yourself. You are looking for the best outcome for your children, and something you can both live with. n Ruth Jackson is a Barrister with Chubb Bulleid, who have offices in Wells, Street and Somerton. Phone 01749 836100.